Apple Plans Spring Release for Budget iPad with A18 Chip Despite March Silence

• March 22, 2026

Apple is reportedly moving forward with the release of a new budget iPad featuring its A18 chip, scheduled for this spring. The development comes after the latest March event failed to include any updates or mentions of the base iPad model.

Budget iPad with New Chip Still on Track

Contrary to some expectations that Apple might postpone or cancel the launch, industry insider Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has reaffirmed that the company remains committed to the planned release timeline. In his newsletter Power On, Gurman highlighted that the rollout of the updated entry-level iPad will happen as originally intended.

Apple’s March announcements focused on other products, leaving the entry-level tablet absent from the spotlight. Nevertheless, the absence did not signify a change in strategy. The new iPad is set to utilize the A18 chip, marking a notable upgrade within the budget category of Apple’s tablet lineup.

The A18 chip is expected to bring improved performance over previous generations, maintaining Apple’s push to offer powerful hardware across its product range, including options targeted at price-sensitive consumers. This move could bolster Apple’s iPad sales by offering a more capable, yet affordable, tablet experience.

Details such as pricing, exact specifications, or specific release dates have not been publicly disclosed by Apple or confirmed by insiders. However, the indication that the launch remains on schedule suggests that consumers may see the new model in the coming months.

Apple’s continued focus on the affordable iPad segment reflects the company’s broader strategy to maintain a strong presence in the competitive tablet market. The combination of newer silicon and an accessible price point aligns with Apple’s efforts to attract both new users and those looking to upgrade from older devices.

As the spring season unfolds, attention will likely turn toward official announcements and the unveiling of the budget iPad with the A18 chip, expected to complement the existing lineup of premium iPads and other Apple products.

Apple is expected to launch its budget iPad equipped with the A18 chip this spring, confirming plans despite no announcement in March.