Apple is preparing to update its most affordable iPad with the 12th-generation model, expected to launch in spring 2026. While the tablet will retain its current design, significant upgrades under the hood are set to enhance performance, connectivity, and efficiency, making it a compelling option for buyers who were considering the current version.
Same Design, Enhanced Performance
The 12th-generation iPad will maintain the familiar 11-inch edge-to-edge Retina display, complete with Touch ID on the side button and thicker bezels compared to the iPad Air and Pro models. Despite being the thickest in Apple’s lineup at 7mm, it will continue to support the Apple Pencil and retain the USB-C port along with unchanged front and rear cameras. Apple may also introduce new colour options beyond the current palette of blue, pink, silver, and yellow.
A Smarter, Faster Chip
The major upgrade is the inclusion of Apple’s A18 chip, first seen in the iPhone 16 series. Built on a 3-nanometre process, the A18 provides enhanced speed, efficiency, and access to Apple Intelligence features, previously available only on premium iPads.
Gamers and graphics users will benefit from hardware-accelerated ray tracing and other graphical enhancements. To complement these improvements, Apple is expected to increase the RAM from 6GB to 8GB, ensuring smoother multitasking and performance.
Improved Connectivity and Networking
The 12th-generation iPad may also feature Apple’s N1 chip, which debuted in the iPhone 17 and iPad Pro. This addition brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking technology for smart home integration, enabling faster 6GHz Wi-Fi connections compared to Wi-Fi 6 on the current model.
For cellular models, Apple might introduce its own modem chip, following the C1 and C1X trend from 2025 devices. These in-house modems are designed for comparable performance to Qualcomm chips while offering better energy efficiency and potentially longer battery life.
Price and Launch Timeline
The current 11th-generation iPad starts at $349 for the 128GB model. Apple has not indicated any changes to pricing for the 12th-generation model. The new iPad is expected to release between March 20 and June 20, 2026, with a likely launch alongside iPad Air updates in March or April.
For buyers, waiting a few months could mean getting a faster, smarter iPad without altering the familiar design they already enjoy.
