Apple is expected to launch its next low-cost iPad model - expected to be called the 12th generation iPad - next spring. The new product is likely to appear in March or April 2026, just about a year after Apple launched the iPad 11.
Currently, popular iPads are using the A16 Bionic chip, with a 10.9-inch screen, a thin border design without a Home button, and a starting price of 349 USD.
In the upcoming update, Apple is expected to keep the current design but upgrade performance and can adjust internal memory settings. There are two internal product codes (J581 and J582) being developed, corresponding to different capacity versions.
Although there is no official confirmation about the chip that will be equipped, many speculations suggest that the iPad 12 may use the A17 or A18 chip, especially as Apple is stepping up the integration of AI-related features.
If this becomes a reality, this will be the most popular iPad model ever, approaching the iPad Air line in terms of performance.
Apple's continued investment in low-cost iPads shows that the company is strengthening its position in the popular segment - once popular with students, teachers and popular users.
In the context of iPad Pro and iPad Air being increasingly positioned to be more advanced with the M4 chip and specialized features, iPad 12 can act as a "affordable" option while still meeting the needs of learning, entertainment, and basic work.
Apple has not yet announced official information, but the launch history of the iPad lines shows that the iPad 12 will likely appear in March 2026 - the time when Apple often organizes spring events to introduce new hardware devices.
