Apple’s next base iPad is shaping up to be more than a routine refresh. Leaks around iPad 12 point to a larger 11-inch display, the A19 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and the C1 modem, a combination that would make the entry model feel noticeably more modern.
That matters because the standard iPad has long served as the easiest way into Apple’s tablet lineup. If these details hold, the next version could deliver a more convincing mix of performance, mobility, and long-term value without moving away from its budget-friendly role.
A more serious entry model
The most closely watched part of the leak is the move to Apple’s A19 chip. According to the information shared by Apple data miner @ApplesClubs on X, the chip is being prepared with a focus on efficiency, AI capability, and solid graphics performance for current tablet use.
Another detail tied to the A19 is a larger cache memory, said to be at least 50% bigger. The chip is also expected to include a Neural Accelerator iGPU, which would help the tablet handle AI-related workloads while staying capable for everyday graphics tasks.
Display size and memory point to a more capable tablet
The iPad 12 is also said to use an 11-inch LCD panel. That size would make the tablet feel more spacious than a basic compact model and should suit video playback, casual gaming, and lighter work on the move.
Memory is another area where the device appears to move up a level. The leak points to 8 GB of RAM, a figure that could help with multitasking, app switching, and longer-term usability as iPadOS and apps become more demanding.
| Component | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 11-inch LCD |
| Chipset | Apple A19 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Connectivity | C1 modem, 5G/4G LTE |
| Expected price | $349+ or around INR 40,000 |
| Expected launch | Second half of 2026 |
Connectivity could be a key part of the appeal
The leak also mentions Apple’s C1 modem. It is described as an independent subsystem for connecting the device to 5G or 4G LTE networks, which would matter most for people who use a tablet away from Wi-Fi.
That kind of cellular support would make the iPad 12 more practical as a travel companion. It would also strengthen the tablet’s role as a mobile screen for media, communication, and light productivity.
Price keeps it in familiar territory, but expectations rise
Even with the upgraded parts, the device is still expected to stay in Apple’s entry-level range. The reported starting price is $349+ or around INR 40,000, which keeps it relatively accessible by Apple standards.
The launch window is said to be the second half of 2026. At that point, the challenge for Apple will be to show that the new hardware justifies the step up while preserving the simple, affordable appeal that has defined the base iPad line.
There is also a practical buying decision in play. With MacBook Neo mentioned at around INR 60,000 or $599, some shoppers may compare a tablet purchase with the cost of moving closer to a laptop, which makes the iPad 12’s value proposition especially important.
For users who want a touchscreen device, strong mobility, and access to iPadOS apps, the leaked iPad 12 package suggests Apple is trying to make its cheapest tablet feel much less basic.
Source: tech.sportskeeda.com
