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Apple Leak Confirms A18 Chip for Next Low-Cost iPad Model

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Apple is developing a new low-cost iPad powered by an A18 chip, according to code references accidentally disclosed by the company yesterday.

11th gen ipad blue
The finding builds on a previous report by Bloomberg that indicated Apple plans to launch a 12th generation entry-level iPad in the spring of 2026. The device is expected to maintain the current design while incorporating the faster processor.

The current 11-inch iPad features an A16 chip and starts at $349. The A18 chip currently powers the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Plus, so it will bring significant performance improvements over the A16, which debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro. The chip includes a 16-core Neural Engine designed for AI workloads, which would enable Apple Intelligence features on the budget device.

Apple released the current entry-level iPad in March 2024. The company usually updates its budget tablet annually in the first half of the year, although the exact release timing has varied.

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Top Rated Comments

A
aParkerMusic
14 months ago

That is nice, but what they need to do is fix the air gap in the display. Once you've used any other model (or tablet) that has a quality display, the base iPad's looks pretty bad.
Buy one with better specs then. This one is for people who want to save money and are willing to compromise on the lower quality display....
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Devyn89 Avatar
Devyn89
14 months ago

That is nice, but what they need to do is fix the air gap in the display. Once you've used any other model (or tablet) that has a quality display, the base iPad's looks pretty bad.
I think they don’t for two reasons: 1) laminating is somewhat expensive, 2) it’s cheaper to repair non-laminated displays and given the mass orders that schools take and other organizations it’s cheaper for them should a repair be needed.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
U
UltimaKilo
14 months ago
The A18 should have been released in this year's base iPad, so it's good to see they are bringing the base iPad up to date with a more modern processor that is very capable. Hopefully they also bump the RAM up to 8GB.


That is nice, but what they need to do is fix the air gap in the display. Once you've used any other model (or tablet) that has a quality display, the base iPad's looks pretty bad.
I have the new base iPad. It's great for what it is. If someone wants a better display, they can get an iPad Air or iPad Pro
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joshwithachance Avatar
joshwithachance
14 months ago
If only they would laminate that ****ing display...
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
V
Valve1138
14 months ago
The same A18 they’ll use in the rumored low cost laptop? And probably the next Apple TV?

Get a lot of bang for your buck out of that one chip.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
RaoulCapano
14 months ago
That is nice, but what they need to do is fix the air gap in the display. Once you've used any other model (or tablet) that has a quality display, the base iPad's looks pretty bad.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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