Apple's next entry-level iPad models, codenamed J581 and J582, will not arrive until early 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
He added that Apple plans a major iPad Air refresh to add an OLED display and a new iPad Pro in 2027. The latter could gain a vapor chamber to improve thermals and performance. A new iPad mini is still expected to arrive at the end of October this year.
There's very little benefit to going with the Air unless you need an M processor and don't want to spend as much on a Pro model. Otherwise the Air doesn't have much else going for it. It isn't any different size wise than the base model. It isn't thin like the iPhone Air. I've been wanting to move on from my 4th generation that still has an A line chip, but the current Air is basically the same as my 5 year old one aside from the processor.
The iPad line up needs a rethink
Merge the Pro and the Air into a single line
I find my iPad Pro pretty much perfect to be honest. Plenty of horsepower, a battery that lasts a decent amount of time, and it charges quickly. The problem with making it beefier, is that it would be heavier to hold when using it like a tablet. I wouldn't change a thing on the current pros, although I agree the Air is a strange one in it's current form.
What about making the pro heavier and beefier but with better internals.
They could merge the air and mini, forming a highly ergonomic and easy to wield iPad that also is almost a pro-like experience. I say leave it as iPad Air name and just include mini as one of size options.
The basic iPad should still exist as it is, an entry to the iPad line and a way to figure out what you want to move to, air, mini, or pro.
4 models does feel very fragmented to me.
The iPad line up needs a rethink
Merge the Pro and the Air into a single line
