Apple's entry-level iPad has always occupied an interesting position in the lineup.
It isn't trying to compete directly with the iPad Pro, and it doesn't have the performance focus of the iPad Air. Instead, it has traditionally been the iPad I would recommend looking at when I want a straightforward tablet for studying, browsing, streaming, note-taking, and everyday productivity without moving into Apple's more expensive models.
The current 11th-generation iPad already made a meaningful jump by moving to the A16 chip and starting with 128GB of storage. Apple currently lists the 11-inch model in India with a Liquid Retina display, A16 chip, 12MP camera, USB-C, and support for Apple Pencil.
But the next model could make an important change that the current iPad is missing:
Apple Intelligence.
Reports about the upcoming 12th-generation iPad suggest that Apple is preparing a relatively modest hardware refresh rather than a major redesign. The latest reporting points to a launch no earlier than the first quarter of 2027, although earlier reports had suggested a 2026 release.
So, what should I expect from the iPad 12?
1. The Biggest Upgrade Could Be the Chip
The most consistent part of the rumors is that Apple is preparing a newer A-series processor for the next entry-level iPad.
Earlier reports pointed toward the A18, while another report suggested Apple could use the A19 instead. At this stage, I would treat both as possibilities rather than confirmed specifications.
Either chip would represent a significant change from the A16 currently used in the 11th-generation model.
And the reason isn't simply performance.
It's AI.
The current A16-powered iPad does not support Apple Intelligence, while the A18 and A19 platforms are reported to meet the hardware requirements needed for Apple's AI features.
That could make the new processor the most important reason to upgrade.
2. Apple Intelligence Could Be the Real Story
This is probably the feature I would pay the most attention to.
The current iPad already has enough performance for most everyday tablet tasks.
I can browse the web, edit documents, watch videos, take notes, use productivity apps, draw, and multitask without needing a dramatically faster processor.
So simply saying:
"The new iPad will be faster"
doesn't tell me much.
The more interesting question is what that additional processing capability enables.
If Apple brings Apple Intelligence to the 12th-generation iPad, the device could gain access to AI-powered features that aren't available on the current entry-level model.
That could include Apple's evolving tools for writing, summarization, image-related tasks, and other system-level AI functions, depending on what Apple supports on the final hardware and software combination.
In other words, the upgrade may be less about making today's apps run 20% faster and more about opening the door to a different class of features.
3. Don't Expect a Major Design Change
If you're waiting for the iPad 12 to completely redesign the entry-level iPad, I wouldn't get too excited yet.
Current reports suggest Apple is likely to keep the overall design broadly similar to the current model.
That means I would expect something close to the current:
- 11-inch display
- All-screen design
- Relatively thick bezels
- Touch ID in the top button
- USB-C
- Landscape-oriented front camera
- Single rear camera
The current iPad already has an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a 2360×1640 resolution, 500 nits brightness, True Tone, and Apple Pencil support.
There's currently no strong indication that Apple plans to turn the budget iPad into an OLED tablet or give it ProMotion.
That makes sense from a product-positioning perspective.
Apple still needs clear reasons for buyers to move up to the iPad Air and iPad Pro.
4. What About the Display?
This is one area where I wouldn't expect a dramatic upgrade.
The current iPad uses an 11-inch Liquid Retina LCD panel.
Reports so far suggest the next entry-level iPad will continue with an LCD rather than making the jump to OLED.
For everyday use, that's not necessarily a problem.
The current display already offers:
- 2360×1640 resolution
- 264 pixels per inch
- True Tone
- 500 nits brightness
- Apple Pencil support
What I wouldn't expect at this price level is the combination of features found on Apple's premium tablets, such as ProMotion and advanced OLED display technology.
So if display quality is your primary reason for upgrading, I'd look carefully at the iPad Air and Pro lineup rather than assuming the iPad 12 will bring a premium panel.
5. Memory Could Become More Important
There's another hardware change that could matter if Apple Intelligence is a major focus.
The current 11th-generation iPad has 6GB of RAM, according to reporting around the upcoming model. Apple Intelligence reportedly requires at least 8GB of memory on supported iPads.
That means Apple would need to increase the memory in the next entry-level model if it wants to bring Apple Intelligence to the device.
I think this could be more important than a small CPU performance increase.
More memory would also give the iPad additional breathing room for multitasking and future software updates.
6. Could the iPad 12 Get Wi-Fi 7?
This is another possibility I'm watching.
Apple's newer N1 wireless chip supports technologies including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Reports have suggested that Apple could eventually bring the N1 to more devices.
The current entry-level iPad supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
So an N1-equipped iPad 12 could potentially bring a meaningful wireless upgrade.
But I wouldn't treat this as confirmed yet.
There is also a possibility that Apple keeps the N1 chip for higher-end products rather than putting it into the cheapest iPad.
7. What About Cellular Models?
Apple has also been developing its own modem technology.
Reports suggest that future cellular iPads could use Apple's own modem hardware, although the exact implementation for the next entry-level iPad remains uncertain.
So I would put this firmly in the wait-and-see category.
It's something Apple could use to differentiate future cellular models, but there isn't enough confirmed information yet to treat it as a guaranteed iPad 12 feature.
8. Storage Should Remain Important
The current iPad starts at 128GB, with 256GB and 512GB options listed by Apple.
I'd like Apple to keep that storage structure on the next model.
128GB is a much more comfortable starting point than the smaller storage tiers Apple used on older entry-level iPads.
For most students and everyday users, it should be enough for apps, documents, photos, downloads, and some media.
If I were planning to keep the tablet for several years, though, I'd still think carefully before buying the smallest storage configuration.
9. What Could the Price Look Like?
This is one area where I'd be cautious.
Apple increased the U.S. starting price of the current 11th-generation iPad to $449 for 128GB, according to recent reporting. The previous starting price was $349.
Current reports suggest the next model could retain a similar starting price, but Apple has not officially announced the iPad 12 or its pricing.
For Indian buyers, I would wait for Apple's official India pricing rather than converting the U.S. price directly.
Taxes, exchange rates, storage configurations, and regional pricing can all change the final number.
10. When Could the iPad 12 Launch?
This is where the rumors have changed over time.
Earlier reports suggested that Apple could release the new entry-level iPad during 2026. More recent reporting now points toward the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest.
That means I wouldn't plan a purchase around a specific launch date yet.
Apple hasn't officially announced a release date.
If you're buying an iPad now because you actually need one, waiting indefinitely for a rumored product may not make sense.
But if you're specifically interested in Apple Intelligence on the entry-level iPad, waiting for the next generation could be worth considering.
11. iPad 12 vs. Current iPad 11
The expected difference is actually quite straightforward.
| Feature | Current iPad 11 | Expected iPad 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 11-inch Liquid Retina | Similar display expected |
| Chip | A16 | A18 or A19 rumored |
| Apple Intelligence | No | Expected |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB+ rumored/expected |
| Design | Current all-screen design | Similar design expected |
| USB-C | Yes | Expected |
| Apple Pencil | Supported | Expected |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 possible |
| Launch | 2025 | 2027 earliest, according to recent reports |
| Price | From $449 in U.S. currently | Not confirmed |
The biggest potential change isn't the screen.
It's the combination of **newer