Apple's upcoming iPad 12 will feature the A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence on the company's most affordable tablet for the first time. The current entry-level iPad, refreshed in March 2025 with the A16 chip, falls just short of the processing power required for Apple's AI features, despite its relatively recent update.

Apple Intelligence, introduced in 2024, requires devices with the A17 Pro or newer chips due to the processing, memory bandwidth, and neural engine performance needed for on-device and hybrid AI workloads. The platform includes systemwide writing tools, image generation capabilities, and enhanced Siri features with contextual awareness. Unlike standalone AI apps like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, Apple Intelligence operates at the system level, making hardware support essential for participation.

This update is particularly significant given the entry-level iPad's role in Apple's lineup, positioned as the most accessible iPad and widely used in education and families. Moving to the A18 brings a full two-generation leap in Apple silicon, delivering improved CPU performance, next-generation GPU with hardware ray tracing, faster Neural Engine, and better memory bandwidth. Apple could announce the 12th-generation iPad as soon as March 4, completing Apple Intelligence support across all major devices and eliminating fragmentation in the platform.