Apple’s next entry-level iPad will reportedly receive a significant internal upgrade, with leaked Apple code revealing an A19 chip, 8GB of RAM and support for Apple Intelligence.
The details were discovered in Apple’s code by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, providing the clearest picture yet of what Apple has planned for the 12th-generation iPad.
The A19 chip would be a substantial upgrade over the A16 used in the current entry-level iPad. More importantly, the newer processor and increase from 6GB to 8GB of RAM would finally bring Apple Intelligence and Siri AI to Apple’s cheapest tablet.
The entry-level iPad is currently the only model in Apple’s iPad lineup without Apple Intelligence support. Apple Intelligence requires newer Apple silicon and additional memory that the existing A16 model does not provide.
The leaked code also points to Apple’s N1 networking chip, which would bring Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support to the entry-level iPad.
Cellular models are reportedly set to use Apple’s C1X modem instead of the Qualcomm modem found in the current generation. The C1X supports sub-6GHz 5G and would continue Apple’s wider move toward cellular technology designed in-house.
Earlier reports had disagreed over which processor Apple would use. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously pointed to the A18, while Macworld reported that Apple was planning the newer A19. The latest information found directly in Apple’s code now supports the A19 claim.
Despite the sizeable internal changes, a major redesign is not expected. The next entry-level iPad is expected to retain the current model’s general design and LCD display, with the processor and connectivity upgrades forming the focus of the refresh.
Apple introduced the current iPad with the A16 chip in March 2025. It features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, landscape 12-megapixel Center Stage camera and USB-C connectivity.
The 12th-generation iPad is currently expected to launch in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest, according to Bloomberg. Apple has not announced the new model.