{"id":66849,"date":"2026-05-01T17:12:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T15:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=66849"},"modified":"2026-05-01T17:12:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T15:12:43","slug":"ipad-12th-generation-all-rumors-at-a-glance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/allgemein\/ipad-12-generation-alle-geruechte-im-ueberblick","title":{"rendered":"iPad 12th Generation: All the rumors at a glance"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2013 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The iPad 12 aims to change that. In our iPad buying guide: Which iPad is worth it?<\/a>, we compared the current lineup \u2013 the iPad 12 could significantly strengthen our entry-level recommendation as soon as it's released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

iPad 12: The most important points in brief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Detail<\/th>Expectation<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Code name<\/td>J581 \/ J582<\/td><\/tr>
Chip<\/td>A18 (likely) or A19 (possible)<\/td><\/tr>
RAM<\/td>8 GB (instead of 6 GB)<\/td><\/tr>
Display<\/td>11-inch LCD, 60 Hz, unchanged<\/td><\/tr>
Design<\/td>No changes expected<\/td><\/tr>
Connectivity<\/td>N1 chip possible (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6)<\/td><\/tr>
Apple Intelligence<\/td>Yes \u2013 for the first time in the entry-level iPad<\/td><\/tr>
Release<\/td>Spring launch cancelled, now probably autumn 2026<\/td><\/tr>
Price<\/td>Expected to start at \u20ac379 (unchanged)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chip: A18 or A19 \u2013 the main thing is Apple Intelligence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most important point: The iPad 12 will have a chip that supports Apple Intelligence. Which one exactly is not yet clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A18 (more likely):<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A19 (possible):<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both chips support Apple Intelligence, 8 GB of RAM, and a 16-core Neural Engine. For everyday use\u2014browsing, streaming, note-taking, light productivity\u2014the difference is negligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Display: LCD remains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 with True Tone, Wide Color (P3), and 500 nits of brightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design: Familiar form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 the current model is available in blue, pink, silver, and yellow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connectivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The iPad 12 may receive the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread\u2014the same upgrade the iPad Air (M4) received in March 2026. The cellular models could use Apple's own C1 modem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cameras and accessories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No major changes are expected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n