# Apple Plans Major iPad Lineup Refresh for Early Next Year New iPad Air, base iPad, and Pro models expected with significant hardware upgrades. - **Source:** [9to5Mac](https://brifing.si/source/59447403-ce5b-427c-8132-8614f549929a) - **Published:** 2026-11-02 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/01eba63c-aaf1-4dd0-bc18-936d552eadf3 ## Upcoming iPad Lineup Expansion Following the recent iPad mini refresh, Apple is preparing to update its broader tablet portfolio in the first half of next year. Reports indicate that new versions of the iPad Air, base iPad, and iPad Pro are currently in development. These updates aim to modernize the hardware across all three distinct product tiers. ## iPad Air Display Upgrades The upcoming iPad Air is expected to adopt OLED display technology, marking a significant visual improvement for the mid-range tablet. Despite this screen upgrade, the device will likely retain a 60Hz refresh rate and continue using Touch ID rather than Face ID. This represents the first major refresh for the Air series since 2020. ## Performance Shifts in Air Under the hood, the new iPad Air is expected to transition from the M4 chip to the M5 processor. Pricing for the base 11-inch model is projected to fall between $799 and $899. This shift highlights Apple's strategy of pushing higher-end silicon into its mid-tier devices to maintain competitive performance standards. ## Entry-Level iPad Intelligence The base model iPad will receive its first update since early 2025, featuring the A19 chip and 8GB of RAM. These specifications are specifically designed to enable Apple Intelligence support on the company's most affordable tablet. Additionally, the device will incorporate the N1 chip and C1X modem for enhanced networking capabilities. ## Base Model Design Constraints While the internal components are seeing a substantial boost, the base iPad is not expected to undergo significant design or screen changes. Apple may introduce new color options to differentiate this iteration from its predecessor. The focus remains strictly on internal performance improvements rather than a complete physical overhaul of the hardware. ## iPad Pro Thermal Management The new iPad Pro will feature a vapor chamber for improved thermal management, a design choice previously implemented in the iPhone 17 Pro. Aside from this cooling upgrade, the device will likely focus on a chipset transition to the M6 or M7 processor. No other major physical design changes are currently anticipated. ## Pro Pricing and Positioning Current pricing for the iPad Pro starts at $1199 for the 11-inch model and $1499 for the 13-inch version. By the time the M6-powered model launches, it will have been three years since the last major revamp. Apple faces pressure to deliver meaningful innovations to justify these premium price points for professional users. ## Strategic Hardware Lifecycle Apple's strategy involves a staggered rollout of hardware updates to keep the iPad ecosystem relevant against evolving market demands. By integrating advanced chips like the A19 and M-series across the lineup, the company ensures longevity for its devices. These upcoming releases reflect a commitment to maintaining dominance in the global tablet market. ## Sources covering this story - https://9to5mac.com/2026/11/01/three-new-ipad-models-are-reportedly-launching-early-next-year-heres-whats-coming/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._