Apple‘s next entry-level iPad is no longer expected to arrive in 2026, with the company’s affordable tablet lineup now reportedly on track for an update in early 2027. According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, the upcoming models, identified by the codenames J581 and J582, will not arrive until next year, extending the wait for an upgrade to Apple’s cheapest mainstream tablet.

The delay means shoppers hoping for a new base-model iPad before the end of 2026 may need to wait a little longer. Apple last refreshed the entry-level iPad with the A16-powered model, and the next version is expected to focus primarily on internal upgrades rather than a major redesign. Apple has not officially announced the next model or confirmed its release schedule.

The next iPad could finally support Apple Intelligence

The most meaningful change expected for the next entry-level iPad is a processor upgrade. Earlier reports have pointed to either Apple’s A18 or A19 chip, with more recent references to Apple’s internal software reportedly strengthening the case for the A19. Neither processor has been officially confirmed for the unreleased tablet.

That upgrade could address one of the current model’s biggest limitations. The existing A16 iPad has 6GB of RAM and does not support Apple Intelligence, while compatible iPad models require at least 8GB of memory. An A18- or A19-powered successor could bring Apple’s entry-level tablet into the company’s AI ecosystem, although its final specifications and supported features remain unconfirmed.

A major design overhaul is not expected. The current iPad’s 11-inch LCD display and familiar design are likely to carry over, making a faster processor and expanded software capabilities the main reasons to consider the next generation.

Apple’s affordable iPad now starts at $449

The timing also matters because Apple increased the entry-level iPad’s US starting price from $349 to $449 in June 2026. The current model comes with 128GB of storage, with higher-capacity configurations also available.

Apple has not announced pricing for the next generation, so it is too early to say whether the company will keep that $449 starting price or raise it again. For buyers, the combination of a higher current price and a potentially more capable successor makes the decision to upgrade a little less straightforward.

If you need a tablet now, the existing iPad remains an option for everyday tasks such as browsing, streaming, reading, and schoolwork. But anyone specifically interested in Apple Intelligence may have a stronger reason to wait until the next model’s specifications are confirmed.

The entry-level iPad is not the only tablet in Apple’s plans for 2027. Gurman has also reported that the iPad Air could receive a major refresh with an OLED display, while a new iPad Pro is expected to arrive with a possible vapor chamber cooling system. Meanwhile, an updated iPad mini is still expected before the end of October 2026.

For now, Apple’s most affordable mainstream tablet appears set to miss the remainder of 2026. An early-2027 release is the latest reported timeline, not a confirmed launch date, and Apple has yet to reveal when the next iPad will be announced.