Apple’s next entry-level iPad may be just around the corner, and an early retail listing is already painting a clear picture of what to expect. The upcoming iPad 12th Gen looks set to deliver a major performance upgrade over the current model, while keeping the familiar design that Apple introduced with the last refresh.
Signs of the new model surfaced through accessory marketing, with “paper-feel” screen protectors already being promoted specifically for the iPad 12th Generation. That kind of product targeting typically happens when manufacturers have strong confidence in the device’s dimensions and release timing, suggesting Apple’s new base iPad could launch soon.
If the details are accurate, the iPad 12th Gen will stick with the same overall look. That means an 11-inch flat display, evenly sized bezels that are still somewhat thick compared to higher-end iPads, and a front-facing camera positioned for landscape use—an increasingly important choice as more people use iPads for video calls with a keyboard attached.
The real story, though, is performance. The iPad 12th Gen is expected to jump to Apple’s A18 chipset. While the A18 has since been followed by newer chips, it would still represent a big leap from the A16-based iPad it replaces. Expectations point to more than a 20% overall performance increase, with single-core gains potentially landing in the 24% to 30% range. In real-world terms, that should translate to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better responsiveness in everyday tasks—along with more headroom for creative apps and games.
An A18 upgrade would also likely bring two additional improvements that many buyers care about: 8 GB of RAM and support for Apple Intelligence features. More memory can help with keeping more apps active in the background and improving overall smoothness, while Apple Intelligence support could make the entry-level iPad far more appealing to shoppers who want access to Apple’s latest on-device AI tools without moving up to the iPad Air or iPad Pro.
In short, the iPad 12th Gen is shaping up to be a classic Apple update: the same recognizable 11-inch design, but with a meaningful internal upgrade that could make it the most capable base-model iPad yet. If you’ve been holding off on buying the current entry-level iPad, this next release may be worth the wait—especially if performance and AI features are high on your wish list.
