New findings from Apple’s internal code confirm many of the long-rumored specifications for the next low-cost iPad, expected to be released in early 2027. Unlike last year’s iPad 11, this model—likely iPad 12—will use Apple’s A19 chip, feature 8GB of RAM, and include new wireless hardware such as a C1X 5G modem and N1 networking chip.
What’s Changing Under the Hood
The code leak reveals Apple will upgrade the processor from the A16 in the current lower-end iPad to the A19 in the new model. This change is not just about raw speed. Apple’s A19 is reported to support the full suite of recent AI and Siri enhancements, often grouped under Apple Intelligence—features that the current model can’t fully enable. The RAM is also being bumped from 6GB to 8GB, which aligns with Apple Intelligence’s minimum requirements, and promises smoother multitasking and app performance.
New Wireless Chips: Faster, More Efficient Connectivity
The current iPad uses a Qualcomm modem, but the upcoming model will feature Apple’s in-house C1X modem for 5G connectivity—limited to sub-6 GHz bands—and a new N1 chip handling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. According to the leak, these components will improve power efficiency while bringing faster and more stable wireless performance.
Release Window, Pricing & Additional Upgrades
The new iPad isn’t expected this year; Apple is likely to launch it in spring 2027. Starting prices are predicted to stay at $449, which is what the current generation begins at following its June 2026 price increase. Color options remain uncertain, though the leaks hint at fresh finishes without offering concrete details.
Broader Product Line Moves
While the iPad 12 is still several months away, other products are already shifting. An upgrade for the iPad mini is due by late October, featuring an A20 Pro chip, landscape front-facing camera, new speakers, and possibly an OLED display. Meanwhile, refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models have also been spotted in code and imagery—including new HomePod mini colors.
This leak matters because it reinforces Apple’s strategy of infusing even its entry-level iPads with AI-friendly hardware. With the A19 chip and upgrade to 8GB RAM, the next lower-cost iPad won’t just be faster—it’ll be ready for Apple’s upcoming intelligence layer. Improvements to wireless tech like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 also point to longer-term usefulness. What to watch: whether Apple maintains the $449 starting price, how much performance jumps over the A16 model, and what new features Apple Intelligence actual brings once it arrives in full.
