We have been anticipating the refresh of a range of Apple products that are beginning to mark their first and second year anniversaries, including the Mac mini, Mac Studio, iPad mini and base model iPad. Whilst the Mac desktops have now been refreshed, and the new iPad mini is expected this year, Apple's entry-level iPad might not receive an update until next year, according to a new report from Bloomberg.
The report, by Mark Gurman, says the base model iPad will receive a faster chip and Apple Intelligence support next year.
The current iPad is powered by Apple's A16, a now four year old chip which debuted in the 2022 iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. The chip was already three years old when Apple introduced it into the iPad.
This is standard practice for the company, as they use older chips and hardware to keep the price down. In 2022, the 10th generation iPad debuted with the A14 Bionic chip, which was first introduced in 2020 with the iPhone 12 series.
What Chip Could The Next iPad Get?
The next model is getting Apple Intelligence support, according to Bloomberg's reporting.
Therefore, we can rule out any chip before A17 Pro and M1, which are the oldest to receive support. Apple is also unlikely to put their M-series chips in their entry level iPad model, so we can rule out that line entirely.
The same goes with their Pro-branded silicon, ruling out A17 Pro, A18 Pro and the A19 Pro chips.
This leaves us with just 2 chips:
- A18
- A19
Both chips support Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.
Looking at previous releases, the company tends to jump up two generations per release, making an A18 iPad the most likely outcome.
Other iPad Models
With the iPad (A18) not launching until next year, this gives Apple the chance to refresh the iPad mini (A17 Pro) with the A19 Pro chip, keeping it ahead of the base model and with the latest Apple Intelligence features.
Apple is also expected to bring OLED to the mini, making it the second model to receive this display technology.
But, before any iPads receive a refresh, all eyes are on next week's September Event, where Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and a foldable iPhone.
