During its spring product launch wave in March, Apple successively launched...iPhone 17eBrand new affordable laptopsMacBook Neo, and containsStudio Display family of monitorsWhile new products are expected, no updates to the entry-level, affordable tablet "iPad 12" have been announced. However, according to information obtained by Bloomberg News reporter Mark Gurman...Point outThe iPad 12, equipped with the A18 chip and full support for Apple Intelligence, is "ready" and is expected to be officially launched in the first half of this year along with the iOS 26.4 update cycle.
Say goodbye to performance anxiety: Entry-level models upgraded to A18, fully embracing AI.
Looking back at Apple's launch in March 2025iPad 11Although the processor was upgraded to the A16 Bionic and the starting price of $349 was maintained, the entry-level tablet was left out of the lineup due to insufficient computing power as Apple vigorously promoted its "Apple Intelligence" strategy at the end of the same year. In fact, among Apple's current mainstream product line, the iPad 11 is the "only" device that does not support Apple Intelligence (even the iPad mini has gained support by upgrading to the A17 Pro).
To complete the final piece of the AI puzzle, the biggest highlight of the upcoming iPad 12 is that it will skip the A17 processor and directly replace it with the A18 processor, which is on par with the iPhone 16 series. This means that even students or light users who buy the most affordable iPad will be able to smoothly use the new Siri, article summarization, image generation, and other full generative AI functions.
The exterior design remains unchanged; the focus is on internal upgrades.
Aside from the upgrade in core computing power, current information indicates that the iPad 12 will maintain the same outline as the current model in terms of appearance and hardware design.
This means users will still see the familiar 10.9-inch screen, the full-screen design without a Home button, and the Touch ID interface with the power button integrated at the top. Consumers expecting a major design overhaul or an OLED panel might be somewhat disappointed, but considering this is an entry-level model positioned in the $349 price range, maintaining the existing design to minimize manufacturing costs and focusing all resources on upgrading the A18 processor is clearly Apple's most reasonable business decision.
Missed its March release, it is expected to debut with iOS 26.4.
As for why the iPad 12 was absent from the March product lineup, it's speculated that Apple might be trying to avoid its own products "stealing the spotlight." The newly launched affordable MacBook Neo is extremely competitively priced, and if a similar affordable iPad with an A18 processor were released simultaneously, their target customer groups in the entry-level and education markets might overlap.
Mark Gurman revealed that the iPad 12 is still in the update roadmap for the first half of 2026, most likely between April and May, when it will be released on Apple's website along with the iOS 26.4 (or iPadOS 26.4) update cycle.
