Apple is preparing to refresh its entire iPad lineup early next year, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The company plans to release three new models that will cover the base iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. These updates follow the recent launch of the new iPad mini and the iPad-like iPhone Duo, signaling a broad push to modernize its tablet hardware.
Base iPad and iPad Air Get AI and OLED Upgrades
The entry-level base iPad will receive significant internal changes to support Apple Intelligence. Reports indicate the device will move to the A19 processor and increase its memory to 8GB of RAM. This upgrade is necessary to handle the computational demands of on-device AI features. The tablet will also include Apple’s new N1 chip and C1X modem, which enable Wi-Fi 7 and sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity. These components are expected to deliver faster speeds while reducing battery consumption.
The mid-range iPad Air will also see major improvements. The most notable change is the introduction of an OLED screen, a feature that will align the Air with the recently released iPad mini. Alongside the display upgrade, the Air will receive standard processor enhancements to keep pace with the rest of the lineup.
iPad Pro Moves to M6 and Vapor Chamber Cooling
The top-tier iPad Pro will undergo the most substantial hardware shift. The device is expected to upgrade from the current M5 chip to the new M6, or potentially a future M7 chip. This leap in processing power is designed to support advanced AI tasks, but it also generates more heat. To manage this thermal output, Apple is reportedly introducing a new vapor chamber cooling system. This technology, first mentioned in reports last year, will help dissipate heat more effectively during intensive workloads.
These hardware updates come at a time when Apple faces competition from other form factors. The upcoming iPhone Duo and new touchscreen MacBook Pro models could encroach on the iPad’s traditional use cases. Additionally, smart displays like the HomeView offer a convenient alternative for specific tasks, such as using a device in the kitchen. Despite these challenges, iPads remain a critical part of Apple’s business, with annual sales estimated at around 60 million units.
Source: Engadget
