Abstract:
Although Apple is widely expected to launch a new iPad mini with an OLED screen by the end of October this year, consumers hoping to see a new generation of entry-level iPad may have to wait longer. The latest news shows that Apple’s updated basic iPad is likely not to be unveiled in 2026, but will be postponed to early 2027.
At present, Apple has confirmed that it will hold a launch event focusing on smart home products on October 13. At the same time, market news said that Apple also plans to hold another new product launch conference on October 27, focusing on launching new Mac products and the OLED version of iPad mini. The event isn't expected to involve too many other iPad line updates, though.
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman in the latest issue of the "Power On" newsletter, the Mac and iPad launch events at the end of October may become Apple's last round of important new product launches in 2026. This means that many devices that were originally expected to be unveiled in the near future will be postponed to 2027.
The list of delayed products is said to include the new generation MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, second-generation iPhone Air, as well as iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models. In terms of the iPad product line, updates to iPad Air, iPad Pro and entry-level iPad will also be postponed until next year.
This statement is basically consistent with Gurman’s relevant revelations in July this year. News at the time also pointed out that Apple planned to update the iPad mini this fall, while the basic iPad was scheduled to debut in the first quarter of 2027. As for the iPad Air and iPad Pro, new versions are expected to launch next spring.
Regarding the configuration of the next-generation entry-level iPad, currently leaked information shows that the product is expected to be equipped with an A19 chip and 8GB of memory, which will have the ability to run Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence functions. This will mean that Apple’s lowest-priced tablet products have officially entered the AI era.
In addition, this device is said to be equipped with a C1X modem that supports Sub-6GHz band 5G network, while using the N1 network chip to provide Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread connection functions, consistent with Apple’s new products in recent years in terms of wireless communication specifications.
In terms of selling price, current news suggests that Apple will not adjust the pricing strategy of the entry-level iPad, and the new model is expected to still start at US$449.
If the relevant reports are true, then Apple’s focus on the iPad product line in the next few months will be on the OLED iPad mini, while the more mass-market basic iPad will not be available to consumers until early 2027. By then, Apple is expected to further unify the scope of AI function support across the entire iPad family and promote Apple Intelligence to cover more mainstream price products.
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