iPad 12th Gen (2026) release date expectations, price estimates and upgrades
iPad (A16). | Image credit – PhoneArena
Apple makes some of the best tablets you can buy, but let’s be real – most of them aren’t exactly cheap. Still, there has always been that one iPad model that hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers and the upcoming 12th-gen iPad (2026) – or whatever Apple ends up calling it – looks like it will carry that torch next.
It is expected to arrive sometime next year as the follow-up to the current 11th-gen iPad (2025), also known as the iPad (A16), which launched earlier this year. We are still pretty far out from the next-gen release, so there aren’t many leaks yet and concrete details are slim.
That said, it is not too early to start making some educated guesses – and if this is the iPad you are waiting for, this is definitely the space to watch.
That said, it is not too early to start making some educated guesses – and if this is the iPad you are waiting for, this is definitely the space to watch.
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iPad 12th gen release date
Apple is expected to launch the iPad 12th generation sometime in spring 2026. That said, it is important to remember that Apple has previously taken as long as three years between releases of its budget iPads, so the timing of this next launch isn't set in stone. This means we could see some flexibility or delays depending on Apple's strategy and market conditions.
Looking back, the release dates for the last three regular iPads have varied quite a bit, dropping at different points throughout the year instead of following a fixed schedule. Because of this inconsistency, the exact timing for the 12th gen iPad remains a bit of a mystery for now.
However, if Apple sticks to the recent pattern it has established, there is a good chance the new iPad will arrive around March 2026, which falls in that spring window. Still, it is worth keeping an eye out for any updates and new leaks since Apple's launch timing can sometimes surprise us.
For a clearer idea of when it might launch, check out the table below.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| iPad 12th gen | March, 2026* | March, 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
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 – which could push the price up.
For now, though, there is no hint of a price increase, so it should remain Apple’s most affordable tablet option.
| 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
iPad 12th gen camera
Much like the current iPad 11th gen, the next one should also have one single camera on the back. | Image credit – 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.
Right now, 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 – 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 264ppi pixel density. Sure, it’s starting to feel a bit dated, but maybe Apple will finally shake things up this time.
Expect the usual 60Hz refresh rate and a modest 500 nits of SDR brightness – decent for indoor use but not 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 7698 mAh.
It’s not massive, but it gets the job done. In real-world use, especially for browsing, it holds up surprisingly well and can comfortably hit that 12-hour mark. If you're mostly watching videos, expect closer to 6 hours and 20 minutes.
Charging might still be capped at 20W wired, with no wireless option. That’s not exactly speedy as a full charge takes about two hours, which feels a bit sluggish by today’s standards.
iPad 12th gen features and software
The iPad 12th gen is expected to ship with iPadOS 26 – or maybe something even newer, depending on when it drops. 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.
Right now, the current base iPad doesn’t support Apple’s new AI features, called Apple Intelligence, but that could change with the next generation as AI starts playing a bigger role in the overall mobile experience.
iPad 12th gen hardware and specs
One thing already feels like a lock – the 12th-gen iPad is getting a serious chip upgrade. The current model runs on the A16, but an early Apple leak suggests the next version will jump straight to the A18, the same processor powering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
That means the new budget iPad will be able to run Apple Intelligence, which will almost certainly be one of its biggest selling points.
This upgrade also points 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 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 – and going with the latest version is usually a smart move. While it might not be a huge leap over the current iPad 11th gen, it'll definitely be a noticeable upgrade from the iPad 9 or anything older.
- You should not wait for 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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