Apple’s entry-level iPad has always been about value, but performance hasn’t been its strongest point. The company’s Pro models offered much higher performance with their M-series chips.
But the 2026 iPad could finally get the boost it needs.
According to a new report, the upcoming 12th generation iPad will feature Apple’s A18 chipset, marking a significant jump in performance over the current model’s A16 chip. So it’s shaping up to be one of the more significant upgrades Apple has released to its base iPad in years.
What can you expect from the Apple iPad 2026?
The details were revealed in an ESR tech listing for a “paper-feel” screen protector for the new iPad’s 11-inch display. And even the processor details were leaked.
The big new change is the A18 chip, which could bring a performance jump of over 20% over the previous generation. Even with single core gains potentially reaching up to 30%. That’s a significant jump for a device typically aimed at students, casual users and first-time iPad buyers. Since the A18 Pro powers Apple’s cheapest MacBook, the powerful 3nm chip with a 6-core CPU should enable better multitasking and smoother everyday performance.
Apple Intelligence could finally reach the cheapest iPad
It’s not just about the faster chip. The bigger impact of the upgrade is the AI.
The new iPad may have 8GB of RAM, enabling support for Apple Intelligence features. This is currently missing on the base iPad. Apple has been rolling out AI features to all of its devices, and this update could finally bring them to the same level as Apple’s premium devices.
A redesign is not in sight
However, if you’re hoping for major visual changes, the 2026 iPad might disappoint. Apple appears to be focusing on performance, as the listing shows a familiar design consistent with the iPad 2025.
