The iOS 26 code leak suggests a major performance enhancement for the basic iPad model.

      From budget to midrange, Apple's forthcoming iPad lineup seems poised to introduce flagship-level processors and enhanced connectivity, bridging the gap between entry-level tablets and professional models.

      Internal code from iOS 26 has allegedly revealed Apple’s 2026 iPad plans. According to MacWorld, the code from a pre-release iOS 26 version indicates that the new entry-level iPad will bear the codenames “J581” and “J582.” Additionally, this iPad may feature Apple’s A19 chip, which is the same one present in the standard iPhone 17.

      This could lead to a notable performance improvement for the 12th-generation iPad over the current model that uses the A16 chip. For context, the A19 chip comes with more RAM (8GB) and delivers roughly 50% greater processing power than the A16. Besides the new chip, the anticipated iPad may also include Apple’s N1 networking chip.

      Alongside the baseline iPad, the iPad Air could receive an upgrade in 2026 with the M4 chip. The next-generation iPad Air, codenamed “J707,” “J708,” “J737,” and “J738,” might incorporate Apple silicon and the N1 wireless networking chip. However, significant design changes for the device are not expected.

      Since the leaked code specifically identifies the potential iPad and iPad Air models by their codenames, it’s likely that Apple could announce them in early 2026, possibly around March or April. The leaked roadmap signifies a notable shift in Apple’s iPad strategy, as premium components are typically reserved for high-end models. Nevertheless, this trend might be broken with the launch of the 12th-generation baseline iPad.

      While the M4 iPad Air may not offer a substantial update for M3 iPad Air users, it could be an attractive option for those using the M1 or M2 iPad Air, or a baseline iPad from two or three years ago.

      If you're contemplating purchasing an iPad, the leak indicates that 2026 could present a wider range of options, especially for those interested in buying one. The A19 chip is expected to enhance everyday tasks, gaming, and the performance of iPadOS 26 on the baseline iPad. Furthermore, the N1 wireless chip should enhance connectivity through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

      For those not looking to invest in an iPad Pro, the iPad Air could offer sufficient processing power for design work or video editing on the go.

      For over five years, Shikhar has been adept at clarifying advancements in consumer technology and delivering them in an understandable manner.

      Are you waiting for a foldable iPad? Don’t expect it before 2029. The prototypes are reported to weigh nearly three times as much as a standard iPad Pro, potentially making them impractical for daily use. Apple’s ambition for a foldable iPad may take longer to materialize, as engineering difficulties are proving to be more complicated than initially anticipated. A Bloomberg report highlights that Apple has faced engineering hurdles in the development of its 18-inch OLED foldable iPad.

      In related news, Android on tablets is preparing for an upgrade that could significantly improve multitasking. Floating bubbles may revolutionize your multitasking experience. Google is said to be developing a notable multitasking enhancement for Android tablets that would allow you to launch any app in a floating bubble, rather than restricting it to chat or messaging applications. According to Android Authority, leaked code from the Android 2510 Canary build reveals a new gesture that lets you drag an app icon from the taskbar to the screen's bottom corner, opening it in a floating bubble window instead of taking over the entire display.

      The next iPad Pro could be cooler, smarter, and possibly even foldable. Apple seems to be working on some exciting developments. According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, they might incorporate a “vapor chamber” cooling system into the iPad Pro, potentially around 2027. This advanced cooling technology, already found in the iPhone 17 Pro, employs a thin chamber with liquid that evaporates and condenses to distribute heat. This is necessary as iPads are becoming significantly more powerful (with the latest model already matching the Mac Studio's performance!), requiring efficient cooling when handling demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, especially with the introduction of new AI features.