Apple's Cheapest iPad 12 Set For A18 Upgrade—Finally Gets AI Boost

With Apple bumping up the features and specs of its top products, it seems only natural to expect the same from its cheapest iPad. And if Bloomberg's Mark Gurman report is accurate, those looking to buy Apple's most affordable iPad may be in for a treat.

According to Gurman, the notable change that the iPad 12 will have is the jump from the A16 chip to the A18 chip. If confirmed, this means the upcoming iPad is expected to perform faster and will support Apple Intelligence (AI). With these revelations, there is reason for potential iPad buyers to look forward to it.

Further, Gurman claims that the entry-level iPad will be out by the first half of 2026. The exact month or date remains sketchy, although it was originally set for release around the same time iOS 26.4 rolls out. It is possible that the base iPad could be out as late as May, Apple Insider reported.

A18 Chip Upgrade Makes More Sense

Gurman's revelation makes more sense compared to previous rumours about the entry-level iPad. It was previously suggested that the iPad 12 could come out with an A19 chip although this was met with scepticism.

The reason behind this is that the A19 chip was just recently released for the iPhone 17, so it seemed unlikely for Apple to immediately add it to the next base iPad—especially since the tablet is expected to be a low-cost device, MacRumors reported.

At present, the current iPad, the iPad 11, relies on an A16 chip. This is the same chip that debuted for the iPhone 14 in 2022. Looking at Apple's history of upgrading iPad chips, the A18 chip claim appears aligned and reasonable for the iPad 12. But beyond the chipset, what else is there to look forward to?

Aside from the rumored A18 chip, the iPad 12 could come out with the following specs according to Phone Arena:

• Possibly 8GB of RAM
• A 7,698 mAh battery
• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• 12MP main camera, 12MP front-facing camera

Aesthetically, the iPad 12 is unlikely to see striking design changes. It will likely retain the design language of the 10th- and 11th-generation models, including a slightly thicker 10.9-inch bezel display.

The stereo speakers will likely be positioned at the sides, with the body expected to maintain the same aluminium build. It is expected to ship with iPadOS 26, which may include Stage Manager 2 for multitasking. This hints at a possible Mac-like menu bar when a keyboard is connected, transforming the iPad into a lightweight laptop alternative.

Is It Time To Get a New iPad?

The iPad 12 may come with minimal changes, but that alleged A18 chip bump should be a tempting upgrade. However, that depends on whether buyers are willing to pay the projected suggested retail prices. The forecasted prices are as follows:

• 128GB of storage - $349 (£260)
• 256GB of storage - $449 (£335)
• 512GB of storage - $649 (£483)

With an A18 chip, the suggested prices appear reasonable—especially for first-time iPad owners. For current Apple tablet owners looking to upgrade, the time to consider the iPad 12 may be now.