Apple appears to be gearing up for a significant leap forward with its entry level tablet, as internal code discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris suggests the upcoming iPad 12 will receive several high end hardware upgrades. The most striking detail is the jump to the A19 chip, skipping multiple generations from the A16 found in the current iPad 11. This processor shift isn’t just about raw speed; it serves as the gateway for Apple Intelligence, ensuring that the budget friendly model can finally run the full suite of AI and Siri features that were absent from its predecessor.
To support these demanding AI capabilities, Apple is boosting the memory from six gigabytes to eight gigabytes of RAM. Beyond processing power, the device is getting a major overhaul in how it connects to the world. The inclusion of a proprietary C1X modem promises better efficiency over previous Qualcomm components for sub 6GHz 5G networks, while a new N1 networking chip will introduce modern standards like Wi Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. While some speculate we might see new color options, those details remain hidden in the code for now.
Despite these leaks, consumers shouldn’t expect to find the iPad 12 on shelves immediately. Current projections suggest a release window around spring 2027, meaning there won’t be a low cost iPad launch this calendar year. Pricing is expected to stay steady at approximately four hundred forty nine dollars following last year’s increase. In the meantime, attention shifts toward an imminent refresh of the iPad mini scheduled for late October, which is rumored to feature an OLED display and an even more powerful A20 Pro chip.
