Apple is expected to introduce a new low-cost iPad model later this year, and reports suggest it will be powered by the latest A18 chip. This would mark a major performance boost for Apple’s entry-level tablet, aligning it with the chip expected to debut in the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup.
According to MacRumors, references to the A18 chip for a new iPad have been spotted in backend code, indicating that Apple is already preparing the hardware for release. This move suggests that Apple wants to further blur the performance gap between its budget and premium devices, while still keeping the price accessible for students, casual users, and those looking for an affordable entry into the iPad ecosystem.
The current 10th-generation iPad uses the A14 Bionic chip, so the jump to an A18 would represent a significant generational leap. Not only would this improve overall speed and responsiveness, but it could also bring better efficiency and battery life. For many users, the entry-level iPad is a go-to device for media consumption, web browsing, video calls, and light productivity tasks. With the A18, it could also handle more demanding workloads like photo editing, multitasking with Stage Manager, and running graphically intensive games.
It is still unclear if Apple will redesign the new low-cost iPad or keep the same form factor as the current 10.9-inch model. A refreshed design might bring thinner bezels, improved display technology, or even new color options. However, Apple has historically kept major design overhauls for higher-end iPads, so the focus here is likely on performance and value.
This rumored iPad could also be a strategic move to prepare for iPadOS 26 features that require more powerful chips. Apple has increasingly tied software capabilities to specific chip generations, so equipping the budget iPad with the A18 would future-proof it for years to come. If priced competitively, the device could appeal to a wide audience and strengthen Apple’s hold in the tablet market.
Given that Apple typically refreshes its entry-level iPad in the fall, an announcement could happen alongside the iPhone 16 launch in September or during an October event. The addition of the A18 chip would make this one of the most capable low-cost iPads Apple has ever released.
