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 with the A16 chip is the only iPad in the lineup that cannot utilize Apple Intelligence features. The 12-inch iPad is intended to fill this gap – but later than originally expected. Apple CFO Kevan Parekh indirectly admitted during the Q2 2026 earnings call that the new iPad is unlikely to be released before July.

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 as soon as it's released.

iPad 12: The most important points in brief

Detail	Expectation
Code name	J581 / J582
Chip	A18 (likely) or A19 (possible)
RAM	8 GB (instead of 6 GB)
Display	11-inch LCD, 60 Hz, unchanged
Design	No changes expected
Connectivity	N1 chip possible (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6)
Apple Intelligence	Yes – for the first time in the entry-level iPad
Release	Spring launch cancelled, now probably autumn 2026
Price	Expected to start at €379 (unchanged)

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: From spring candidate to autumn postponement

The situation regarding the release date has changed significantly recently. Mark Gurman stated in March 2026 that the iPad 12 was "ready to go" and would be released "this year." However, the model was not unveiled at Apple's spring event in March 2026 – even though the new iPad Air made its debut there. A quiet launch via press release in April also failed to materialize.

On April 30, 2026, Apple CFO Kevan Parekh made an unusually clear indication during the Q2 2026 earnings call. Looking ahead to the current June quarter, he pointed out to investors that a comparison with the same quarter of the previous year was difficult – because the iPad with the A16 chip was introduced last year. In this context, this phrasing means: There will be no corresponding new product launch in the current quarter. We have analyzed Parekh's statements separately.

This makes a launch of the iPad 12 before July 2026 highly unlikely. Apple traditionally doesn't release new hardware in the second half of summer – July and August are rather atypical for major launches. A realistic window therefore remains sometime in the fall of 2026, possibly in conjunction with the iPhone 18 unveiling in September or a quiet October launch via press release.

The delay is also noteworthy because it further condenses Apple's already packed fall lineup. Besides the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra, other products are poised for launch, from the delayed Mac Studio M5 to the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. If the entry-level iPad also makes it into this window, fall 2026 will be one of Apple's busiest launch periods in recent years.

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 512 GB.

iPad 12: Who should wait?

Users of 9th or 10th generation iPads will experience a significant upgrade with the 12-inch iPad: a faster chip, Apple Intelligence, more RAM, and more modern connectivity. The leap from an older iPad with a Lightning connector to the new model with USB-C is also noticeable in everyday use.

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.

The situation is difficult for anyone who needs an affordable iPad right now. Buying the current model without Apple Intelligence is unnecessary now that its successor is confirmed – but due to the delay until likely fall 2026, the wait is considerably longer than originally anticipated. Anyone who needs an iPad now and can't wait should opt for the current model or consider an iPad Air with the M4 chip, which already supports Apple Intelligence.

The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / PHLD Luca)