Apple iPad leak: Don't buy yet as three new models are coming, including an OLED iPad mini 8
CheckMag
Leaks indicate that Apple is preparing three iPad updates for release in the coming months, including a major refresh for the iPad mini, a new budget model, and an updated iPad Air. The changes are expected to focus on performance and display improvements, with a launch window reportedly set for spring 2026.Anmol Dubey 👁 Published
We recently discussed Apple’s reported 2025–2026 roadmap leak, which highlighted several upcoming products such as a refreshed Apple TV, new AirTags, updated MacBooks and more. Today, we are looking at a new set of leaks that supposedly outline the launch schedule for the next wave of iPads.
Apple is reportedly preparing these iPad refreshes for release in the coming months for some of the models. The updates include the iPad mini 8 with a significant display overhaul, a new budget iPad powered by the A18 chip, and an iPad Air refresh with Apple’s latest M-series processor.
iPad mini 8: OLED display, slimmer bezels and A19 Pro chip
The iPad mini 8 is shaping up to be the most substantial upgrade to the compact lineup in years. Leaks suggest Apple will move from its current LCD panel to an OLED display, which would eliminate the greyish blacks and blooming issues seen on LCD and mini-LED panels. OLED should deliver perfect black levels, higher contrast, punchier colours and faster response times.
The switch to OLED may also allow Apple to introduce a higher refresh rate. A jump to 90 Hz seems like the most reasonable step up from the current 60 Hz, and even 120 Hz has been suggested, but for now this is more of a hopeful add on than a confirmed upgrade.
One of the more unusual changes involves Apple reportedly removing the traditional speaker grilles from the top and bottom and replacing them with vibration-based speakers. According to the leaks, this redesign is intended to make the iPad mini the first water-resistant iPad.
Internally, the iPad mini 8 is expected to adopt the A19 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 17 Pro. According to average Geekbench 6.5 results, the A19 Pro posts around 31% higher single-core performance and approximately 36% higher multi-core performance than the A17 Pro, alongside a notable improvement in graphics output.
As for the launch date, leaks point to a launch window in early 2026.
Budget iPad: A18 chip and 8 GB RAM for iPadOS 26
Apple’s next entry-level iPad is expected to launch in Spring 2026, with the standout upgrade being a move to the A18 chip. The A18 is reported to deliver around 28% faster single-core performance and roughly 24% faster multi-core performance over the A16 chip used in the current iPad 12, based on Notebookcheck’s Geekbench 6.5 data.
The A18 also enables hardware-accelerated ray tracing, bringing features previously limited to higher-end models to Apple’s most affordable tablet. Apple is additionally expected to ship this model with 8 GB of RAM, up from 6 GB, unlocking the full multitasking features of iPadOS 26 such as Stage Manager, capabilities that were inaccessible on the current budget iPad, while also making the device eligible for Apple Intelligence features.
Design changes, however, are not expected. The device is likely to retain the same chassis, display and port layout, following Apple’s usual long refresh cycle for the entry-level model. Pricing may remain at US$329, though leaks suggest Apple could drop it to US$299.
iPad Air M4: Performance bump with familiar design
The third leaked model is the iPad Air M4. As the name suggests, Apple is expected to refresh the current M3-powered model with the newer M4 chip. Beyond the processor, no meaningful design changes have surfaced. The overall chassis, display and port layout are expected to remain identical. Some rumours have hinted at the possibility of Apple replacing the top-button Touch ID sensor with Face ID, bringing the Air closer in functionality to the iPad Pro, though no firm evidence has emerged.
Most speculation currently points to the iPad Air M4 arriving sometime in spring 2026, but this is based purely on Apple’s recent yearly refresh pattern rather than any confirmed leak. Even with the M4 chip upgrade, the iPad Air will still miss out on an OLED screen, as that change is not expected before 2027.
People thinking about buying the iPad mini or the budget 12th-gen iPad might want to wait for the new versions. The M3 iPad Air is still a good buy because the M4 update is likely to be a small upgrade and the current model already performs well. But if you want the best possible price, it may be worth waiting until Apple refreshes the whole line-up.
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