It has been a busy week for Apple, revealing the new Mac Studio and MacBook lineup alongside the iPhone 17e and iPad Air. These devices were highly anticipated, but one thing that did not arrive was the new entry-level iPad. It now appears the tablet might get its own spotlight.
Before the event, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman forecasted new MacBook, iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, and iPad 12. However, only the M4 iPad Air debuted in the tablet lineup, leaving the standard 11-inch iPad in limbo.
New Budget iPad on the Horizon?
But given Apple’s usual cadence, a separate launch might follow soon (via MacRumors). The iPad 11 was made official in March 2025, which marks exactly one year from now. It is likely the iPhone maker is waiting for the dust to settle to give the upcoming iPad its own stage.
Separating the announcement prevents it from being drowned out by the interest in the new MacBook Neo, which was arguably the biggest announcement of the week. Furthermore, the standard iPad remains a very popular model due to its lower price point, making a separate unveiling quite appropriate.
At the same time, we might see a new iPad Mini tagged along with the entry-level iPad. The compact tablet was last refreshed in 2024, meaning it is also due for an update.
Why You Should Wait for the iPad 12
The rumored upgrades for the iPad 12 could make the wait well worth it. According to clues discovered by MacWorld, the entry-level iPad could be powered by an A19 chipset. This is a big jump from the A17 SoC in the current iPad. While there is no other data to support this yet, Apple could easily fit it with at least the A18 SoC.
Both chipsets would enable Apple Intelligence on the standard iPad, a feature that has previously been exclusive to the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini models.
Bringing native artificial intelligence features would significantly improve productivity for many users. More importantly, it would make the iPad 12 a much more thoughtful alternative to the competition.
Are you planning to upgrade to the iPad 12 or iPad Mini 8? Tell us your plans in the comments.
We mark partner links with this symbol. If you click on one of these links or buttons–or make a purchase through them–we may receive a small commission from the retailer. This doesn’t affect the price you pay, but it helps us keep nextpit free for everyone. Thanks for your support! Prices are based on the date of publication of this article and may be subject to change.
