Apple’s next entry-level iPad looks set to get a serious brain transplant without changing its familiar face. According to the latest leaks, the affordable model is expected to jump to the A18 chip with hardware-accelerated ray tracing—tech previously reserved for higher-end devices. That means smoother, more realistic lighting in supported games and graphics-heavy apps, bringing a big visual upgrade to Apple’s most budget-friendly tablet.
Performance isn’t the only story. Apple is also tipped to ship this iPad with 8 GB of RAM, up from 6 GB. That bump matters: it should unlock the full multitasking experience in iPadOS 26, including Stage Manager, which wasn’t available on the current budget iPad. The extra memory is also expected to make the tablet eligible for Apple Intelligence features, positioning it as a stronger everyday work-and-play device than its predecessor.
Don’t expect a visual overhaul, though. The chassis, display, and port layout are all rumored to stay the same, in line with Apple’s longer refresh cycles for entry-level hardware. Pricing may hold at $329 in the United States, but some reports suggest Apple could push it down to $299, which would make it especially compelling for students, families, and first-time iPad buyers.
On the midrange side, the iPad Air is reportedly getting a clean performance bump of its own. The next model is expected to move from the M3 to the M4 chip, delivering faster CPU and GPU performance for creative apps, gaming, and long-term software support. Beyond the processor, meaningful design changes haven’t surfaced; the overall look, display, and port placement are said to remain the same. There’s chatter that Apple could swap the top-button Touch ID sensor for Face ID to bring the Air closer to the iPad Pro experience, but there’s no firm evidence yet.
What this means for buyers:
– If you’re eyeing the current budget iPad, it may be worth waiting. The A18, ray tracing support, and 8 GB RAM could dramatically extend the device’s lifespan and capabilities, especially with iPadOS 26 and Apple Intelligence.
– If you’re considering an iPad Air, the M4 refresh should deliver a healthy speed boost without changing the formula. Expect familiar design with next-gen performance.
If these leaks hold, Apple’s 2025 iPad lineup will sharpen the divide: a much more capable entry-level iPad that finally gets modern multitasking and AI features, and an iPad Air that leans into raw M-series power while keeping the sleek, proven design fans already like.
