iPad 12th Gen (2026) release date expectations, price estimates and upgrades
iPad (A16). | Image credit – PhoneArena
That said, it is not too early to start making some educated guesses – and if this is the iPad you are waiting for, this is definitely the space to watch.
iPad 12th gen release date
Apple is expected to release the iPad 12th gen in spring 2026. However, just remember, Apple has waited as long as three years between budget iPad releases before, so the launch timing isn’t set in stone.
And the last three regular iPads so far have launched at different times of the year, so the exact timing is still a bit of a mystery. But if Apple sticks to its recent release schedule, we could see the next one drop in March 2026.
For a clearer idea of when it might launch, check out the table below.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| iPad 12th gen | March, 2026* | March, 2026* |
| iPad 11th gen | March 4, 2025 | March 12, 2025 |
| iPad 10th gen | October 18, 2022 | October 26, 2022 |
| iPad 9th gen | September 14, 2021 | September 24, 2021 |
* – probable dates
iPad 12th gen price
The next-gen iPad 12th is expected to launch with a price close to the current model, around $349. That said, things can always change before it hits shelves – like new tariffs – which could push the price up.
For now, though, there is no hint of a price increase, so it should remain Apple’s most affordable tablet option.
| iPad model | 128 GB of storage | 256 GB of storage | 512 GB of storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad 12th gen | $349* | $449* | $649* |
| iPad 11th gen |
$349 | $449 | $649 |
| iPad 10th gen | $349 (for 64 GB) | $599 | – |
*– anticipated price
iPad 12th gen camera
Much like the current iPad 11th gen, the next one should also have one single camera on the back. | Image credit – PhoneArena
iPads – especially the regular models – aren’t exactly known for their cameras. In fact, tablets usually aren’t bought for photography, but having a decent front camera is handy for video calls and meetings.
You can expect the selfie camera to be placed along the longer, landscape side of the tablet. This setup makes FaceTime and other video chats feel way more natural, just like on the previous generation.
Here’s what to expect from the iPad 12th gen cameras:
- 12 MP main camera
- 12 MP selfie camera
iPad 12th gen storage
Apple finally stepped up its game with the current model and the next regular iPad should keep that momentum by offering three storage options – including a roomy 512 GB. The base model will likely start at 128 GB, which is a solid upgrade from the previous 64 GB that was starting to feel a bit tight for today’s needs.
iPad 12th gen expected storage capacity:
iPad 12th gen design
Don’t expect any major changes in the design. The new iPad will probably stick to the same look as the 11th and 10th-gen models before it. That means slightly thicker bezels around a 10.9″ display – still a compact size that offers just the right balance between portability and screen space.
You can also count on stereo speakers on both sides when holding the tablet in landscape mode, which makes for a better audio experience. As for colors, nothing’s confirmed yet, but chances are we’ll see some fun and vibrant options again. The body is expected to stay aluminum, keeping that clean and durable build.
iPad 12th gen display
Up front, the next-gen base iPad will likely stick with the same 10.9-inch display introduced with the 10th-gen model. That means an IPS LCD Liquid Retina panel with a 2360 x 1640 resolution and 264ppi pixel density. Sure, it’s starting to feel a bit dated, but maybe Apple will finally shake things up this time.
Expect the usual 60Hz refresh rate and a modest 500 nits of SDR brightness – decent for indoor use but not ideal under bright sunlight. On the bright side, Apple’s top-notch color calibration helps the display look great and it’ll continue to support the Apple Pencil (both Gen 1 and the newer USB-C version).
iPad 12th gen battery
iPads have stuck to a pretty consistent battery life target over the years – around 10 to 12 hours – and that’s not expected to change with the next model. The battery will likely be similar to the current one, around 7698 mAh.
Charging might still be capped at 20W wired, with no wireless option. That’s not exactly speedy as a full charge takes about two hours, which feels a bit sluggish by today’s standards.
iPad 12th gen features and software
As always, you can count on Apple’s long-term support, with around 6 years of software updates and 7 years of security patches.
iPad 12th gen hardware and specs
Apple’s chips are known for their power and efficiency, with plenty of headroom for everyday tasks and more. So it makes total sense for Apple to bring these slightly older, but still very capable, chips to its more affordable iPads – like solid hand-me-downs from the flagship models that still pack a punch.
Should I wait for the iPad 12th gen?
- You should wait for iPad 12th gen if you’re still using an older base model like the iPad 9. By the time the new one arrives, it’ll be the perfect moment to upgrade – and going with the latest version is usually a smart move. While it might not be a huge leap over the current iPad 11th gen, it’ll definitely be a noticeable upgrade from the iPad 9 or anything older.
- You should not wait for iPad 12th gen if you already have the iPad 10th gen or just picked up the 11th gen – the improvements probably won’t be big enough to justify the switch. Also, if you need something more powerful for heavier tasks like video editing or pro-level multitasking, you’re better off looking at the iPad Air or Pro models instead.
