The next low-cost iPad will feature an A19 chip, C1X modem, N1 networking chip and 8GB of RAM, according to details found in Apple’s code MacRumors 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 upgrading to the A19 in the 12th-generation iPad will bring a noticeable performance improvement. More importantly, the A19 supports Apple Intelligence, so the iPad 12 will have all the Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features missing on the iPad 11.
The iPad 11 has 6GB of RAM, but 8GB of RAM is the minimum for Apple Intelligence, and increasing RAM will speed things up too.
Apple’s C1X modem supports sub-6GHz 5G networks 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.
There’s no word on when Apple will release the new iPad, and at this point, we don’t expect it until spring 2027. The current iPad is priced starting at $449 after a June 2026 price increase, and the new model will likely have the same starting price.
A low-cost iPad isn’t coming this year, but Apple is expected to update the iPad mini by the end of October. We discovered new details about the iPad mini just this morning. It will have an A20 Pro chip, a new speaker system and a horizontal front camera. Previous rumors say it will feature an OLED display as a major update.
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.
