Accidentally leaked Apple code recently revealed that the company is developing a new entry-level iPad, which will be powered by the A18 chip. This discovery builds on a previous Bloomberg report that Apple plans to release the 12th-generation entry-level iPad in spring 2026. The new tablet is expected to retain the current design but feature a more powerful processor.
According to foreign media reports, the current 11-inch iPad uses the A16 chip and starts at $349. The A18 chip, currently used in the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Plus, will offer a significant performance boost over the A16 (first seen in the iPhone 14 Pro). The chip includes a 16-core neural engine designed for AI workloads, which will enable this entry-level tablet to support Apple Intelligence features.
Apple released the current entry-level iPad in March 2024. The company typically updates its entry-level tablets in the first half of each year, but the exact release date is subject to change.
Before that, Apple is expected to update the iPad Pro line. CNMO has learned from foreign media that Apple plans to launch the next-generation iPad Pro this fall, featuring the new M5 chip and several feature upgrades. Based on industry news, foreign media have identified four key upgrades:
1. First-to-market M5 chip
2. Dual front-facing camera system
3. 16GB RAM standard across all models
4. Support for Wi-Fi 7 technology
