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Kevan Parekh made an unusually clear indication of the release window for the next entry-level iPad during the Q2 2026 earnings call – revealing that it is unlikely to be released before July.
Apple executives practically never hint at upcoming products during earnings calls. That's precisely why a brief remark by CFO Kevan Parekh on Wednesday evening stood out: In his opening statement, a detail slipped through that has reshaped the rumor mill surrounding the next iPad. Those hoping for a quick successor to the A16 iPad will likely have to wait until later this year.
What Parekh literally said
In his outlook for the current June quarter, Parekh mentioned specific growth expectations – and added a remarkable caveat. Apple anticipates revenue growth of 14 to 17 percent compared to the same quarter last year. However, he noted that the comparison with the iPad is difficult because the iPad with the A16 chip was introduced in the same quarter last year.
This wording is crucial in the context: Apple explicitly points out to its investors a difficult year-on-year comparison – that is, a revenue effect resulting from the lack of a corresponding new product launch in the current quarter.
Why this suggests a delay
The last entry-level iPad with an A16 chip was introduced in March 2025. The industry actually expected Apple to release its successor in the same spring window – coinciding with the new iPad Air, which was indeed unveiled in March 2026. But the affordable model never materialized.
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently reported that the hardware was ready and the launch would take place this year. Parekh's statement now pushes this timeframe further back: A new iPad in Q3 (April to June) would have eased the comparison with the strong prior-year quarter – but that's precisely what Parekh is worrying investors about. A market launch before July now seems virtually impossible.
When the new iPad will realistically arrive
Apple traditionally doesn't release new hardware in the second half of summer – July and August are rather atypical for major launches. Realistically, this leaves a window starting in the fall, possibly in conjunction with other product updates around the iPhone 18 launch or in October.
As a reminder: Apple introduced the iPad with the A16 chip in March 2025, along with double the base storage. The expected successor is rumored to switch to the A18 chip, making it Apple Intelligence-enabled for the first time – a significant step, as the most affordable iPad has thus far been outside of Apple's AI ecosystem.
What's behind Apple's hint
That Apple would even offer such a hint is unusual. Unlike analyst questions, which Tim Cook and his team routinely deflect, this remark was made voluntarily in the opening statement. The reason is obvious: Parekh needs to explain to investors why the iPad segment isn't able to replicate last year's growth in the current quarter. A lack of a product launch is the most honest explanation.
This has a twofold effect for buyers: those looking for a cheap iPad will have to be patient. However, those waiting for the A18 chip upgrade can be sure that the model will indeed arrive in 2026 – just not in the traditional spring release window, but later.
Apple's iPad roadmap is coming together
The delay is also noteworthy because it further condenses Apple's already packed fall lineup. Besides the iPhone 18, other products are poised for release, from new Macs to potential audio and wearable updates. If the entry-level iPad falls within this timeframe, fall 2026 will be one of Apple's busiest launch periods in recent years. You can find all the currently known details about the model in our iPad 12 overview.
Apple's iPad hiatus as a signal to investors
Parekh's remark is more than just a footnote in the earnings call. It shows precisely how Apple manages expectations on Wall Street – and simultaneously how closely product development is intertwined with the quarterly reports. For the Apple community, this means one thing above all: Anyone waiting for the next entry-level iPad should mark fall 2026 firmly on their calendar. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Gabo_Arts)
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