iPad 12th Generation: All the rumors at a glance

The most affordable iPad will receive its most significant update in years in 2026: a new chip that finally supports Apple Intelligence. The current iPad (11th generation) with the A16 chip is the only iPad in the lineup that cannot utilize Apple Intelligence features. The 12-inch iPad is intended to close this gap – without increasing the price.

Apple updated its entry-level iPad in March 2025 with the A16 chip and an 11-inch display. A solid device for everyday use, but with one problem: the A16 doesn't support Apple Intelligence. This means the cheapest iPad lacks precisely the features that Apple has been making central to its software strategy since 2024.

The iPad 12 aims to change that. In our iPad buying guide: Which iPad is worth it?, we compared the current lineup – the iPad 12 could significantly strengthen our entry-level recommendation.

The most important points in brief

Chip: A18 or A19 – the main thing is Apple Intelligence

The most important point: The iPad 12 will have a chip that supports Apple Intelligence. Which one exactly is not yet clear.

A18 (more likely): Mark Gurman mentions the A18 as the planned chip. It originates from the iPhone 16 (2024) and is the most affordable Apple Intelligence-enabled processor. This would be in line with Apple's tradition of using a chip in the entry-level iPad that is one or two generations behind the current iPhone.

A19 (possible): Macworld reports finding evidence of an A19 chip (from the iPhone 17) in internal Apple code. This would be unusual, as Apple has never used its latest chip in its budget iPad. MacRumors leaks suggest the A18 is more likely.

Both chips support Apple Intelligence, 8 GB of RAM, and a 16-core Neural Engine. For everyday use—browsing, streaming, note-taking, light productivity—the difference is negligible.

Display: LCD remains

No surprises here: The iPad 12 retains the 11-inch Liquid Retina LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate. No OLED, no ProMotion, no laminated display. These features remain exclusive to the iPad Air and iPad Pro. For the price, the display is still solid – with True Tone, Wide Color (P3), and 500 nits of brightness.

Design: Familiar form

The external design is not expected to change: flat edges, Touch ID integrated into the power button, USB-C, stereo speakers. The landscape front camera will remain. New colors are possible – the current model is available in blue, pink, silver, and yellow.

Connectivity

The iPad 12 may receive the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread—the same upgrade the iPad Air (M4) received in March 2026. The cellular models could use Apple's own C1 modem.

Cameras and accessories

No major changes are expected:

• Rear camera: 12 MP wide-angle
• Front camera: 12 MP with Center Stage (Landscape)
• Apple Pencil: Compatibility with Apple Pencil (USB-C) remains
• Keyboard: Magic Keyboard Folio still supported

Release: When will the iPad 12 be released?

The timing is the most uncertain point. Gurman said in March 2026 that the iPad 12 was "ready to go" and would be released "this year." Originally, a launch in spring 2026 was expected (within the iOS 26.4 timeline, which ran until May). However, the iPad was not unveiled at the March event.

Possible scenarios:

• Spring/Summer 2026: Silent launch via press release if Apple uses the A18 chip
• Fall 2026: Along with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPadOS 27, if Apple switches to the A19.

Price: The cheapest Apple Intelligence iPad

The current iPad starts at €379 in Germany. There is no indication of a price increase. The iPad 12 would therefore be the most affordable Apple device with Apple Intelligence – and a direct competitor to Android tablets, which offer significantly less AI integration.

Expected storage options: 128 GB, 256 GB and possibly 512 GB for the first time.

iPad 12: Who should wait?

Users of 9th or 10th generation iPads will receive a significant upgrade with the iPad 12: faster chip, Apple Intelligence, more RAM and more modern connectivity.

Those who own the current iPad 11 (2025) face a different decision: the hardware and design remain virtually identical. The only real reason to upgrade is Apple Intelligence – and the question of how important the new AI features are to you.

Our recommendation: If you're planning on buying a new entry-level iPad, wait for the iPad 12. Purchasing the A16 iPad without Apple Intelligence is unnecessary now that its successor is confirmed and within reach. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / PHLD Luca)

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Have you already visited our Amazon Storefront? There you'll find a hand-picked selection of various products for your iPhone and other devices – enjoy browsing !

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