Apple has quietly updated its entry-level iPad (11th Gen), bringing notable improvements in performance and storage while making an unexpected decision to exclude Apple Intelligence support. While the upgrade solidifies the standard iPad as an even better value for everyday users, the lack of AI capabilities may leave some buyers reconsidering their options.
The Key Upgrades: A16 Chip and 128GB Storage
The biggest highlights of the iPad (11th Gen) refresh include:
- A16 Bionic Chip – A major leap over the previous A14 Bionic, providing faster CPU and GPU performance.
- 128GB Base Storage – Double the previous 64GB, addressing one of the most common complaints about entry-level iPads.
- Same 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display, 12MP cameras, and USB-C port – No major design changes.
This update improves the value proposition of Apple’s most affordable iPad, making it a stronger choice for students, casual users, and those seeking an affordable tablet for entertainment and productivity.
No Apple Intelligence? A Surprising Omission
One of the most unexpected decisions is that the iPad 11th Gen does not support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new suite of AI-driven features coming to iPads, Macs, and iPhones later this year.
Why Doesn’t the A16 iPad Support AI?
While Apple hasn’t provided a clear answer, the exclusion likely comes down to:
- Neural Engine Limitations – Apple Intelligence relies heavily on on-device AI processing, which might require more advanced hardware like the M-series chips found in higher-end iPads.
- Product Segmentation – Apple could be intentionally keeping AI features exclusive to the iPad Air (M3) and iPad Pro (M4) to differentiate its product lineup.
- RAM Constraints – Apple Intelligence likely needs at least 8GB of RAM, whereas the A16 iPad is rumored to have 6GB, limiting its ability to handle AI workloads.
This decision creates a new gap in Apple’s lineup, where the iPad 11th Gen offers great specs but misses out on the latest AI advancements.
iPad 11th Gen vs. iPad 10th Gen: What’s Changed?
If you’re wondering whether to upgrade, here’s a direct comparison of the iPad (11th Gen) vs. iPad (10th Gen):
| Feature | iPad (11th Gen, 2025) | iPad (10th Gen, 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A16 Bionic (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) | A14 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | 16-core |
| Apple Intelligence Support | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Display | 10.9” Liquid Retina (2360×1640) | 10.9” Liquid Retina (2360×1640) |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Front Camera | 12MP ultra-wide (landscape) | 12MP ultra-wide (landscape) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil (USB-C) |
| Magic Keyboard Support | Magic Keyboard Folio | Magic Keyboard Folio |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Operating System | iPadOS 18 | iPadOS 17 |
| Starting Price | $349 (128GB) | $449 (64GB) |
Key Takeaways from the Comparison
- Performance Boost – The A16 chip is significantly faster than the A14, especially in gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- More Storage – The new 128GB base storage is a big improvement, making the iPad 11th Gen much better for long-term use.
- No Design Changes – Same screen, camera, and accessories as the 10th Gen.
- No AI Support on Either Model – Even with the A16 chip, Apple Intelligence remains off-limits.
Should You Upgrade?
Who Should Buy the iPad 11th Gen?
✅ Students & Casual Users – A faster, more capable iPad for note-taking, research, and media consumption.
✅ Budget-Conscious Buyers – With double the storage at a lower starting price ($349), it’s a better deal than the 10th Gen.
✅ First-Time iPad Users – A solid entry-level tablet with great longevity.
Who Should Skip the iPad 11th Gen?
❌ Anyone Wanting Apple Intelligence – If you’re interested in AI features, get the iPad Air (M3) or iPad Pro (M4).
❌ Power Users & Gamers – The A16 is good, but M-series chips are better for demanding apps.
❌ iPad 10th Gen Owners – If you already have a 10th Gen iPad, this upgrade isn’t essential unless you need more storage.
Final Verdict: A Solid Upgrade, But No AI Future
The iPad 11th Gen (2025) is an incremental but meaningful upgrade that improves performance and storage at a lower price. However, the lack of Apple Intelligence support raises questions about its long-term relevance, especially as AI becomes a bigger part of Apple’s ecosystem.
For now, it’s a great value pick for everyday users, but those looking for cutting-edge AI features should look elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- The new iPad 11 features an A16 chip and double the storage (128GB) compared to the previous generation.
- Despite hardware upgrades, the device lacks support for Apple Intelligence features, creating a notable feature gap.
- Consumers must now weigh improved performance and storage against missing AI capabilities when considering this entry-level iPad.
Overview of the New Base iPad (11th Gen)
Apple’s 11th generation iPad brings significant upgrades while maintaining its accessible $350 starting price point. The new model delivers more power and storage capacity, making it a compelling option for everyday users.
Introduction to the A16 Chip
The 11th generation iPad comes equipped with Apple’s A16 chip, a substantial performance upgrade from previous models. This processor features a 5-core CPU and 4-core GPU configuration, delivering faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance for everyday tasks.
The A16 chip enables smoother multitasking capabilities and better handling of demanding applications. Users can expect more responsive performance when switching between apps, editing photos, or playing games.
Despite the processing power increase, the new iPad notably lacks support for Apple Intelligence features. This omission is surprising given that the same chip powers the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 series, which do support these AI capabilities.
Enhancements in Storage Capacity
Apple has doubled the base storage capacity in the 11th generation iPad. The entry-level model now starts at 128GB instead of 64GB, addressing a common pain point for users who frequently ran out of space.
This storage boost allows users to download more apps, store more photos and videos, and keep more documents without constantly managing their device space. The increase comes without a price hike, maintaining the same $350 starting price as the previous generation.
For users with higher storage needs, Apple likely offers additional configurations with even more capacity. This makes the base iPad more versatile for content creators, students, and professionals who need to store larger files.
Lack of Apple Intelligence Support
The iPad 11‘s lack of Apple Intelligence support has surprised many potential buyers who expected Apple’s newest features to be available across all new devices. This limitation stems directly from the device’s hardware capabilities.
Implications for Users
Users of the new iPad 11 will miss out on several AI-powered features that are becoming central to Apple’s ecosystem. The A16 chip, while powerful for general tasks, lacks the neural processing capabilities needed to run Apple Intelligence locally. According to recent leaks, the iPad 11 simply doesn’t have the raw processing power required for these features.
This creates a split in Apple’s product line where even brand-new devices have different feature sets. Buyers will need to consider whether missing features like advanced notification summarization and AI-generated content are dealbreakers.
For students and casual users who primarily use the iPad for browsing and basic productivity, this omission might not matter much. However, professionals who wanted the more affordable iPad with newer AI capabilities will need to look at pricier models.
Market Reaction to the Omission
The market response has been mixed, with some tech analysts questioning Apple’s strategy. By making the iPad 11 the only new device without Apple Intelligence support, the company has created confusion in its product lineup.
Apple now faces what Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman called a “dilemma” regarding the positioning of the base iPad. Some potential buyers are expressing disappointment in online forums, noting they might delay purchases or upgrade to more expensive models.
Competitors may seize this opportunity to highlight their AI capabilities in similarly priced tablets. Samsung and Google have been aggressively marketing AI features in their mid-range devices.
Apple’s stock hasn’t shown significant movement related specifically to this issue, suggesting investors don’t view it as a major concern for the company’s overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many iPad users have questions about the new 11th generation model and its capabilities. Below are answers to some common questions about the latest iPad release.
What are the new features of the 11th Generation iPad?
The 11th generation iPad comes with the A16 chip, which is a significant upgrade from the previous model. This new chip provides better performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
The base storage has been doubled to 128GB, giving users more space for apps, photos, and files. This increase is particularly helpful since many modern apps require more storage space.
The device maintains its sleek design while offering improved functionality for everyday use.
How does the A16 chip improve the iPad’s performance?
The A16 chip delivers a major performance boost compared to the previous generation. Users will notice faster app loading times and smoother multitasking capabilities.
The upgraded chip provides better handling of graphics-intensive applications and games. This means less lag when using creative apps or playing advanced mobile games.
The A16 also offers improved energy efficiency, potentially extending battery life during regular use.
Can the base model iPad’s storage be expanded via external sources?
The iPad does not support expandable storage through memory cards. The internal storage cannot be upgraded after purchase.
Users can, however, use external storage solutions like USB drives through the iPad’s port. Cloud storage services like iCloud also offer ways to extend available storage space.
What are the implications of the iPad not having Apple Intelligence Support?
Without Apple Intelligence, the 11th gen iPad will not be able to perform the advanced AI features available on other Apple devices. This includes features like notification summarization and AI-generated content.
The absence of Apple Intelligence is due to hardware limitations, specifically the A16 chip lacking the necessary processing power for these AI features.
This makes the iPad 11 the only new Apple device not to support this technology, which might impact its appeal to users who prioritize cutting-edge features.
How will the lack of Apple Intelligence Support affect users’ experience?
Most everyday iPad users may not notice the absence of Apple Intelligence. Basic functionalities like web browsing, video streaming, and using productivity apps will work just fine.
Power users and those who enjoy having the latest features might feel limited by not having access to AI tools that could enhance productivity.
The overall impact depends on how important these AI features are to individual users’ needs and workflows.
What are the available storage options for the latest iPad?
The 11th generation iPad starts with 128GB of base storage, double what was offered in previous models. This increase helps accommodate the growing size of apps and media files.
Higher storage tiers are also available for users who need more space for large media libraries, professional applications, or offline content.
Apple has made this storage increase partly to ensure enough space is available for future operating system updates and app installations.
