2026 iPad 12th‑gen leak points to A19 chip, 8GB RAM, Wi‑Fi 7

It looks like the basic iPad may finally step out of the shadow of Apple’s premium tablets. A fresh leak suggests that in 2026 the 12th‑generation model is in line for one of the most notable upgrades in years, potentially putting it on par with the iPad Air from 2024–2025.

According to MacWorld, Apple plans to outfit the new iPad with a 3‑nm A19 processor, the same chip as the iPhone 17. That’s a major leap from the 11th‑generation iPad, which runs on the 4‑nm A16 Bionic. The report also says RAM is set to rise from 6 GB to 8 GB. That boost could open the door to more advanced AI features that previously stayed exclusive to higher‑tier models.

Internal storage is expected to stay put—it was already updated in the 2025 version. What will change is connectivity: a new Apple N1 wireless module with Wi‑Fi 7 support should make even the entry‑level iPad feel far more current and speed up work over wireless networks.

Apple typically unveils its starter iPads in the spring, but a memory shortage could delay the launch. Rising component costs also point to a possible price increase. If the information holds, the 12th‑gen iPad would rank among the biggest refreshes of the base model—faster, smarter, with stronger connectivity and more memory. For anyone seeking a current tablet without paying up for an Air or Pro, this could be the sweet spot in 2026.