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Apple Plans To Refresh Its Entry-Level iPad Line In 2026, Bringing New Hardware Advances, New Storage Positioning, And Keeping The Initial Price Stable, Promising To Move The Tablet Market And Surprise Brand Consumers.
Apple is already working to expand its tablet line with the arrival of two new entry-level iPads scheduled for 2026, marking one of the most significant updates in the segment since the design overhaul in 2022.
According to information from international technology news outlets, the company is preparing to launch the 12th generation of the basic iPad, now with an 11-inch screen, a new processor, and a repositioning in the storage portfolio, which is already sparking reactions from the brand’s loyal audience.
The project, currently identified internally by the codes J581 and J582, is in an advanced development stage at the company’s labs in Cupertino, United States.
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The main novelty for 2026 is the elimination of the lower storage capacity model, which is currently 128 GB.
Thus, the line will only offer options with higher storage, a move that reflects a trend seen in other products from the company and the global mobile device industry.
According to information gathered by Mark Gurman, a journalist known for covering the Apple universe, the company will maintain its strategy of delivering a robust yet affordable product, without compromising the features that made the entry-level iPad a worldwide success.
The design is expected to remain close to that of the iPad 11, released in March 2025, featuring an aluminum body, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and an 11-inch screen, but without Face ID, facial recognition technology that remains limited to Pro models.
Another significant change involves performance.
The new generation is expected to abandon the A16 Bionic processor, adopting a new and more advanced chip, which could be the A17 or even a chip from the M line targeted at entry-level devices.
This choice will allow the new iPad to keep pace with the evolution of iPadOS 19, the operating system already confirmed for the models arriving in 2026.
This technological leap is seen as essential to ensure compatibility with features such as Stage Manager, optimized multitasking, and enhanced integration with Apple Intelligence — a suite of built-in artificial intelligence tools presented by Apple in June 2024.
The launch is scheduled for March or April 2026, maintaining the traditional one-year interval between major updates of the iPad family.
The timeline coincides with the cycle observed in recent brand launches, as experienced with the iPad 11 and the new iPad Air, both presented to the public in early 2025.
New Entry-Level iPads In 2026: Design, Performance, And Storage
Among the confirmed differentiators for the new generation is support for Apple Pencil (at least the second generation), as well as compatibility with the Magic Keyboard, features that bring the basic model closer to other pricier devices in the line, such as the iPad Air and the iPad Pro.
Experts point out that Apple maintains a focus on productivity, offering tools aimed at both entertainment and educational and professional use, a scenario that reflects the increasing use of tablets in schools and businesses in recent years.
Another relevant aspect is the price.
Recent information indicates that Apple intends to keep the initial value close to US$ 349 in the United States, around R$ 3,199.90 in Brazil, considering the exchange rate practiced in June 2025.
Despite the hardware upgrade and new features, the pricing policy is expected to be maintained to ensure competitiveness against the growing supply of Android tablets in the national and international markets.
For Brazilian consumers, the news may be received with some ambiguity.
On one hand, the entry-level iPad establishes itself as a relatively affordable option within Apple’s portfolio, especially compared to the iPad Air, which can cost over R$ 21 thousand in its top-of-the-line version, according to inquiries made at major national retailers in June.
On the other hand, the withdrawal of the 128 GB model may restrict access for some consumers looking for more economical options or those who do not need large storage volumes.
Impact On Apple Portfolio And Tablet Market
The update of entry-level iPads in 2026 is part of a broader movement by Apple to strengthen its presence in the tablet segment, an area where the company still leads by a wide margin.
Recent data from IDC consulting shows that Apple held about 36% of the global tablet market in the first quarter of 2025, a figure that remains stable even in the face of competition from brands like Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi, which are investing in competitively priced models with similar features.
In Brazil, the situation is marked by price disparities compared to the international market, reflecting taxes, import costs, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Nonetheless, the entry-level iPad remains among the most sought-after devices on distance learning and corporate use platforms, precisely for offering complete integration with the Apple ecosystem, guaranteed OS updates, and prolonged lifespan, factors highlighted in surveys by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) regarding technology use in the country.
Another factor that draws attention is the impact of the new features of iPadOS 19 and Apple Intelligence, which promise to transform the tablet into an even more versatile tool for content creation, image editing, productivity tasks, and even routine automation, something that becomes increasingly relevant given the rising demand for multifunctional devices in home and professional settings.
Apple Strategy And Trends For Tablets In 2026
The strategy to launch two new entry-level iPads in 2026, even with specific changes in storage offerings, reinforces Apple’s commitment to democratizing access to technology, but also highlights a company movement in response to market trends and user demands.
By eliminating the most basic model, the company signals a bet on more durable products adapted to the demands of increasingly robust applications, without compromising price control.
This repositioning could influence the purchasing behavior of consumers still seeking value for money, particularly in a context of global inflation and economic instability in various regions.
For many users, the arrival of an entry-level iPad with a new chip, an 11-inch screen, and total integration with the Apple ecosystem may represent the best entry point into the world of premium tablets.
What Changes For Those Who Already Have An Old iPad Or Plan To Swap
With the arrival of the 12th generation, users of previous models can expect performance improvements, more connectivity options, and greater durability, thanks to hardware evolution and integration with recently released artificial intelligence functions.
However, Apple’s decision to eliminate the lower storage capacity model may impact those seeking more accessible options in the short term, putting pressure on the used and refurbished market.
In light of the announced changes, the question remains: will the elimination of the basic 128 GB model and the maintenance of the nearly frozen price lead more consumers to migrate to the Apple ecosystem, or will the Brazilian market continue to prioritize cheaper Android tablet alternatives?
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