Apple’s cheapest iPad has been stuck on last-generation silicon and without Apple Intelligence for a while now, but that’s about to change. According to MacRumors, references buried in Apple’s own code point squarely at the next entry-level iPad 12, and this time the upgrades genuinely close the gap with pricier models rather than being a token spec bump.
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What’s Changing on the iPad 12
The standout upgrade is the jump to Apple’s A19 chip, replacing the A16 found in the current iPad 11 — and crucially, the A19 is powerful enough to finally bring full Apple Intelligence and Siri AI support to Apple’s base iPad, features that have been conspicuously missing from the entry-level model until now. RAM also gets a healthy bump from 6GB to 8GB, which should help with the kind of on-device AI processing Apple Intelligence relies on.
| Spec | iPad 11 (Current) | iPad 12 (Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A16 | A19 |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Storage (reported) | Up to 256GB | Up to 512GB* |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.x, Qualcomm 5G modem | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 6 (N1 chip), Apple C1X 5G modem |
| Apple Intelligence | Not supported | Supported |
*Storage ceiling based on early rumors circulating alongside the code leak; MacRumors’ own report on the leaked code did not explicitly confirm a 512GB option, so treat this figure as less certain than the chip and RAM details.
Apple’s Own 5G Modem Replaces Qualcomm
Just as significant as the chip upgrade is the connectivity overhaul. Cellular iPad 12 models are expected to use Apple’s own C1X modem for 5G, replacing the Qualcomm modem used in current iPads—the same modem strategy Apple has been rolling out across its lineup as it reduces reliance on Qualcomm. Alongside the C1X, an Apple-designed N1 chip is expected to handle Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, plus Thread support for smart home connectivity.
Price and Launch Timeline
MacRumors’ reporting points to a launch that’s further out than some of Apple’s other pending refreshes—likely spring 2027 rather than a late-2026 release, with a U.S. price around $449, in line with where the iPad already sits following a price increase earlier in 2026. For the Indian market, early estimates put the iPad 12 in the ₹30,000–₹39,000 range depending on storage and connectivity configuration, though official India pricing typically lands somewhat higher than a straight dollar conversion once duties and taxes are applied.
Worth noting: Apple’s entry-level iPad isn’t the only device caught up in this wave of leaks. The iPad mini, HomePod mini, and next Apple TV 4K have all surfaced in recent code and case-render leaks too, suggesting Apple has a busy few months of hardware refreshes ahead — though the iPad 12 appears to be the slowest-moving of the bunch, landing well into next year rather than this fall. For more on Apple’s upcoming hardware, check out TechnoSports’ iPad coverage.
