Apple’s most affordable tablet will finally join the AI era this year, with the iPad 12 reportedly arriving in the coming months equipped with an A18 chip that unlocks Apple Intelligence for budget-conscious users.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed the device is “ready to go” and “still coming this year,” addressing concerns about its absence from Apple’s recent product announcements earlier this month.
The company unveiled multiple new products in early March but left its entry-level tablet refresh conspicuously absent. The hardware upgrade represents a significant leap from the current iPad 11’s A16 processor, bringing the same silicon that powers recent iPhone models to Apple’s cheapest tablet.
This processor jump is crucial because only chips equivalent to A17 Pro or newer can run Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools, Clean Up photo editing, and enhanced Siri capabilities.
Gurman’s Power On newsletter indicates the iPad 12 remains on track for a first-half 2026 launch, potentially aligning with iOS 26.4’s release window that runs through May. The updated tablet could debut as early as late March, though supply chain considerations might push availability into April or May.
When it arrives, the iPad 12 will complete Apple’s product catalog transition to full AI compatibility. Every current-generation device in Apple’s lineup already supports Apple Intelligence except for the entry-level iPad, making this refresh essential for maintaining feature parity across price points.
The timing creates an interesting pricing dynamic for consumers considering accessory purchases. Pairing the expected $349 base tablet with Apple’s $249 Magic Keyboard Folio brings the total cost to $598, just one dollar less than the company’s new $599 MacBook Neo laptop introduced earlier this month.
Some industry speculation suggests Apple might opt for an A19 chip instead of A18, though most reports indicate the company will stick with its established pattern of using previous-generation iPhone processors in budget iPads.
Either way, the performance boost over the current model’s A16 chip should be substantial while keeping manufacturing costs manageable.
Apple released the iPad 11 in March 2025 with U.S. pricing starting at $349, maintaining its position as the company’s most accessible tablet option despite lacking AI capabilities available on more expensive models.
