Apple Intelligence Rollout Nears Completion With Upcoming iPad 12
Source: MacRumors
Background
Apple’s next entry‑level iPad is expected to receive the A18 chip. While the upgrade may seem modest on paper, it would enable Apple Intelligence on the company’s most affordable tablet for the first time.
The current entry‑level iPad was last refreshed in March 2025 with the A16 chip. Apple Intelligence is supported only on devices equipped with the A17 Pro or newer, or on Apple’s M‑series chips, because of the processing, memory bandwidth, and Neural Engine performance required for on‑device and hybrid AI workloads. The A16 in today’s entry‑level iPad falls just short of this threshold, leaving the product outside Apple’s AI rollout despite its relatively recent update.
Apple Intelligence Overview
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in 2024 as a set of features spanning its operating systems. The platform is described as “personal intelligence for everyday tasks,” built around on‑device processing combined with Private Cloud Compute for more demanding workloads. Apple emphasizes that the system delivers powerful capabilities while protecting user privacy.
Key features include:
- System‑wide writing tools that can rewrite, summarize, and proofread text across apps.
- Image generation tools that let users create images and custom emoji from text prompts.
- Siri with contextual awareness and deeper integration across apps, enabling actions based on onscreen content and personal data stored on the device.
Rumors suggest that iOS 27 will further transform Siri into a true chatbot with even deeper system integration.
Unlike third‑party AI services such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, Apple Intelligence operates at the system level, meaning hardware support determines whether a device can participate in the platform at all. Moving to the A18 therefore brings the entry‑level iPad into the same feature set as newer iPhones and iPads, rather than merely improving speed or battery efficiency.
Impact of the A18 on the Entry‑Level iPad
The entry‑level iPad is positioned as the most accessible iPad and is widely used in education, families, and large‑scale deployments. Expanding Apple Intelligence support to this model will:
- Significantly increase the number of devices capable of running Apple’s AI features.
- Eliminate the current outlier status of the entry‑level iPad, completing platform support across Apple’s major devices.
- Reduce fragmentation and improve future‑proofing for users and institutions.
Hardware Improvements with the A18
Transitioning from the A16 to the A18 brings a full two‑generation leap in Apple silicon, including:
- A newer CPU built on a more advanced process node.
- A next‑generation GPU with hardware ray tracing and mesh shading support.
- A substantially faster Neural Engine.
- An updated media engine with improved hardware acceleration.
The A18 also offers enhanced memory bandwidth and efficiency, which should translate into better sustained performance under load and potentially longer battery life in everyday use—benefits that extend beyond AI‑specific tasks.
Launch Timeline
Apple is reportedly planning a media “experience” on March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. The device’s launch is rumored to be imminent.
This article, “Apple Intelligence Rollout Nears Completion With Upcoming iPad 12,” first appeared on MacRumors.com.