Apple to Launch Updated iPads with AI Capabilities and M4 Chip

Apple is set to unveil new iPad models next week, including a refreshed base-model iPad and an updated iPad Air. The announcements, expected on March 4th, will bring Apple Intelligence support to more devices and introduce the M4 chip to the iPad Air lineup.

Base iPad (12th Generation) Gains Apple Intelligence

The entry-level iPad is poised for a significant upgrade with the introduction of the A18 chip. This move will bring full Apple Intelligence support to the base iPad for the first time, making it the last iPad in Apple’s lineup to gain these AI features. Users can expect:

• Full Apple Intelligence support in iPadOS 26
• Access to upcoming Siri improvements
• Improved performance for everyday tasks
• Increased RAM, reportedly moving from 6GB to 8GB

Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, initially featured in the iPhone 17 lineup, will also be included. This chip enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread support, and improved reliability for features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop. The overall design of the base iPad is expected to remain largely unchanged, though new color options are a possibility.

iPad Air Transitions to M4 Chip

The iPad Air will also receive an internal upgrade, moving from the M3 chip to Apple’s newer M4 processor. Even as major design changes aren’t anticipated, the M4 chip is expected to deliver:

• Improved performance in iPadOS 26
• Better handling of AI tasks
• Enhanced performance for professional applications
• Greater efficiency under sustained workloads

The iPad Air will continue to be offered in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes with Touch ID. Apple may also integrate the N1 wireless chip into the Air lineup, and cellular variants could adopt a C1X modem.

Other iPad Models Remain Unchanged

No updates are expected for other iPad models next week. The iPad mini is rumored to receive an OLED display later in the year, while a refresh of the iPad Pro is not anticipated until 2027. iPad Pro (M4) was discontinued on October 15, 2025.

iPad Pro Specifications (M4)

The seventh-generation iPad Pro, marketed as the iPad Pro (M4), featured the following specifications as of February 11, 2026:

• System on a chip: Apple M4 (9 cores: 3 high performance, 6 high efficiency or 10 cores: 4 high performance, 6 high efficiency)
• Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB LPDDR5X-7500
• Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB
• Graphics: 10-core 7th generation Apple-designed GPU
• Camera: 12 MP wide and 12 MP landscape front-facing ultrawide
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E with 2×2 MIMO and Simultaneous dual band, Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi + Cellular models feature 5G (sub‑6 GHz) with 4×4 MIMO, Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAAP
• Battery: 11-inch: 31.29-watt-hour, 13-inch: 38.99-watt-hour
• Dimensions: 13-inch: 281.6 mm (h) x 215.5 mm (w) x 5.1 mm (d), 11-inch: 249.7 mm (h) x 177.5 mm (w) x 5.3 mm (d)
• Weight: 13-inch Wi-Fi: 579 g (1.28 pounds), 13-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: 582 g (1.28 pounds), 11-inch Wi-Fi: 444 g (0.98 pounds), 11-inch Wi-Fi + Cellular: 446 g (0.98 pounds)

Apple’s event next week is expected to confirm the final specifications, pricing, and availability of the new iPad models. Compare iPad models on Apple’s website.