Apple may be shaking up its usual strategy for the low-cost iPad. According to a report from Macworld, the next-generation iPad 12 could use the A19 chip, the same processor introduced this year in the iPhone 17.
If true, this would be unusual. Historically, Apple’s affordable iPads have used chips one or two generations behind the latest iPhone to keep costs down.
What’s Changing with the iPad 12?
For context, Apple’s low-cost iPads have rarely received current-generation chips:
- iPad 4: Last low-cost iPad with a current-generation chip at the time
- iPad 5 (2017): Used A9, originally in iPhone 6s (2015)
- iPad 8 (2020): A12 (iPhone 8, 2018)
- iPad 9 (2021): A13 (iPhone 11, 2019)
- iPad 10 (2022): A14 (iPhone 12, 2020)
- iPad 11 (March 2025): A16 (iPhone 14, 2022)
This timeline shows a clear pattern: the low-cost iPad normally lags behind iPhone processors by a generation or two.
The potential jump to the A19 would break that tradition and bring top-tier iPhone performance to the most affordable iPad. That could be a big deal for users wanting a budget-friendly iPad without compromising speed or efficiency.
What the Leaks Say
Macworld claims to have seen an internal Apple code document listing the iPad 12 codenames as J581 and J588.
- Typically, Apple codenames are sequential, and prior leaks suggested J581 and J582 referenced the low-cost iPad 12.
- The iPad mini is rumored to use the A19 chip as well, but prior code references (J510 and J511) made that unclear.
Apple’s plans often change during development, so the A19 in iPad 12 isn’t confirmed yet. Earlier reports have suggested that the new iPad could feature an A18 chip.
iPad Air and N1 Networking Chip
The report also mentions the next-generation iPad Air, which is expected to feature:
- M4 chip (a generation behind the iPad Pro’s M5)
- N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which is more energy-efficient than third-party chips
These upgrades follow Apple’s ongoing trend of bringing better performance and connectivity to their mid-range tablets without breaking the cost model.
Why the A19 in iPad 12 Matters
If Apple really includes the A19 in the low-cost iPad 12:
- Users get top-end processing at a lower price
- It may improve gaming, multitasking, and AI performance
- It could signal Apple’s willingness to close the performance gap between budget and flagship iPads
This would be the first time a low-cost iPad receives a current-generation iPhone chip since the iPad 4.
What’s Next?
The iPad 12 and iPad Air are expected to launch early in 2026, giving Apple plenty of time to finalize the chips and features.
Other anticipated upgrades include:
- Improved battery life thanks to the A19 and M4 efficiency
- Support for Apple’s latest iPadOS features
- Continued focus on education and productivity markets
Apple is also expected to release an affordable A18 Pro MacBook, and iPhone 17e in 2026. An OLED iPad mini is also expected to launch in 2026, but in Q3 or Q4.
Final Thoughts
The rumors about the iPad 12 using the A19 chip are exciting, even if not yet confirmed. A faster, current-generation processor in Apple’s most affordable tablet would make the iPad 12 a more compelling option for casual users, students, and professionals who want a powerful device without splurging on an iPad Pro.
With Apple expected to announce the new iPad lineup in early 2026, we should know soon whether the low-cost iPad is about to get a serious performance boost.
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