Accessories manufacturer ESR Tech published a product page for the iPad 11″ 2026 — and immediately took it down. But the internet remembers everything. The main disappointment: the new generation base model apparently won’t get the A19 chip. Meanwhile, the tablet could go on sale at any moment — without a separate Apple presentation.
New details about iPad 12, but you won’t like them
When to Expect iPad 12 — Release Date in 2026
There is no exact release date for iPad 12 yet. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg — one of the most reliable sources on Apple’s plans — writes that the tablet will “appear soon” and may launch simultaneously with the iPad mini 8. But what “soon” means exactly — no one specifies.
An important point: the iPad 12 is not the kind of product Apple holds a separate event for. This means the tablet could quietly appear in the store any day — via a press release or even just a website update. The only reference point is whether it comes before or after WWDC 2026, which will take place in June.
The very fact that an accessories manufacturer’s product page appeared indirectly confirms that the launch is close. Such companies usually receive information about device dimensions and design in advance to prepare cases and screen protectors for the sales launch.
iPad 12 Processor — What to Expect
The source directly states: don’t expect the A19 chip in the base iPad. This is perhaps the main disappointment for those who were counting on a serious performance leap. Exactly which processor the tablet will get is still unknown, but history suggests that Apple typically puts chips one to two generations behind the flagship in the budget lineup.
For the base iPad, this is a typical situation. Apple saves on hardware to keep the price low. This was the case with the iPad 10, which received the A14 chip — already two years old at the time.
How Much RAM in iPad 12
The most interesting thing in the iPad 12 rumors is the possible support for Apple Intelligence. If this is confirmed, the tablet will become the first budget iPad with Apple’s AI features.
Apple Intelligence requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. The current iPad 10 has only 4 GB, so an increase in RAM capacity is a logical step. This would be a truly noticeable upgrade — even without a new processor.
When to expect iPad 12 — release date in 2026
However, there are no other details about the internals yet. The source notes that base iPads usually receive minimal improvements compared to the Air and Pro lineups. It would be nice to have an anti-glare screen and higher brightness — but there’s no confirmation of this.
Differences Between the New iPad 12 (2026) vs iPad Air and iPad 11 (2025)
The base iPad is always a compromise. Here’s what typically sets it apart from the higher-end models:
- Screen without anti-glare coating and with lower brightness
- 60 Hz refresh rate (Pro has 120 Hz)
- Processor one to two generations behind the current one
- Less RAM
- No Apple Pencil Pro support (only the basic one)
If the iPad 12 gets 8 GB of RAM and Apple Intelligence support — that’s already a sufficient reason to upgrade from iPad 9 or iPad 10. But don’t count on a 120 Hz screen or other “professional” features in the base model.
Should You Wait for iPad 12 or Buy Now
If you need an affordable iPad right now and Apple Intelligence doesn’t matter to you — the current iPad 10 handles its job well. It’s suitable for watching videos, working with documents, and simple tasks.
But if you want a tablet that will remain relevant for several more years and receive all of Apple’s new AI features — it makes sense to wait. Especially since, judging by the leaks, there’s not long to wait.
For those looking for a 120 Hz screen, a powerful processor, and professional capabilities, the base iPad — whether the 12th or the 10th — still won’t be the right choice. For such tasks, there are iPad Air and iPad Pro, and that’s unlikely to change.
