iOS 26 code leak hints at a significant performance upgrade for the entry-level iPad

From budget to midrange, Apple's next iPad wave looks set to bring flagship-level silicon and smarter connectivity, closing the gap between entry tablets and pro models.

By Shikhar Mehrotra Published December 11, 2025

Side full view of the ESR Rebound Magnetic keyboard for the iPad. — Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

Internal code in iOS 26 has reportedly leaked Apple’s 2026 iPad roadmap. Folks at MacWorld cite code for a pre-release iOS 26 build, claiming that the new baseline iPad will carry the codenames “J581” and “J582.” Further, the iPad could run on Apple’s A19 chip, the one that we’ve seen on the baseline iPhone 17.

This could provide the 12th-generation iPad a significant performance jump over the current model that features the A16 chip. To put things into perspective, the A19 chip features more RAM (8GB) and offers about 50% more processing power than the A16 chip. Along with the new processor, the purported iPad could also feature Apple’s N1 networking chip.

With the baseline iPad, the iPad Air could also get a spec bump in 2026, in the form of the M4 chip. The new-generation iPad Air, codenamed “J707,” “J708,” “J737,” and “J738,” could feature Apple silicon and the N1 wireless networking chip. However, don’t expect any other changes on the device, especially those related to its design.

Apple could release new iPads early in 2026

Given that the leaked code references the purported iPad and iPad Air models by codename, there’s a good chance Apple could unveil them early in 2026, perhaps around March or April. The leaked roadmap marks a significant shift in Apple’s iPad strategy. Usually, the latest chipset is reserved for the premium models. However, with the baseline iPad 12th-generation, Apple could break this trend.

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While the M4 iPad Air might not be as compelling an upgrade for M3 iPad Air users, it could be a great option for users who own the M1 or M2 iPad Air, or a two or three-year-old baseline iPad.

If you’re in the market for an iPad, the leak suggests 2026 could offer more options, particularly if you’re inclined to buy one. The A19 chip should make everyday tasks, gaming, and iPadOS 26 run more smoothly on the baseline iPad. In addition, the N1 wireless chip should improve connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

For buyers who don’t want to spend on the iPad Pro, the iPad Air could provide enough processing power to create designs or edit videos on the go. Meanwhile, Apple is also working on a foldable iPhone that could debut later in 2026.

Shikhar Mehrotra

News Writer

For more than five years, Shikhar has consistently simplified developments in the field of consumer tech and presented them…

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