Early rumors for Apple’s 2026 iPad lineup point to a notable departure from the longstanding practice of equipping the base iPad with older or mid-tier chips. Instead, internal references and code leaks suggest that the iPad 12 may be powered by Apple’s A19 chip — the same processor used in the iPhone 17 series — offering substantial performance gains over the current A16-powered model. This change could elevate the entry-level tablet’s capabilities and expand its appeal to users who demand more than just basic portability from their devices.
Current base model iPads have typically used older generation chips behind the scenes, such as the A16 in the 11th-generation iPad, which delivers solid performance for everyday tasks but lacks some of the advanced features available in newer chips. By contrast, the A19 chip — built on more advanced process technology and higher efficiency designs — is expected to offer roughly a 50% performance improvement compared with the A16, along with greater neural processing power and enhanced graphics throughput.
Performance and Multitasking Gains for Everyday and AI Tasks
One of the most noticeable benefits of the A19 chip in an iPad context would be the combination of faster CPU cores with an upgraded neural engine. This pairing accelerates tasks such as application launching, on-device machine learning, and complex workflows that involve simultaneous app usage. The A19-equipped iPad 12 is also expected to feature 8 GB of RAM, up from 6 GB on current entry models, improving multitasking and responsiveness when handling demanding apps or multiple open windows.
These enhancements could make the iPad 12 more competitive with higher-tier tablets and even some laptops for creative tasks like photo and video editing, producing smooth results in workflows that traditionally required more powerful hardware. Faster graphics performance may also enhance gaming experiences and graphics-intensive apps without throttling, giving the base iPad broader versatility for both work and play.
Compatibility With Apple Intelligence and Connectivity Advances
Beyond raw performance, the shift to an A19 chip in the iPad 12 would align the device with Apple’s expanding on-device AI strategy. The more powerful neural engine, paired with increased RAM, sets the stage for future Apple Intelligence features that rely on local processing rather than cloud-dependent models. Users could see improvements in tasks such as natural language handling, real-time editing, or AI-enhanced recommendations without necessarily requiring external servers.
In addition to the A19 chip, reports also indicate Apple may include its N1 wireless chip inside the 2026 iPad 12. This custom wireless core, already present in other Apple models, offers lower latency and greater connection efficiency for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, improving performance for streaming, cloud access, and peripheral support.
A New iPad Buying Proposition for 2026
If these rumors hold true, the A19-powered iPad 12 could become a compelling choice even compared with some more expensive models. Its performance gains and support for advanced features suggest a device capable of handling not just basic consumption tasks, but also complex productivity workflows and creative applications that previously suggested moving up to an iPad Air or iPad Pro.
This potential shift marks a notable evolution in Apple’s tablet strategy. By placing such a capable chip in a mainstream model, Apple could narrow the performance gap across its iPad lineup, making the base iPad more attractive for a broader range of users — from students and everyday creators to professionals seeking capable yet affordable tablet hardware.
