iPad 12th Gen (2026) release date expectations, price estimates and upgrades
iPad (A16) for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
iPad 12th gen: what to expect
What's expected to change vs iPad (A16):
- A18 chipset should be more powerful and energy efficient
- A19 chipset also possible, instead of an A18
- Apple Intelligence coming to the entry-level iPad
- Same cameras as predecessor: 12 MP main camera, 12 MP selfie camera
- Touch ID for authentication
- Starting with 128 GB storage, just like its predecessor
- Similar design, around 10.9-inch IPS LCD Liquid Retina display with relatively "thick" bezels
- Still 60 Hz display refresh rate
- Around 7,698 mAh battery cell
- iPadOS 26
- By tradition, Apple unveils "entry-level" iPad models in the spring.
- This time around, however, Apple didn't reveal the iPad in the spring. Potentially coming later in the year.
Expected price:
- Currently, the price is expected to remain the same as its predecessor: starting at $349.
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iPad 12th gen release date
The iPad 12th gen didn't come alongside the iPad Air in the beginning of March. Now, the expectations have shifted to the later part of the year for the entry-level iPad.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| iPad 12th gen | Fall 2026* | Fall 2026* |
| iPad 11th gen | March 4, 2025 | March 12, 2025 |
| iPad 10th gen | October 18, 2022 | October 26, 2022 |
| iPad 9th gen | September 14, 2021 | September 24, 2021 |
* - probable dates
Tim Cook's week of announcements during the first week of March curiously didn't include the entry-level iPad. We got the iPad Air, new MacBooks, and the mid-range iPhone 17e, as well as the first budget-friendly MacBook.
It is believed that the most basic iPad missing from the announcements is a strategic move by Cupertino. Potentially, the entry-level iPad may come sometime in the fall.
iPad 12th gen price
The next-gen iPad 12th is expected to launch with a price close to the current model, around $349. That said, things can always change before it hits shelves – like new tariffs or chip shortages – which could push the price up.
| iPad model | 128 GB of storage | 256 GB of storage | 512 GB of storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad 12th gen | $349* | $449* | $649* |
| iPad 11th gen | $349 | $449 | $649 |
| iPad 10th gen | $349 (for 64 GB) | $599 | - |
*- anticipated price
For now, though, there is no hint of a price increase, so it should remain Apple’s most affordable tablet option.
iPad 12th gen camera
Much like the current iPad 11th gen, the next one should also have one single camera on the back. | Image by PhoneArena
iPads, especially the regular models, aren’t exactly known for their cameras. In fact, tablets usually aren’t bought for photography, but having a decent front camera is handy for video calls and meetings.
You can expect the selfie camera to be placed along the longer, landscape side of the tablet. This setup makes FaceTime and other video chats feel way more natural, just like on the previous generation.
Currently, the base iPad still uses Touch ID built into the power button, so there’s no Face ID support, and that probably won’t change with the next generation either.
Here’s what to expect from the iPad 12th gen cameras:
- 12 MP main camera
- 12 MP selfie camera
iPad 12th gen storage
Apple finally raised the bar with the current iPad model, and the next regular iPad looks set to keep that energy going by offering three storage options, including a more generous 512 GB version.
The base model is expected to kick off at 128 GB, which is a nice jump up from the previous 64 GB base that was starting to feel a little cramped for what most users need these days. This update should give users plenty more room for apps, media, and files without having to worry about running out of space too quickly.
iPad 12th gen expected storage capacity:
- 128 GB
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
iPad 12th gen design
Don’t expect any major changes in the design. The new iPad will probably stick to the same look as the 11th- and 10th-gen models before it. That means slightly thicker bezels around a 10.9" display. That's still a compact size that offers just the right balance between portability and screen space.
You can also count on stereo speakers on both sides when holding the tablet in landscape mode, which makes for a better audio experience. As for colors, nothing’s confirmed yet, but chances are we’ll see some fun and vibrant options again. The body is expected to stay aluminum, keeping that clean and durable build.
iPad 12th gen display
Up front, the next-gen base iPad will likely stick with the same 10.9-inch display introduced with the 10th-gen model. That means an IPS LCD Liquid Retina panel with a 2360 x 1640 resolution and 264 ppi pixel density. Sure, it’s starting to feel a bit dated, but maybe Apple will finally shake things up this time.
Expect the usual 60 Hz refresh rate and a modest 500 nits of SDR brightness. This brightness is relatively decent for indoor use but far from ideal under bright sunlight.
On the bright side, Apple’s top-notch color calibration helps the display look great, and it’ll continue to support the Apple Pencil (both Gen 1 and the newer USB-C version).
iPad 12th gen battery
iPads have stuck to a pretty consistent battery life target over the years (around 10 to 12 hours) and that’s not expected to change with the next model. The battery will likely be similar to the current one, around 7,698 mAh.
Obviously, this battery cell is not massive, but it gets the job done. In real-world use, especially for browsing, the iPad 12th gen's predecessor held up surprisingly well and could comfortably hit that 12-hour mark. The successor is likely to match this battery performance. If you're mostly watching videos, expect closer to 6 hours and 20 minutes.
Charging might still be capped at 20W wired. It's possible that it may get a slight upgrade to faster charging speeds, but not by much. Don't expect wireless charging capabilities, though.
iPad 12th gen features and software
The iPad 12th gen is expected to ship with iPadOS 26, if it comes in March. That means you’ll get all the latest features, including the updated Stage Manager 2 for multitasking. This new version brings in a Mac-like menu bar that shows up when you connect a keyboard, making the iPad feel a lot more like a lightweight laptop.
As always, you can count on Apple’s long-term support, with around 6 years of software updates and 7 years of security patches.
Currently, the current base iPad doesn’t support Apple’s new AI features, called Apple Intelligence, but that is likely going to change. So, this iteration of the entry-level iPad will likely bring Apple Intelligence for the first time.
iPad 12th gen hardware and specs
Apple iPad 12th gen's expected specs:
CPU: A18 or A19 chip
RAM: potentially 8 GB
Battery: around 7,698 mAh
Charging: approximately 25W–30W wired charging speeds
Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Camera setup: 12 MP main camera, 12 MP selfie camera
CPU: A18 or A19 chip
RAM: potentially 8 GB
Battery: around 7,698 mAh
Charging: approximately 25W–30W wired charging speeds
Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Camera setup: 12 MP main camera, 12 MP selfie camera
One thing is for certain: the 12th-gen iPad is getting a serious chip upgrade. The current model runs on the A16, and while an earlier Apple leak suggested the next version will jump straight to the A18, the same processor powering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, now a new one hints at the A19 being inside.
The A19 chipset is the same one powering the latest iPhone 17 series, and if Apple decides to use it in its base iPad model, it would represent a huge leap in performance compared to previous iPads.
In addition to the A19 SoC, the iPad (2026) is also expected to include the advanced N1 wireless chip found in the iPhone 17 family, further boosting connectivity and overall capabilities.
But that's far from set in stone. Leakers are currently contradicting each other about which chip would power the device, For one, reputable analyst Mark Gurman insists the iPad 12th gen is coming with the A18 chip.
Nevertheless, whichever chip it is, it would bring some notable improvements in the performance aspect.
Some rumors also point to a bump in RAM. Chances are, we’ll see 8 GB this time around, since that’s the minimum Apple Intelligence needs to function. If that happens, the next entry-level iPad is going to pack noticeably more muscle than the current generation.
Should I wait for the iPad 12th gen?
- You should wait for the iPad 12th gen if you're still using an older base model like the iPad 9. By the time the new one arrives, it’ll be the perfect moment to upgrade. Also, going with the latest version is usually a smart move.
- You should not wait for the iPad 12th gen if you already have the iPad 10th gen or just picked up the 11th gen: the improvements probably won’t be big enough to justify the switch. Also, if you need something more powerful for heavier tasks like video editing or pro-level multitasking, you’re better off looking at the iPad Air or Pro models instead.
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