iPad 12 Set to Launch This Year with A18 Chip, Fully Supporting Apple Intelligence
Despite Apple releasing numerous products and accessories over the past month, the highly anticipated budget iPad 12 with Apple Intelligence support was nowhere to be seen. However, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg recently shared some reassuring news: the new iPad equipped with the A18 chip is “ready to go” and is definitely scheduled to launch later this year.
The most interesting aspect is its internal power. A previous report from Macworld suggested the iPad 12 might even skip ahead to the A19 chip. Regardless of which processor it ends up using, Apple’s main goal is to enable the entry-level tablet to handle smart AI features on par with its older siblings—the current iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro—which all already support Apple Intelligence.
Regarding its exterior, there are currently no rumors of a major design overhaul. It is expected that the iPad 12 will retain the same look as the current model, focusing on a sleek aesthetic and portability. The main selling point will be the upgraded processor, ensuring that language processing and AI tasks run as smoothly as possible at an affordable price point.
Looking back at March 2025, Apple launched the iPad 11 featuring the A16 chip at a starting price of $349 (approximately 12,800 THB), making it the most accessible entry point in the entire iPad lineup. All eyes are now on whether the iPad 12 can maintain this original price tag despite such a massive leap in internal specifications.
Apple’s push to bring Apple Intelligence to all iPad models highlights the company’s clear direction: AI technology should not feel out of reach or be limited strictly to “Pro” users. Instead, it should serve as a fundamental tool for students and general users to help them create work and manage their daily lives more conveniently.
For anyone looking for a new tablet for long-term use and wanting to experience Apple’s AI at a reasonable price, holding out a little longer for the iPad 12 is likely the most worthwhile choice. These leaked specs represent a major upgrade rarely seen in the budget series. Start saving up, because it is definitely coming this year.
 Origin: Macrumors
