The iPad 12 is coming this spring, and an accessory maker just handed us the clearest evidence yet that Apple’s entry-level tablet is nearly ready to ship. But the leak also confirms something disappointing: the iPad 12 will not get an OLED upgrade, keeping its 11-inch LCD screen despite higher-tier iPad models moving to premium displays.
Key Takeaways
- iPad 12 accessory listings confirm launch is imminent, likely March or April 2026
- A18 processor with 8GB RAM brings full Apple Intelligence support to budget iPad
- Display remains 11-inch LCD at 2360 × 1640 resolution, no OLED upgrade
- Wi-Fi 7 connectivity expected, up from Wi-Fi 6 on iPad 11
- Starting price likely stays at $349, matching iPad 11
iPad 12 Processor and Apple Intelligence Upgrade
The iPad 12 will jump from the A16 Bionic chip in the current iPad 11 to an A18 processor, finally bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level tier. This is not just a speed bump—it is a capabilities shift. The A18 will unlock full Apple Intelligence features including advanced AI tools and an improved Siri experience in iPadOS 26, aligning the budget iPad with the iPhone and iPad Air ecosystem.
RAM climbs from 6GB to 8GB, the minimum required for Apple Intelligence to function properly on iPadOS. The base storage tier remains 128GB, so users expecting a jump there will be disappointed. According to Mark Gurman, the iPad 12 is essentially finished and waiting for release.
The Disappointing Display Reality
Here is where the iPad 12 stumbles. Despite OLED becoming standard on iPad Air and iPad Pro models, Apple is keeping the entry-level iPad 12 on an 11-inch LCD panel with 2360 × 1640 resolution. This is the disappointing bit the accessory leak confirms: no premium display upgrade at this price point.
For a tablet that will cost around $349, the LCD screen is not a dealbreaker—it is par for the course in the budget segment. But it does mean iPad 12 buyers will miss out on the deeper blacks, better contrast, and power efficiency that OLED delivers. If display quality is your priority, you will need to jump to the iPad Air or iPad Pro, which carry much higher price tags. The flat-edge design, thick bezels, landscape front camera, and Touch ID side button all remain unchanged from iPad 11.
Connectivity and Design Consistency
The iPad 12 is expected to gain Wi-Fi 7 support via an N1 chip, upgrading from the Wi-Fi 6 on iPad 11. USB-C connectivity continues, along with Apple Pencil compatibility. The color palette is likely to stay similar—blue, pink, silver, and yellow—though new shades are possible.
What is notable here is the absence of a design refresh. Unlike higher-tier iPad models that have seen visual updates, the iPad 12 keeps the same chassis, bezels, and button layout as its predecessor. This is a conservative approach, but it allows Apple to focus resources on the processor and AI capabilities rather than industrial redesign.
Launch Timing and Pricing
The accessory maker’s early listing is the first concrete pre-launch evidence, signaling that the iPad 12 will arrive in spring 2026, most likely in late March or April. Apple was expected to release an updated entry-level iPad in early March 2026 alongside other announcements, but it never appeared, suggesting a staggered rollout.
Pricing is expected to hold steady at $349 for the 128GB base model, matching the iPad 11. This means Apple is not raising the entry price to offset the processor upgrade—a smart move for competitive positioning.
How Does iPad 12 Compare to iPad 11?
The iPad 12 is essentially an internal refresh of the iPad 11. You get a faster processor (A18 vs. A16 Bionic), more RAM (8GB vs. 6GB), better connectivity (Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 6), and Apple Intelligence support—but the same display, design, and price. If you own an iPad 11, the upgrade is worthwhile only if you need Apple Intelligence features. If you are shopping for your first budget iPad, the iPad 12 will be the obvious choice when it launches.
Will iPad 12 Finally Get OLED?
No. The iPad 12 is sticking with LCD, which is the main disappointment in these leaks. Apple reserves OLED for iPad Air and iPad Pro models, keeping OLED as a premium differentiator. For budget-conscious buyers, an LCD screen at 2360 × 1640 is acceptable, but it does not match the visual experience of higher-end tablets.
When Will iPad 12 Be Available?
Based on the accessory listing leak, the iPad 12 should launch in spring 2026, likely late March or April. It will not appear at Apple’s September event. Availability will span Apple’s global channels, with the U.S. as the primary market, followed by international rollout.
The iPad 12 is shaping up to be a solid mid-cycle refresh that brings Apple Intelligence to the budget segment without raising the price or overhauling the design. The LCD display is a compromise, but at $349, it is a reasonable trade-off for users who want AI features without the premium price tag. If you are waiting for a budget iPad with OLED, keep waiting—that upgrade is not coming to this generation.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Guide
