Apple is gearing up to refresh its most affordable iPad, and the 12th-gen model looks set to deliver a big performance jump without breaking the bank.
Expected in spring 2026, this new iPad will reportedly feature the same A18 chip found in the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e – a move that brings serious power to Apple’s entry-level tablet line.
The A18 processor won’t just speed up everyday tasks; it will also unlock Apple Intelligence features, which are currently limited to devices with more powerful chips. This suggests the base iPad will pack at least 8GB of RAM, up from the current 6GB, making it future-ready for AI-driven tools and apps.
While the iPad mini is rumored to get the A19 Pro chip, the standard iPad will stick to Apple’s tried-and-true design, with most of the upgrades happening under the hood. Expect a similar look to the current model, but with a much faster brain and smoother performance.
Price-wise, Apple is said to be targeting the same $349 starting point as the current base model, though market changes or tariffs could nudge it higher. If Apple holds that price, the 12th-gen iPad could be the best-value tablet in its lineup – a no-nonsense device with enough muscle for students, casual users, and even light creative work.