iPad 12 Rumors: Release Date, Features, Price and Everything We Know
Updated July 20, 2026
Apple’s next entry-level iPad is beginning to take shape, but it may arrive later than previously expected. Often referred to as the iPad 12, the new model is rumored to bring a faster A-series chip, more memory and Apple Intelligence support while keeping a familiar design.
Here is everything currently reported about the iPad 12 release date, expected features, price, display, performance and possible upgrades.
Quick Answer
The rumored iPad 12 is now expected to launch in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest, although Apple has not announced the device.
Its biggest upgrade could be an A18 or A19 chip, bringing Apple Intelligence to Apple's entry-level iPad for the first time. An increase to approximately 8GB of memory is also expected.
Major design changes are unlikely. Current reports point to the same general 11-inch design, an LCD display, Touch ID, USB-C and familiar Apple Pencil support.
Apple has not confirmed the price. However, because the current iPad now starts at $449 in the United States, that is a more realistic starting-price estimate than the previous $349 price.
iPad 12 Rumors at a Glance
| Category | Latest Rumor |
|---|---|
| Status | Unannounced |
| Release date | Q1 2027 at the earliest |
| Processor | A18 or A19 |
| Apple Intelligence | Expected |
| Memory | Approximately 8GB expected |
| Display | 11-inch LCD expected |
| Design | Likely similar to iPad A16 |
| Starting storage | 128GB likely |
| Expected price | Possibly around $449, not confirmed |
Important: Apple has not announced a product called the iPad 12. The name is commonly used to describe the expected successor to the current iPad with the A16 chip.
Apple may eventually market the tablet as the iPad with A18 or iPad with A19 instead of emphasizing its generation number.
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When Will the iPad 12 Be Released?
The latest reporting points to an iPad 12 release date in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest.
That creates a possible launch window between January and March 2027. However, “at the earliest” does not guarantee that Apple will release the tablet during that quarter.
The timing could still move into spring or later in 2027.
Earlier reports suggested that the new entry-level iPad was ready for a 2026 launch. The schedule has apparently changed, making older predictions of a late-2026 release less reliable.
According to a July 2026 report summarizing information from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the next base iPad is now planned for early 2027 and will focus mainly on a faster processor rather than a major redesign.
Why Is the iPad 12 Release Date Expected to Be Delayed?
The iPad 12 was previously expected to arrive in 2026, but the latest reports suggest Apple has moved the launch timeline to the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest.
The delay does not appear to be related to a major redesign. Instead, the next entry-level iPad is expected to be a specification-focused update, with Apple mainly adding a faster chip and support for Apple Intelligence.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is also preparing updates across its iPad lineup, including new iPad Air and iPad Pro models in the first half of 2027. This could allow Apple to refresh multiple iPad models within a similar timeframe rather than updating the entry-level model alone.
For Apple, the current A16 iPad already covers the affordable tablet market. The bigger reason to introduce the iPad 12 is likely to bring Apple Intelligence support to the lowest-priced iPad category.
Will the iPad 12 Use the A18 or A19 Chip?
The processor is currently the most important unresolved iPad 12 rumor.
Bloomberg reporting has pointed to the A18 chip, while other reports have suggested that Apple could use the newer A19 chip.
Both would be meaningful upgrades from the A16 used in the current entry-level iPad.
What an A18 Chip Would Add
An A18-powered iPad 12 would gain a newer CPU, improved graphics performance and a more capable Neural Engine.
The A18 also includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which could improve graphics in supported games and creative applications.
More importantly, it would give the base iPad the hardware needed for Apple Intelligence.
Could Apple Use the A19 Instead?
The A19 would give the iPad 12 a newer processor and potentially more performance headroom for future iPadOS features.
However, Apple regularly uses older chips in its most affordable iPad. An A18 would therefore fit the company's traditional product strategy.
The safest conclusion is that the iPad 12 should receive a major internal upgrade, but the exact chip remains unconfirmed.
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Apple Intelligence Could Be the Biggest New Feature
The current iPad with the A16 chip does not support Apple Intelligence.
That is expected to change with the iPad 12.
Both the A18 and A19 are capable of supporting Apple's on-device AI system. The new iPad is also expected to receive more memory, likely moving from the current model's reported 6GB to approximately 8GB.
This could give entry-level iPad users access to features such as:
- Writing Tools
- Notification and message summaries
- Image generation and editing tools
- Improved Siri features
- AI-assisted productivity features in supported apps
- New Apple Intelligence tools introduced through iPadOS 27 and later
Not every Apple Intelligence feature is available in every language or region. Availability may also change before the iPad 12 is released.
Will the iPad 12 Have a New Design?
A major redesign currently looks unlikely.
The iPad 12 is expected to retain the general appearance introduced with the 10th-generation iPad and continued with the current A16 model.
Expected design features include:
- An approximately 11-inch display
- Flat aluminum sides
- Touch ID integrated into the top button
- A landscape front camera
- A USB-C port
- Landscape stereo speakers
- Several bright color options
The current model is available in blue, pink, yellow and silver. Apple could refresh the colors, but no reliable color information has appeared.
Existing cases and keyboards may fit if the physical dimensions remain unchanged. Buyers should still wait for confirmed measurements before purchasing accessories labeled for the iPad 12.
Display Rumors: LCD Expected to Remain
The iPad 12 is not expected to receive an OLED display.
Current reports suggest Apple will continue using an LCD panel to keep the entry-level model more affordable.
The display is likely to remain close to the current 11-inch Liquid Retina screen, which measures 10.86 inches diagonally as a standard rectangle.
Features that are unlikely to appear include:
- OLED technology
- ProMotion with a 120Hz refresh rate
- A fully laminated panel
- P3 wide color
- An antireflective coating
These limitations help separate the base iPad from the more expensive iPad Air and iPad Pro.
For browsing, video, schoolwork and basic drawing, the current display remains functional. Users who want a laminated display or better color reproduction will still need to consider an iPad Air.
Expected Storage Options
The current iPad starts with 128GB of storage, replacing the 64GB starting capacity used by older models.
Apple is unlikely to reduce that capacity with the iPad 12.
The most likely storage options are:
- 128GB
- 256GB
- 512GB
Apple has not confirmed these configurations, but keeping the existing storage tiers would make more sense than introducing another major storage change.
Camera and Accessory Support
No significant camera upgrade has been reported.
The iPad 12 may retain a 12MP rear camera and a landscape 12MP Center Stage front camera. The landscape camera position is useful for video calls when the iPad is attached to a keyboard.
Accessory compatibility is also expected to remain familiar.
The current entry-level iPad supports:
- Apple Pencil USB-C
- First-generation Apple Pencil with an adapter
- Magic Keyboard Folio
- USB-C displays and accessories
There is no reliable evidence that the iPad 12 will support Apple Pencil Pro. Apple will likely continue reserving its more advanced Pencil features for iPad Air and iPad Pro.
Could the iPad 12 Get Wi-Fi 7?
A wireless connectivity upgrade is possible, but it is less certain than the processor and Apple Intelligence improvements.
Apple has developed its own N1 wireless chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread networking.
The company could expand the chip to more products released in 2027. However, Apple may also reserve it for more expensive devices.
The current iPad is limited to Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. Even if the iPad 12 keeps the same wireless standards, the tablet should remain fast enough for streaming, cloud apps and everyday browsing.
Will Battery Life Improve?
No specific iPad 12 battery-capacity rumor has appeared.
The current model is rated for up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback over Wi-Fi. Apple has used a similar battery-life target across several generations.
A more efficient A18 or A19 chip could improve performance without increasing power consumption. However, buyers should not expect a dramatic battery-life increase unless Apple changes the internal battery or display.
How Much Will the iPad 12 Cost?
Apple has not announced the iPad 12 price.
The current iPad originally launched in the United States at $349 for 128GB. Apple later increased its official starting price to $449.
Because of that change, an iPad 12 starting price of approximately $449 is now the most realistic estimate.
Possible pricing could look like this:
| Model | Possible Price |
|---|---|
| 128GB Wi-Fi | Around $449 |
| 256GB Wi-Fi | Around $549 |
| 512GB Wi-Fi | Around $749 |
These are estimates based on the current lineup, not leaked or announced prices.
Apple could adjust the prices again before launch. Retail discounts on the current iPad may also make the older model significantly cheaper than the iPad 12.
Should You Wait for the iPad 12?
Waiting for the iPad 12 makes sense if your current tablet still works and you want Apple Intelligence in the most affordable iPad.
You may want to wait if you:
- Do not need a new iPad immediately
- Want Apple Intelligence support
- Plan to keep the tablet for several years
- Want a newer chip for games and future apps
- Are concerned about buying the current model shortly before its replacement
Buying the current iPad can still make sense if you find it well below Apple's official price.
The A16 model remains suitable for web browsing, video, schoolwork, reading, note-taking and everyday applications. The biggest feature it lacks is Apple Intelligence.
Students should also remember that the entry-level iPad is not included in Apple's current promotional Back to School gift card offer. Read our Apple Back to School 2026 guide before choosing between the base iPad and iPad Air.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the iPad 12 expected to be released?
The latest reports suggest the iPad 12 could launch in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest. Apple has not confirmed an exact date.
Will the iPad 12 have the A18 chip?
The A18 is currently one of the leading possibilities. Other reporting has suggested an A19 chip, so the final processor remains uncertain.
Will the iPad 12 support Apple Intelligence?
Yes, it is widely expected to support Apple Intelligence if it uses the rumored A18 or A19 chip and receives the expected memory increase.
How much RAM will the iPad 12 have?
The iPad 12 is expected to have approximately 8GB of memory, compared with the current model's reported 6GB. Apple does not normally advertise iPad RAM.
Will the iPad 12 have an OLED display?
Probably not. Current reports indicate that the entry-level iPad will continue using an LCD screen.
Will the iPad 12 have a 120Hz display?
There are no reports suggesting ProMotion support. A standard 60Hz display remains more likely.
Will existing iPad cases fit the iPad 12?
They may fit if Apple keeps the same dimensions, but compatibility is not confirmed. Small changes to buttons, cameras or magnets can affect case fit.
How much will the iPad 12 cost?
Apple has not announced the price. Based on the current iPad's official U.S. price, approximately $449 is the most realistic starting estimate.
Is the iPad 12 worth waiting for?
It may be worth waiting for buyers who want Apple Intelligence and do not need a tablet immediately. Buyers who find a large discount on the current iPad may still get better short-term value.
Bottom Line
The iPad 12 is expected to be an internal upgrade rather than a major redesign.
Its most important changes could include an A18 or A19 chip, approximately 8GB of memory and Apple Intelligence support. The design, cameras, LCD display and accessory system are likely to remain familiar.
The latest information points to a release in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest. Pricing is unknown, but the current $449 entry-level iPad price provides the most realistic reference.
For buyers who already own a working tablet, waiting could provide a more future-ready entry-level iPad. Buyers who need an iPad now should compare current retailer discounts rather than paying full price only to avoid waiting.
