iPad 11 Rumors: Release Date, Colors, Pricing, and More
- Spring refresh? Apple’s entry-level iPad is set for a long-awaited upgrade.
- Rumor has it the iPad 11 will pack Apple Intelligence—think smarter, faster, and more capable.
- New tech, same price? This iPad update could be one of Apple’s biggest budget-friendly moves.
Apple fans are still waiting on an update to the company’s entry-level iPad, which hasn’t seen a major refresh since 2022. Although Apple lowered its price this year—from $449 to $349—the iPad remains fitted with the aging A14 chipset, released over four years ago. Here’s a comprehensive look at what might be in store for the next-generation iPad, expected to arrive in spring 2025.
Photo via Cult of Mac // A concept image of Apple's upcoming iPad 11.
Apple Intelligence Integration
The most anticipated feature for the new iPad is Apple Intelligence, Apple's expanding suite of AI-driven tools. While the exact chipset is still up in the air, analysts speculate it could be the A18 chip, as the A17 Pro is reserved for higher-end devices. "Apple is likely only using the A17 Pro chip in the new iPad mini because there were readily available binned chips," industry sources explain, “left over from the iPhone 15 Pro manufacturing process.”
An A18 chip could unlock numerous new functionalities, including:
- Notification Summaries
- Image Playground
- Genmoji
- The all-new Siri
- ChatGPT integration
These features are anticipated to debut across all Apple devices by the time of the iPad’s release.
Photo via Apple // The Apple A18 chipset, rumored to power the upcoming 2025 iPad 11th generation.
Connectivity Upgrades
The upcoming iPad 11 is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E (or even Wi-Fi 7) and Bluetooth 5.3, marking a significant upgrade from the current iPad’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. This enhancement could mean lower latency and more reliable connections—essential for users in high-traffic or public spaces where robust connectivity matters.
Apple may also be working on a new lower-end Magic Keyboard that ditches the folio style in favor of a more traditional keyboard layout. This accessory could become a major productivity boost for entry-level iPad users, adding versatility without the cost and heft of higher-end iPad Pro accessories.
Apple Pencil Pro Compatibility?
Rumors surrounding Apple Pencil Pro compatibility remain unconfirmed, but some enthusiasts hope for updated magnets and a repositioned charging coil to support the Pencil Pro. Apple’s iPad 10 faced limitations with the Apple Pencil 2 due to its landscape front camera, and a reconfiguration in the iPad 11 might resolve these issues. However, given the potential increase in production costs, Apple could keep the current Pencil configuration.
Expected Release Timeline
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing for a spring 2025 launch, possibly alongside updates to the iPhone SE and iPad Air. “Assuming nothing changes, that means Apple’s lowest-end iPad will be 2.5 years old when it finally gets refreshed,” Gurman shared in a recent newsletter.
Other Expected Enhancements
Processor Update
The current 10th-generation iPad’s A14 chip was first seen in the iPhone 12 lineup and is becoming outdated. Adding Apple Intelligence to the iPad 11 would likely necessitate more memory, currently capped at 4GB in the entry-level iPad. An A17 Pro or A18 processor upgrade would not only boost performance but may also improve efficiency and battery life.
Photo via Apple // The Apple iPad 10th generation (iPad 10).
Storage Options
No significant changes in storage configuration have been rumored, but Apple could increase the minimum from 64GB to 128GB without impacting the $349 base price. Currently, the iPad is available in 64GB and 256GB options.
Design: Same Look, New Colors?
Apple completely revamped the entry-level iPad’s design in 2022, introducing a 10.9-inch edge-to-edge display with a Touch ID power button and USB-C support. This design is expected to carry over to the iPad 11, though there may be new color options beyond the existing silver, yellow, pink, and blue.
Pricing
For now, pricing is expected to stay the same, starting at $349 for the base model with 64GB of storage. Apple has kept the entry-level iPad affordable while maintaining a balance of features for budget-conscious consumers, and any storage upgrade would be a welcome bonus.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
If you’re on the fence about purchasing a budget iPad, holding off until spring 2025 could be worth it for the performance improvements and Apple Intelligence capabilities. However, if immediate functionality is your priority, the current iPad still delivers a decent experience—just without the power and futureproofing an A18 chip could bring.
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Published to Apple Scoop on 10th November, 2024.
