Apple has neglected their cheapest iPad for the past couple years, leaving it with the over four year old A14 chipset. They did lower the price earlier last year, from $449 to $349, but we should finally see a real refresh this spring. Here’s what we’re expecting with the iPad 11, the first refresh to Apple’s cheapest iPad in 2.5 years.
Apple Intelligence
The next gen entry-level iPad will likely have support for the Apple Intelligence, equipping Apple’s A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro.
That means you’d be able to take advantage of features like notification summaries, Image Playground, Genmoji, the all-new Siri, ChatGPT, and more on the new iPad. If it launches this spring, Apple should have launched all the Apple Intelligence features by then.
Improved connectivity
iPad 11 will likely gain support for newer connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi 6E (or Wi-Fi 7), and Bluetooth 5.3. This would be a step up from Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 on the current entry-level iPad, allowing for lower latency and so on.
We may also see Apple’s first 5G modems debut in cellular versions of the iPad 11, according to Bloomberg:
The first modem will also appear in low-end iPads next year, with the 2026 update coming to Pro versions of the iPhone and iPad.
New Magic Keyboard
Apple is also working on a new lower-end Magic Keyboard for iPads, which the iPad 11 could possibly support. This would be a more traditional keyboard design, rather than the folio style that the iPad 10 currently sports.
Release date
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is indeed planning to release the iPad 11 this spring, alongside the iPhone SE, iPad Air, and more:
It will have roughly the same design as the current version from 2022, while getting a speed boost. This model is scheduled to be released around the same time as the new iPhone SE and iPad Air in the spring.
Assuming nothing changes, that means Apple’s lowest end iPad will be 2.5 years old when it finally gets refreshed.
Are you excited for the upcoming entry-level iPad? Let us know in the comments.
My favorite iPad accessories on Amazon:
- ESR Geo Digital Pencil with Find My
- Anker 25K Power Bank with displays and built in cables
- Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and 11-inch iPad Pro (pre-M4)
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