iPad 12 Leak Reveals A19 Chip and 8GB RAM to Enable Apple Intelligence on Entry-Level Tablet

iPad 12 Gets Major Hardware Upgrades to Support Apple Intelligence

Apple is preparing significant hardware upgrades for its next entry-level iPad, with code discovered in the company's software revealing key specifications for the upcoming 12th-generation model1

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. MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris spotted the code on September 25, uncovering details that indicate Apple is addressing the AI limitations of its current budget tablet1

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. The iPad 12 will feature an A19 chip and 8GB RAM, a substantial jump from the A16 processor and 6GB RAM found in the current iPad 111

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. These hardware upgrades will finally bring Apple Intelligence AI support to Apple's most affordable tablet option, closing a notable gap in the company's product lineup.

Closing the AI Gap in Apple's Tablet Lineup

The iPad 11 currently stands as the only tablet in Apple's lineup without Apple Intelligence capabilities1

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. The iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad mini all support the company's AI features, leaving budget-conscious consumers without access to Siri improvements and other intelligent capabilities1

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. The 8GB RAM threshold represents the minimum requirement to run Apple's suite of AI features, making this upgrade essential for bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level model1

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. The A19 chip, three generations newer than the current A16, will deliver the graphics and media engines from Apple's 2025 phones to the tablet format2

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. This represents a much more powerful processor that will handle AI workloads alongside standard computing tasks1

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Advanced Connectivity Through C1X Modem and N1 Chip

Apple's upcoming 12th-generation iPad will incorporate the company's in-house C1X modem and N1 networking chip, bringing cutting-edge connectivity options to the budget tablet1

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. The C1X modem will support sub-6GHz 5G networks on cellular versions of the device, while the N1 chip enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread protocol for smart home devices1

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. These connectivity improvements position the next entry-level iPad as a more future-proof device, even if the physical design remains largely unchanged. The tablet is expected to retain its 11-inch LCD screen, flat aluminum body, and Touch ID button2

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Pricing Context and Release Timeline Uncertainty

The leak arrives just months after Apple increased the starting price of the iPad 11 from $349 to $4491

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. Apple implemented this price adjustment across multiple product lines to offset rising memory and component costs1

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. With the iPad 12 incorporating significantly more expensive components including 8GB RAM, the A19 chip, and advanced modems, pricing remains unclear. The release timeline has shifted multiple times, with Bloomberg initially projecting a 2026 release before revising expectations to Q1 2027 in July1

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. Before the iPad 12 arrives, Apple may release an updated iPad mini before the end of this year1

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. The extended timeline suggests Apple is taking time to optimize the hardware upgrades while managing production costs for its most purchased tablet model2

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