The regular iPad might be Apple’s most affordable tablet, but in 2026, iPad 12 Gen, it’s about to get smarter, faster, and more capable—without getting more expensive. The design of the entry-level iPad was last updated back in 2022, marking a significant shift in how the base model looked and functioned. This information is also featured on 9to9trends’ YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out.
That update introduced a sleek, more modern aesthetic but came with a downside: a $450 price tag that many felt pushed the definition of “budget iPad.” Thankfully, Apple adjusted that with time. By May 2024, the starting price had dropped to a more manageable $350, making the 10th-generation iPad a better deal for casual users. It offered a clean design, a USB-C port, and supported the Apple Pencil, but performance was still held back by the aging A14 chip.
In early 2025, Apple responded with the 11th-generation iPad, and while the design stayed the same, the internals were notably upgraded. Most importantly, the A16 Bionic chip replaced the slower A14. This was a welcome change and immediately improved daily performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, video calling, online shopping, and handling basic productivity apps. Though it didn’t make the iPad a powerhouse, the A16 allowed for smoother usage across iPadOS while keeping things efficient and responsive for the majority of users.
And with the help of retail events like Amazon Prime Day, the price dropped even further, reaching below $300 in some instances, with projections suggesting a potential dip to as low as $260 during Black Friday. For many, it was the best deal Apple had ever offered for a mainstream tablet.
iPadOS 26 Brings Multitasking, But Apple Intelligence Still Missing
June 2025 marked another major step for the iPad platform, as Apple released iPadOS 26 alongside iOS 26 and macOS 26. Among the most noticeable improvements was multitasking support via movable windows—something users had long asked for. This transformed how apps could be used in parallel and made the iPad even more laptop-like in its daily use. However, one major feature was absent: Apple Intelligence. Apple’s new AI initiative, which brings intelligent suggestions, enhanced Siri, summarization tools, and system-wide smart features, didn’t arrive for the standard iPad. Why? The answer lies in the hardware.
The 11th-generation iPad’s A16 chip, while powerful enough for general tasks, is limited by its 6GB of RAM. Apple Intelligence requires a newer chip architecture and a minimum of 8GB of RAM, which the current model doesn’t support. This exclusion left the entry-level iPad behind in Apple’s expanding AI ecosystem, just as iPhones and iPad Pro models began offering users next-gen features. For users hoping for a smarter iPad experience, the wait continues—but not for long.
A18 Chip and 8GB RAM Coming to iPad 12 Gen
The upcoming iPad 12 Gen is expected to address these shortcomings head-on. According to recent leaks—including reports from trusted sources like Majin Bu—the next regular iPad will be powered by Apple’s A18 chip. This is the same chip expected to be used in the iPhone 16e lineup. While not the A18 Pro, this standard A18 still provides significant processing power and supports Apple Intelligence thanks to its modern architecture. Most importantly, Apple is expected to increase the RAM to 8GB, which is the key to unlocking AI functionality across the iPad’s software.
This combination—an A18 chip with 8GB RAM—represents a huge jump from the current model. The upgrade will allow the iPad to handle tasks like AI-generated summaries, personalized recommendations, improved Siri interactions, and advanced on-device language models, all of which form the foundation of Apple Intelligence. For users, it means the budget iPad will finally become “smart” in a much broader sense, able to compete not just on price and performance, but also on intelligent features.
No Changes in Design, Display, or Storage—And That’s Okay
Despite the major internal improvements, the external design of the iPad 12 Gen is expected to remain exactly the same as the previous generation. Apple seems content with the current chassis, and for good reason—it’s functional, modern-looking, and already optimized for the accessories ecosystem. This means you shouldn’t expect any major changes like OLED panels, mini-LED technology, or even a laminated display. Apple will continue using the same non-laminated LCD to keep production costs low and maintain the iPad’s budget appeal.
As for the storage iPad 12 Gen, the base configuration will stay at 128GB. This capacity was only recently introduced, so it’s unlikely to increase again so soon. That said, 128GB is plenty for most users, especially those who rely on iCloud for backups and media storage. And since the iPad will now be more capable of running heavier AI features and multitasking windows, users will still benefit from the higher performance without needing extra onboard storage.
Accessory Support Remains Strong
Another consistent element in Apple’s strategy is accessory support. The iPad 12 Gen will continue to work with current Apple Pencil models as well as existing keyboard folios. Users can also expect full compatibility with third-party keyboards like ESR, Logitech, and others that are already widely used. This ensures users don’t need to reinvest in new peripherals, keeping the overall cost of upgrading low. Whether you’re sketching, note-taking, or writing documents, the ecosystem stays familiar and accessible.
Release Timeline, Pricing, and Final Thoughts
According to current reports, the iPad 12 Gen is expected to launch in the early months of 2026. This timeline aligns with Apple’s typical strategy of refreshing the regular iPad annually or every 18 months. By that point, the A18 chip will have matured, making it the perfect candidate for trickling down into the budget segment. Apple’s approach has always involved bringing slightly older, yet still powerful chips into the entry-level models, and this time is no different.
The best part? Pricing isn’t expected to change. The iPad 12 Gen will remain at $350, making it a rare case of a device getting significantly smarter and faster without a price hike. That alone makes it a compelling buy, especially when you factor in the new AI capabilities, multitasking features from iPadOS 26, and 8GB RAM—all at the same price point as its predecessor. And if recent patterns hold, retail events could drop this price even further.
For users still holding onto older iPads or those looking for an affordable Apple device that can keep up with modern software demands, the iPad 12 Gen is shaping up to be the smartest entry-level iPad Apple has ever made.
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Last update on 2026-01-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
