Apple's upcoming entry-level tablet is slated for significant internal upgrades according to software code discovered in late September 2026. The 12th-generation iPad will introduce substantial performance and connectivity changes while maintaining the outward appearance of its predecessor (NotebookCheck). Rather than pursuing a complete physical redesign, the device preserves the current form factor, including the existing 11-inch Liquid Retina display and the 12-megapixel Center Stage camera positioned in landscape orientation (The Apple Post).
Internal Silicon and Connectivity Upgrades
The core of the generational leap centers on processing power and proprietary hardware integration. The iPad 12 will be powered by the A19 processor paired with 8 GB of RAM (MacRumors). This hardware configuration satisfies the exact system requirements needed to support Apple Intelligence features that are absent from the current entry-level model (The Apple Post).
In addition to the main processor, the tablet incorporates Apple's in-house N1 networking chip (The Verge). This proprietary networking silicon provides advanced connectivity standards, bringing Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support to the entry-level tier (NotebookCheck).
Cellular configurations of the device will transition away from third-party components. The iPad 12 replaces the Qualcomm modem used in previous versions with Apple's custom C1X 5G modem (MacRumors), which handles sub-6GHz 5G networks (The Apple Post).
Pricing and Release Expectations
Despite the comprehensive overhaul of internal components, pricing for the baseline model is expected to remain stable. The starting price of the iPad 12 is likely to be $449, matching the cost of the current entry-level generation (MacRumors).
The transition to proprietary silicon across both processing and connectivity marks a major strategic shift for Apple's most affordable tablet tier. By integrating the A19 chip and the C1X modem, the hardware mirrors components previously established in higher-tier devices while preserving the baseline price point (The Apple Post).
External physical dimensions and visual aesthetics will not reflect these extensive internal modifications. The device retains the identical form factor of its predecessor, avoiding chassis changes while equipping users with advanced machine learning capabilities and modern networking protocols (NotebookCheck).
Public availability of the 12th-generation tablet is projected for spring 2027 (MacRumors). Software code indicators continue to anchor the launch timeline to this seasonal window, bringing enhanced memory, custom modems, and native AI support to the entry-level catalog (The Apple Post).