Apple iPad 12th Generation: What we know so far
Apple is working on a 12th-generation iPad and plans to update its most affordable tablet next spring. It won’t be a major update, but if you’re planning a purchase, you might want to wait for the latest Apple iPad.
Apple iPad Design
There are no rumors of a design update for the 12th-generation Apple iPad, so it will likely have the same 11-inch display with an edge-to-edge display, Touch ID side button, and thick bezels.
The iPad design was last updated with the 10th-generation model. This gave the device a more modern look that better matches the designs of the iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
The budget-friendly Apple iPad is available in only one screen size and, at 7 mm, is Apple’s thickest tablet. It features a Retina LED display without ProMotion support, P3 color gamut coverage, and without lamination (a display technology that provides improved image quality compared to Apple’s other tablets).
The Apple iPad comes in a variety of colors, and we might see some new shades in 2026. Current colors include blue, pink, silver, and yellow. No changes are expected for the main camera, the front camera, the USB-C port, or compatibility with accessories like the Apple Pencil.
A-Series Processor
Rumors suggest that the entry-level iPad will be equipped with Apple’s A18 chipset, the same chip found in the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Plus. It is based on a 3-nanometer process and offers higher speed and efficiency compared to the A16 chip in the current model.
The A16 chip, which Apple used in 2025, does not support Apple Intelligence, but the A18 does. This represents a significant update for Apple’s affordable tablet. The 2026 model should receive the Apple Intelligence features that are not yet available in the 2025 model.
The A18 also offers hardware-accelerated ray tracing and similar features for an enhanced gaming experience. The current 11th-generation iPad has 6 GB of RAM, but Apple will need to increase this to 8 GB for Apple Intelligence.
Apple N1 Chip
Apple unveiled its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, the N1, in the iPhone 17 models. The N1 chip was also used in the Apple iPad Pro, and it’s likely that it will be included in all future devices starting in 2026.
The N1 chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking technology for smart home devices.
The 11th-generation iPad is limited to Wi-Fi 6. If the Apple iPad 12 does indeed get Wi-Fi 7, it could connect to faster 6 GHz networks for the first time. Bluetooth 6 would also be an improvement over Bluetooth 5.3.
Apple C1 Modem
Apple has also developed the C1 and C1X modem chips, which will be used in the iPhones and iPads in 2025. The next generation of iPad could also receive a modem chip developed by Apple for cellular models. Apple’s modem chips are more energy-efficient than Qualcomm’s while offering comparable performance.
Price
The 11th-generation Apple iPad is available starting at €379/$349 for the 128GB version, and there are currently no indications that the price of the 12th-generation model will change.
Launch Date
Apple plans to launch the new iPad in spring 2026, sometime between March and June. At the same time, Apple will also update the iPad Air.
In addition, Apple is also working on an iPad mini OLED and the first iPad Fold.
