12th-gen iPad Apple Intelligence and iPad Air M4 rumors emerge

Bloomberg reports Apple's 12th-gen iPad will pack the A18 chip, finally bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level tablet. The iPad Air gets M4 power in February, whilst ambitious 2026 plans include foldable iPhones and M5 MacBook Pros.

Apple is preparing to launch its 12th-generation iPad with A18 chip and Apple Intelligence support, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The updated entry-level tablet addresses the main weakness of the current 11th-gen model, whilst the iPad Air is tipped for an M4 processor upgrade in February 2025.

Entry-level iPad gains Apple Intelligence

The upcoming 12th-generation iPad will feature the A18 processor — the same chip that powers the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This upgrade brings Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPad for the first time, addressing what we noted as the current model's main limitation.

According to Gurman, Apple Intelligence support will be the tablet's "biggest highlight," with the rest of the features and design remaining unchanged from the 11th-gen model. The current iPad starts at $349 (approximately Dhs 1,280) and offers an 11-inch display, A16 processor, 128GB storage, and 10-hour battery life.

The thing is, Apple Intelligence has been slow to deliver its promised features. The most notable upgrade — a revamped Siri with natural language processing — is still missing. Apple recently announced its partnership with Google to power some AI features with Gemini, suggesting the company is hedging its bets on its own AI development.

iPad Air gets M4 chip upgrade

The current 7th-generation iPad Air, which runs on the M3 chip, is expected to receive an upgrade to the M4 processor. This would bring the mid-range tablet in line with last year's MacBook Air and the 2024 iPad Pro models.

For context, the M4 chip first appeared in the iPad Pro before making its way to other Apple devices. The upgrade suggests Apple is streamlining its chip strategy across the iPad lineup, with the Pro models likely moving to M5 processors to maintain their performance advantage.

What this means for iPad buyers

The 12th-generation iPad upgrade is significant because it brings AI features to Apple's most affordable tablet. The current 11th-gen model, launched in March 2025, delivered solid performance improvements over its 2022 predecessor but lacked the processing power for Apple Intelligence.

With the A18 chip, the entry-level iPad joins the iPhone 16, iPad Pro, and higher-end devices in supporting Apple's AI suite. This matters because Apple Intelligence is positioned as a key differentiator for the company's ecosystem, with features like enhanced Siri, writing tools, and image generation.

The iPad Air's M4 upgrade is less dramatic but maintains the model's position as the middle ground between the entry-level iPad and the Pro models. It's a predictable spec bump that keeps the Air competitive without cannibalising Pro sales.

Apple's 2026 product roadmap

According to Gurman, Apple has an ambitious 2026 ahead. Beyond the iPad updates, the company is expected to announce M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, the iPhone 17e, and possibly a long-rumoured affordable MacBook powered by an iPhone chip.

The fall could bring Apple's first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. It's an aggressive timeline that suggests Apple is accelerating product refreshes across its lineup, likely driven by increased competition in AI and the need to justify upgrade cycles.

Expected pricing and availability

Gurman reports the 12th-generation iPad launch is expected "very soon," though specific dates and pricing remain unconfirmed. The current 11th-gen model starts at $349 globally, so expect similar positioning for the new model, though the A18 chip could justify a modest price increase.

UAE pricing and availability details haven't been announced. Apple typically launches new iPads globally within weeks of the initial announcement, with regional pricing often reflecting current exchange rates and local market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 12th-generation iPad expected to launch?

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the 12th-generation iPad is expected to launch "very soon," though no specific date has been confirmed.

What chip will the 12th-generation iPad feature?

The 12th-generation iPad is expected to feature the A18 processor, the same chip found in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

Will the new iPad support Apple Intelligence?

Yes, the upcoming 12th-generation iPad is expected to support Apple's AI features through its A18 chip, addressing a key limitation of the current model.

What chip will the updated iPad Air use?

The updated iPad Air is tipped to move from the M3 to the M4 chip, matching the processor found in recent MacBook Air and iPad Pro models.

Is the 12th-gen iPad worth waiting for over the current model?

If Apple Intelligence features matter to you, yes. The A18 chip brings AI capabilities that the current A16-powered model lacks, though other features remain largely unchanged.

How much will the 12th-gen iPad cost in UAE?

UAE pricing hasn't been announced. The current 11th-gen model starts around Dhs 1,280, so expect similar or slightly higher pricing for the new model.