Apple iPad 12th-gen to bring A18 chip without changing design

Apple is preparing to update its most affordable iPad, with the 12th-generation model expected to arrive in spring 2026. While the new tablet won’t feature a major redesign, it promises notable improvements under the hood, making it worth waiting for if you were planning to buy the current version.

Same design, more power

The 12th-generation iPad will keep the familiar 11-inch edge-to-edge display, complete with Touch ID on the side button and relatively thick bezels. Apple last refreshed the tablet’s design with the 10th-generation model, giving it a sleeker look closer to the iPad Pro and iPad Air.

The low-cost iPad remains the thickest in Apple’s lineup at 7mm, with a Retina LED display that does not support ProMotion, P3 wide colour, or lamination, which are available on higher-end iPads. The rear and front cameras, USB-C port, and Apple Pencil support are expected to remain unchanged. Apple may also introduce new colours for the 2026 edition, building on current options such as blue, pink, silver, and yellow.

A smarter, faster chip

The major upgrade comes from Apple’s A18 chip, already used in the iPhone 16 series. Built on a 3-nanometre process, the A18 brings improved speed and efficiency compared to the A16 chip in the current model. Unlike the A16, the A18 will enable Apple Intelligence features, allowing the affordable iPad to access capabilities previously reserved for premium models.

Gamers may also notice enhancements, as the A18 supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and other graphics improvements. To handle these new features, Apple is expected to increase RAM from 6GB in the 11th-generation model to 8GB.

Better connectivity and smarter networking

The 12th-generation iPad may also gain Apple’s N1 chip, first seen in the iPhone 17 and iPad Pro. This chip adds support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking technology for smart home devices. That would allow the new tablet to connect to faster 6GHz Wi-Fi networks, an upgrade over the Wi-Fi 6 limitation of the current model.

Apple could also introduce its own modem chip for cellular models, following the trend set by the C1 and C1X chips in 2025 devices. These modems are designed to offer similar performance to Qualcomm chips while using less power, which could help extend battery life.

Price and release

The 11th-generation iPad starts at $349 for the 128GB model, and there are no indications that Apple plans to change pricing for the upcoming version. The 12th-generation model is expected to launch between March 20 and June 20, with a likely release in March or April, alongside updates to the iPad Air.

For buyers who were considering the current iPad, waiting a few months could bring a faster, smarter device without changing the design they already know and like.