Apple recently unveiled a slew of new hardware, including the iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air. However, one notable absence was a new entry-level iPad.
There has been anticipation for a refresh of the standard iPad, which was expected to debut this month. The current 11th-generation iPad was released on March 4, 2025, after a two-year gap, making it the only mainstream Apple product without Apple Intelligence.
The 2025 iPad featured an A16 chip, similar to the iPhone 15, leaving it one step behind in terms of Apple Intelligence support. It is likely that the upcoming 12th-generation iPad will come equipped with at least an A18 chip, moving towards more advanced technology. The decision to use an A16 chip last year may have been to keep the iPad mini ahead, but reports suggested a shift to an M1 chip to align with other full-sized iPads.
The MacBook Neo Takes the Spotlight
The introduction of the affordable MacBook Neo may have delayed the launch of the “iPad 12.” A $349 tablet with an A18 chip would have conflicted with the message Apple wanted to convey with the MacBook Neo as the new budget-friendly option.
Despite the delay, a new iPad is expected to arrive this spring, as per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The iPad is likely waiting for the hype around the MacBook Neo to subside before making its debut.
Gurman predicts that the new iPad will feature an A18 chip, rather than the A19 chip used in the iPhone 17e. This decision aligns with Apple’s strategy to position the MacBook Neo as the standout budget product.
While delays in the iPad release have been attributed to various factors, the hardware is ready, and the launch is expected before Apple’s June Worldwide Developers Conference.
Overall, the upcoming iPad release is anticipated to follow a similar pattern to the M4 iPad Air, focusing on a chip upgrade and possibly incorporating Apple’s latest N1 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and C1X modem chip.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
