In addition to the iPhone 17e, Apple also has an updated base iPad model in the works. New report from Macotakara highlights what we can expect from Apple updating its cheapest iPad.
Apple released the iPad 11, formally known as the iPad (A16), last March. While the A16 chip represented a notable upgrade from the previous model’s A14 chip, it wasn’t enough for Apple to offer Apple Intelligence support on the device.
But that is to change this year. Macotakara reports that this year’s iPad 12 will be powered by an A18 chip that will enable Apple Intelligence support. It will also have 8GB of RAM, up from the current model’s 6GB of RAM.
With Apple Intelligence set to become significantly more useful this year, it’s good to know that Apple plans to make its cheapest iPad capable of running these features. This includes the most powerful Siri features first announced at WWDC 2024, as well as new chatbot features in iPadOS 27.
Aside from the increase in RAM and performance, the iPad 12 is expected to be the same as the iPad 11. It will use the same overall design and chassis.
Apple is also working on an improved iPad Air with an M4 chip, which could launch this spring alongside the iPad (A18). However, the iPad upgrade I’m most excited about this year is the new iPad mini with OLED, due out later this year.
My Favorite iPad Accessories:
Watch Chance: Threads, Bluesky, Instagram and Mastodon.
FTC: We use automatic income earning affiliate links. More.
