Apple’s Budget iPad 12 Could Finally Get Apple Intelligence With A19 Chip and 8GB RAM
Apple’s next entry-level iPad is shaping up to be a much bigger upgrade than a typical yearly refresh. New code references reportedly point to the 12th-generation iPad arriving with Apple’s A19 chip, 8GB of RAM, and support for Apple Intelligence, making it the first standard iPad to run the company’s latest AI features.
The current iPad 11 uses the A16 chip, which offers solid everyday performance but does not meet the requirements for Apple Intelligence. That has left Apple’s most affordable tablet outside the company’s growing AI ecosystem. With the move to A19 and 8GB of memory, the iPad 12 could close that gap and make Apple’s generative AI tools available to a much wider audience.
The A19 chip first appeared with the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025. If Apple brings it to the base iPad, users can expect faster app launches, smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and improved long-term software support. For students, casual users, families, and anyone looking for an affordable iPad, this could make the entry-level model far more appealing.
The increase from 6GB to 8GB of RAM is just as important. Apple Intelligence requires at least 8GB of memory, so this upgrade is what would allow the new iPad to access AI-powered writing tools, smarter Siri features, image-related functions, and other on-device intelligence capabilities. The extra RAM should also help the tablet feel more responsive when switching between apps, browsing with multiple tabs, or using productivity tools.
The cellular version of the iPad 12 may also receive a major internal change. Apple is expected to replace the Qualcomm modem used in the current model with its own C1X cellular modem. This chip supports sub-6GHz 5G and is designed to be more power efficient, which could help improve battery life when using mobile data.
Another expected upgrade is Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip. This component would bring support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Wi-Fi 7 could deliver faster wireless speeds and better performance on compatible networks, while Thread support may strengthen the iPad’s role in smart home setups.
Pricing is expected to remain an important part of the story. The current entry-level iPad launched at $349 before later rising to $449 after a price increase in June 2026. The next model is expected to start at the same $449 price, although Apple has not confirmed official details.
As for timing, the iPad 12 is not expected to launch before spring 2027. Before then, Apple is likely to refresh the iPad mini, which is rumored to receive an update sooner.
If the leaked details are accurate, the iPad 12 could become one of Apple’s most meaningful budget tablet upgrades in years. With an A19 chip, 8GB of RAM, Apple Intelligence support, improved 5G, and newer wireless technology, the next entry-level iPad may offer a much stronger balance of performance, features, and value.
