What’s really changing with Apple’s next iPads?

Apple’s upcoming iPad updates bring small but meaningful upgrades. The next iPad mini, expected in late 2026, will switch from LCD to OLED, making colors richer than the current screen. The device might grow slightly larger, from 8. 3 to 8. 7 inches, and could finally get ProMotion, a feature long missing from this model. The changes suggest a redesign, possibly making the tablet thinner to fit the new tech inside. Chip upgrades remain unclear. Some clues point to the A20 Pro, while others suggest the iPad mini might use the A19 Pro or even a mix of N1 and C1X chips. A big shift comes with water resistance—rumored to be the first iPad mini with an official waterproof rating. Apple also plans to remove speaker holes, using a vibration system instead to keep water out. These upgrades could push the price up to $599.The iPad Air is also getting an upgrade, but later. Expected in early 2027, it will follow the iPad mini’s lead with an OLED screen, but at a lower cost by using Samsung’s single-stack LTPS panel. Like the mini, the Air might get a new design and the new M5 chip. The Pro model, arriving mid-2027, will stick with its current look but get the M6 chip and better cooling. With Air narrowing the gap, the Pro’s advantages shrink unless Apple surprises with something big. That big surprise could be a foldable iPad, but don’t hold your breath. Rumors say it’s years away, possibly launching in 2029 with an 18-inch display. Early reports mention weight and screen issues, and its price could hit $3, 900—three times the cost of today’s Pro model. If it ever arrives, it’ll be a luxury gadget, not a practical one.