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
- Similar design, around 10.9-inch IPS LCD Liquid Retina display with relatively "thick" bezels
- Still 60 Hz display refresh rate
- Same cameras as predecessor: 12 MP main camera, 12 MP selfie camera
- Touch ID for authentication
- 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, the device is coming later in the year.
Expected price:
- Currently, the price is expected to remain the same as its predecessor: starting at $349.
Jump to:
iPad 12th gen release date
The iPad 12th gen didn't come alongside the iPad Air in the beginning of March, although some rumors expected it then. Now, we expect the iPad to come later, sometime in the fall of 2026.
| 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
It is believed that the most basic iPad missing from the announcements in the first week of March was 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
Entry-level iPads are not designed for mobile photography. They usually come with a modest camera that's good for video calls and meetings, which is its purpose anyway.
According to rumors, 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.
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
According to reports, the design is not changing with the 12th gen iPad. The new iPad will probably stick to the same look as the 11th- and 10th-gen models before it. That means slightly thicker, but even 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.
Its predecessor, the iPad (A16) sported four colors, three of which vibrant and fun (Blue, Pink, and Yellow), and a more neutral Silver option. That's likely to be the color strategy this time around too.
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.
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.
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
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 newer 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.
However, it's important to note that most rumors still mention the A18 chip for the entry-level iPad, including analyst Mark Gurman. Reportedly, the chip should bring a 20% increase in power over the A16-powered model. The change would also bring 8 GB of RAM to the device and support for Apple Intelligence.
In addition to the chip upgrade, the iPad (2026) is also expected to include the N1 wireless chip found in the iPhone 17 family. The N1 should boost connectivity and overall capabilities.
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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