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Leaked code from a pre-release iOS 26 build suggests Apple is prepping a refreshed iPad lineup: an entry-level iPad upgraded to the A19 chip and an iPad Air moving to Apple’s M4 silicon, both also adopting the N1 wireless chip.
Entry-level iPad gets an A19 boost (and N1 wireless)
According to a report that cites an internal Apple document obtained by MacWorld, the next base iPad—referenced under codenames J581 and J582—is expected to run on the A19 SoC, the same processor introduced with the iPhone 17 series. That would be a meaningful jump from the current 11th‑generation iPad, which uses the older A16. The leak also indicates the inclusion of Apple’s N1 wireless chip, bringing improved connectivity to the entry model, while most other hardware and the overall design are likely to remain similar to the 2025 version.
iPad Air: M4 performance under a familiar chassis
The same iOS 26 code references multiple iPad Air codenames—J707, J708, J737 and J738—pointing to a family of Air models powered by Apple’s M4 chip and equipped with the N1 wireless chipset. Reportedly, the M4 upgrade focuses on raw performance and efficiency, not a cosmetic overhaul: display and chassis changes are expected to be minimal compared with the 2025 iPad Air.
What to expect and timing
Put simply: Apple appears set to lift performance across its tablet range while standardizing newer wireless hardware. Early 2026 is the likely window for an official reveal, though Apple hasn’t confirmed any dates. For mainstream buyers, the A19-equipped entry iPad should offer the best value-for-performance, while the M4 iPad Air will appeal to creators and power users who want near‑laptop performance in a tablet form factor.
- Likely launch window: early 2026 (unconfirmed)
- Entry-level codenames: J581, J582 — A19 SoC + N1 wireless
- iPad Air codenames: J707, J708, J737, J738 — M4 SoC + N1 wireless
- Design changes: expected to be minor; this looks like a spec refresh
Treat these details as a strong rumor: they come from a pre-release iOS build and remain unofficial until Apple announces them. Still, if they hold up, the upgrades would narrow the performance gap between iPad models and put newer Apple silicon into more hands.
Source: gsmarena
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