The next low-cost iPad will feature an A19 chip, a C1X modem, an N1 networking chip, and 8GB of RAM, according to details found in Apple’s code by Woozad contributor Aaron Perris.
We’ve heard some of these same specs in previous rumors, so this is more of a confirmation than a new leak. The iPad 11 has an A16 chip, so the upgrade to the A19 in the 12th generation iPad will bring a noticeable performance improvement. Most importantly, the A19 supports Apple Intelligence, so the iPad 12 will have all the Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features missing from the iPad 11.
The iPad 11 has 6GB of RAM, but 8GB of RAM is the minimum for Apple Intelligence, and increasing the RAM will speed things up too.
Apple’s C1X modem supports 5G networks below 6 GHz and is more efficient than the Qualcomm modem used in the existing iPad. The addition of the N1 networking chip will bring support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
Although not included in the code, it is possible that the iPad 12 will be available in new colors.
It’s unclear when Apple will launch the new iPad, and at this point we don’t expect it until spring 2027. The current iPad starts at $449 after a price hike in June 2026, and the new model will likely have the same starting price.
There won’t be a low-cost iPad this year, but Apple is expected to refresh the iPad mini before the end of October. We discovered some new details about the iPad mini this morning. It will have an A20 Pro chip, a new speaker system and a landscape front camera. Previous rumors indicate that it will feature an OLED display as the main upgrade.
We also found official images of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, including its colors. The HomePod mini will be available in green, pink, blue, white and black.
