Thinking about grabbing Apple's most affordable iPad? Before you click 'buy,' there are several important factors to consider. This Q&A covers why the current model may leave you wanting more, what's coming next, and whether patience pays off.

Why is the current low-cost iPad over a year old a concern?

Apple released the current entry-level iPad back in March 2025, making it well over a year old by mid-2026. In the fast-moving world of tablets, a 12-month-plus lifecycle often signals that a refresh is imminent. While an older device might still work fine for basic tasks, you're essentially paying full price for technology that's about to be superseded. The bigger issue isn't just age—it's that this model lacks support for Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI features that Apple is betting heavily on. Choosing this iPad means you'll miss out on capabilities that are becoming central to Apple's ecosystem. Unless you need a tablet right this second and can't wait, buying a device that's already behind the curve makes little sense, especially when a more capable successor is just months away.

What Apple Intelligence features will the current iPad miss?

The A16 chip inside the 2025 iPad doesn't support Apple Intelligence. That means no access to Writing Tools for proofreading and summarization, Image Playground for AI-generated artwork, Clean Up to remove objects from photos, or Live Translation for real-time conversations. You'll also miss out on notification summaries, Smart Reply in messages, Priority Messages in Mail, and Visual Intelligence that identifies objects and places using the camera. While these features are still new and evolving, Apple is integrating them deeper into iOS with each update. Buying now means locking yourself out of a growing list of tools that many users will come to rely on. Even if you don't care about AI today, you might wish you had it tomorrow.

How important is Apple Intelligence for future iOS versions?

Apple has made it clear that Apple Intelligence is the foundation for future iOS innovations. As noted above, the current iPad lacks this support, and that gap will only widen. Rumors for iOS 27 suggest a smarter Siri that transforms into a full chatbot, deeper Visual Intelligence integration in the Camera app, and AI-enhanced editing tools in Photos. Shortcuts may become more automated, and other unannounced features are likely on the way. Without a compatible chip, your iPad won't be able to run these advancements. In a year or two, the A16 model will feel dated not because of slow performance, but because it's cut off from the software features that define the experience. For a device you might keep for three to four years, missing the AI revolution from the start is a serious disadvantage.

What major changes are expected in iOS 27?

Leaks and rumors point to iOS 27 bringing significant AI-powered upgrades. Siri is expected to become much more conversational, acting like a full chatbot rather than a limited assistant. The Camera app will likely gain Visual Intelligence integration, allowing it to identify objects, landmarks, and provide contextual information just by pointing the lens. Photos is rumored to include advanced AI image editing tools, making complex adjustments simple. Shortcuts may become more automated with on-device intelligence, and there could be additional features we haven't heard about yet. All of these rely on the neural engine found in newer chips like the A18. If you buy the A16 iPad now, you'll watch from the sidelines as these capabilities roll out to other devices. That's a tough pill to swallow for a tablet that's supposed to be your everyday companion.

What chip will the next iPad likely have and why does it matter?

According to supply chain sources and industry analysts, the next low-cost iPad is expected to receive the A18 chip. This processor supports Apple Intelligence natively, meaning you'll get full access to all AI features from day one. Beyond that, the A18 offers faster CPU and GPU performance, improved power efficiency, and more RAM compared to the A16. These upgrades not only make the tablet snappier for everyday tasks but also future-proof it for upcoming software releases. With the A18, your iPad will stay relevant for years, receiving new AI capabilities as Apple expands its Intelligence platform. In contrast, the A16 model is a dead end for AI features. The difference between buying now and waiting is essentially the difference between buying a device that's already obsolete in one key area and one that's built for the future.

When is the next low-cost iPad expected to be released?

Patience is required here. The new entry-level iPad won't arrive in the first half of 2026. While some hoped it would launch alongside the low-cost iPhone 17e, that didn't happen. Reliable sources, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, reported in March that an updated iPad is "ready to go" and "still coming this year." The most likely window is September or October 2026, aligning with Apple's typical fall product cycle. That means you might have to wait several months. But considering the generational leap in chip and AI support, the wait is well worth it. If you absolutely need a tablet today, consider whether a refurbished or second-hand model might tide you over. Otherwise, setting aside your purchase plans until the next model drops is the smarter move.

Is it worth waiting for the next model?

Yes, unequivocally. Waiting for the next low-cost iPad is the best advice we can give. The current model's A16 chip locks you out of Apple Intelligence, and with iOS 27 looming, that deficit will become even more painful. The next iPad's A18 chip will deliver not only faster performance and more RAM but also full access to AI features that are quickly becoming essential. While the wait extends into autumn 2026, the payoff is a device that stays relevant for years. Buying now means spending $349 on a tablet that's already behind the curve. Spending the same amount (or possibly less) on the new model later means getting a machine that's future-ready. For most people, the choice is clear: hold off, save your money, and invest in the iPad that will grow with Apple's AI ecosystem.

What do experts say about the timing?

Industry analysts and well-known leakers are unanimous in their advice. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman explicitly stated that the next iPad should arrive in 2026 and is production-ready. MacRumors and other trusted sites have strongly recommended against buying the current model, labeling it a "Don't Buy" in their Buyer's Guide. The reasoning is consistent: the A16 chip's lack of Apple Intelligence support is a dealbreaker for anyone who plans to keep their tablet for more than a year or two. Even if you're not an early adopter of AI features, the direction of iOS and iPadOS makes it clear that AI is no longer optional—it's foundational. The consensus is clear: if you can wait, wait. Your future self will thank you.