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| The next 11-inch iPad is expected to retain its predecessor's design. |
If you thought Apple was done rolling out new hardware for the month, think again. Following a flurry of unexpected releases—including the Studio Display XDR, iPhone 17e, and a surprise drop of the AirPods Max 2—all signs now point to an imminent refresh of the entry-level iPad.
While Apple has yet to make any official announcement, accessory maker ESR Tech has inadvertently confirmed that the iPad 12th Generation is on the horizon. The company has already begun listing screen protectors for the unreleased tablet, offering the clearest indication yet that Apple’s extended launch strategy is far from over.
A Month of Surprise Drops
Apple kicked off this month with a staggered rollout across multiple product lines. The Studio Display received a quiet update, alongside new iterations of the MacBook Pro and iPad Air. But the company also introduced entirely new products, including the high-end Studio Display XDR, the budget-friendly iPhone 17e, and the MacBook Neo.
Then, last week, Apple dropped the AirPods Max 2 without any prior fanfare. The over-ear headphones arrived in five fresh colours and are currently available on Amazon for $529.99. It’s a release strategy that keeps consumers on their toes—and it appears the entry-level iPad is next in line.
ESR Tech Listing Confirms iPad 12th Gen Details
According to a listing discovered by GSMArena and attributed to ESR Tech, the accessory manufacturer is already marketing “paper-feel” screen protectors for the iPad 12th Generation. At the time of publication, the product page remains live, though such listings are often pulled once they catch Apple’s attention.
You can view the ESR Tech listing here, which explicitly references the unreleased iPad model.
The listing reveals several key details about the upcoming tablet:
- Design remains largely unchanged: The 12th-generation iPad will retain the same industrial design as its predecessor, featuring a flat 11-inch display surrounded by even but comparatively thick bezels. ESR Tech also notes that Apple will continue to position the front-facing camera for landscape use—a welcome feature for video calls and productivity.
- A18 chipset under the hood: Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the move to Apple’s A18 chip. Although the A19 and A19 Pro have since been introduced in higher-end devices, the A18 represents a substantial leap over the current iPad’s A16 Bionic processor.
- Performance gains: The switch to A18 is expected to deliver a performance increase of over 20% compared to the A16 Bionic. Single-core performance could see an even more dramatic boost, landing somewhere between 24% and 30% higher depending on workload.
- 8 GB of RAM and Apple Intelligence: With the A18 chipset, the new iPad is also expected to ship with 8 GB of RAM, a notable upgrade that will enable support for Apple Intelligence—the company’s suite of on-device AI features.
What This Means for the Entry-Level iPad
The current entry-level iPad (11th generation) launched with the A16 Bionic chip and 6 GB of RAM, but notably lacked support for Apple Intelligence. The move to A18 and 8 GB of RAM would not only bring the budget iPad in line with Apple’s AI ambitions but also close the performance gap with the iPad Air lineup.
For consumers, this means a more future-proof device at the entry-level price point. The addition of Apple Intelligence could bring features like advanced writing tools, image generation, and enhanced Siri capabilities to Apple’s most affordable tablet.
When Will It Launch?
Apple has not publicly acknowledged the iPad 12th Generation, but accessory makers typically receive specifications and dimensions weeks—sometimes months—before a product’s official announcement. ESR Tech’s decision to list screen protectors suggests that a launch could be imminent, possibly within the next few weeks.
Given Apple’s recent pattern of quiet, staggered releases, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the new iPad appear via a press release rather than a full-scale event. The company has already demonstrated this month that it’s willing to launch products with minimal advance notice.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s extended launch strategy appears to be working in its favour, keeping the news cycle engaged and product launches feeling fresh. With the iPad 12th Generation now seemingly confirmed by third-party accessory listings, it’s only a matter of time before Apple makes it official.
If the leaked specifications hold true, the new entry-level iPad will offer a compelling mix of performance, AI capabilities, and familiar design—all at a price point that has long made it one of Apple’s most popular devices.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and bring you updates as soon as Apple makes its next move.
Sources: ESR Tech, GSMArena, Amazon
