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Apple’s next budget iPad might finally give you the power you’ve been waiting for

It might support Apple Intelligence.

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By Tsveta Ermenkova

Published: Aug 15, 2025, 4:01 AM

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Apple iPad

A photo of the iPad 11 gen held in a person's hand.

Apple iPad (A16). | Image credit – PhoneArena

Apple makes some of the best tablets out there, no question – but most of them aren’t exactly easy on the wallet. That said, there’s always been that one iPad that strikes the perfect balance between performance and price, and the upcoming 12th-gen iPad (2026) – or whatever Apple ultimately calls it – looks like it’s set to take over that role.

We’ve just learned that the next iPad mini will run on the A19 Pro chip. And interestingly, the same source that spilled that tea also dropped details about Apple’s next budget-friendly iPad.

Turns out, this entry-level iPad will run on the A18 chip – yes, the very same processor inside the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e. Apple didn’t plan for this info to leak, but some code references accidentally slipped out, confirming it officially ahead of schedule.

The A18 chip will let the new entry-level iPad handle Apple Intelligence features, which will likely be a major selling point. That upgrade also hints at more RAM on board.

How important is Apple Intelligence support for you in a budget iPad?

Very important – it’s a deal-maker.

11.11%

Somewhat – it’s a nice bonus but not essential.

50%

Not much – I rarely use AI features.

11.11%

I don’t care about Apple Intelligence at all.

27.78%

The current base model has 6 GB of RAM, but reports suggest Apple Intelligence needs at least 8 GB. That explains why, for example, Apple’s AI features are currently limited only to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max in the iPhone 15 series, not the standard models, which have 6 GB of RAM. So, I think 8 GB of RAM alongside the A18 chip in the new basic iPad makes total sense.

Apple iPad (A16) review: The vanilla ice cream of tablets

Rumors say the new iPad will hit in the spring of next year. Design-wise, don’t expect any wild changes – it’ll likely stick to the familiar look of its predecessor, swapping in the faster chip and a bit more power under the hood.

The next base iPad might look same as the current one shown here. | Image credit – PhoneArena

Price-wise, the new model is expected to launch at around $349, similar to the current entry-level iPad. Of course, things like new tariffs could push that number up, but for now, it looks like Apple will keep it affordable.

$180

$360

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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.

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