New iPad with A18 chip. We know when it will debut
The new iPad with A18 before iOS 26.5
An expert and well-known informant in the field of Apple products, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shared the latest information about the refreshed iPad with A18 in his Power On newsletter.
The equipment is scheduled to hit stores in the first half of 2026, and Apple has long planned to release it during the iOS 26.4 availability period, which will last until May 2026.
According to Gurman, a two-generation jump (from A16 to A18) will translate into a significant increase in performance and Apple Intelligence support.
At the time of publication, iOS 26.4 has not yet hit iPhones and iPads, but the operating system update should arrive at the end of March 2026.
This means that the iPad with A18 should go on sale in April or at most in May.
There is also speculation that the new, basic iPad may feature a C1 modem and an N1 communication system.
In turn, when it comes to Apple Intelligence, the biggest changes – including a significant expansion of Siri’s capabilities – are expected to take place with iOS 26.5, the premiere of which is expected in May 2026.
