Apple Intelligence is set to reach the next entry-level iPad, according to details identified within Apple’s own code. The 12th-generation model is expected to bring the company’s suite of artificial intelligence features, along with its updated Siri capabilities, to the more affordable end of the tablet range.
The forthcoming device is also tipped to gain faster cellular and wireless connectivity, marking a notable step up for Apple’s budget-focused tablet. It appears to be the same iPad previously linked to an early 2026 release window.
Faster Chip and Memory Upgrade
References found in Apple’s code point to an A19 chip paired with 8GB of RAM. The A19 supports Apple Intelligence, while the 8GB of memory meets the minimum requirement needed to run those features. This combination would give the entry-level iPad the hardware foundation necessary to handle Apple’s on-device intelligence tools.
The upgrade would represent a meaningful shift for the low-cost tablet, which has historically lagged behind Apple’s higher-tier models in terms of processing power and available features.
Improved Connectivity Options
The same code references a C1X modem, which supports sub-6GHz 5G. An N1 networking chip is also indicated, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Together, these components would deliver faster and more versatile connectivity across both cellular and wireless networks.
Wi-Fi 7 support in particular would bring the entry-level iPad into line with newer wireless standards, while Thread compatibility adds potential for smart home integration.
Apple has not announced a release date or a price for the new iPad. Current expectations suggest the device could launch in spring 2027, with a starting price likely to match the current model’s figure of around £335.
Source
Image: appleinsider.com
