Apple is preparing two new tablets for an early-spring debut, as reported by Mark Gurman. The upcoming iPad 12 and iPad Air 8 are set to arrive in March–April 2026, likely announced quietly through a press release rather than a full launch event. Both models keep their familiar looks, but each receives meaningful hardware upgrades meant to bring them in line with Apple’s expanding Apple Intelligence ecosystem.
The entry-level iPad 12 moves from the A16 chip to the A18, delivering a noticeable performance boost across everyday tasks. Apple is also bumping RAM to 8 GB (from 6 GB), enabling the tablet to run the company’s latest on-device AI features. That includes a more capable version of Siri, improved transcription, and smoother multitasking powered by the new 16-core Neural Engine.
No exterior changes are planned: users can expect the same 10.9-inch display, flat edges, Touch ID, and USB-C port. Pricing is expected to remain steady at $349, positioning the iPad 12 as Apple’s most affordable fully AI-ready tablet.
In the mid-range, the iPad Air 8 inherits the M4 chip currently used in the Pro lineup, promising a substantial lift in performance. Compared to the M3-based generation, estimates point to around 30% faster CPU output and a 20% graphics improvement, which should noticeably enhance creative apps, gaming, and multitasking.
Both the 11-inch and 13-inch versions stick to LCD panels, with OLED remaining an exclusive perk for Pro models. Expected pricing: $599 and $799, respectively.
Apple is positioning the new tablet lineup for 2026’s broader shift towards Apple Intelligence, aiming to make AI features ubiquitous across its devices without raising prices or altering form factors.
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