Apple refreshed its most affordable iPad model in October 2022, marking a significant update for the base model since its comeback in 2017. This was the 10th generation of the iPad, and although 2.5 years have passed, the forthcoming 11th generation is not expected to introduce any major changes due to a key factor.
Primary confirmed upgrade: new chip
Similar to the iPad mini 7 launched last fall, the upcoming iPad 11 is expected to be mainly a specification upgrade. Reports suggest it will transition from the A14 Bionic chip to the A17 Pro chip.
This change will mark a shift from a chip introduced with the iPhone 12 in 2020 to one that debuted alongside the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023. This upgrade is likely to deliver approximately a 40% increase in processing speed, particularly regarding CPU performance.
Moreover, the system memory is expected to increase from 4GB to 8GB, enhancing multitasking capabilities and overall performance.
Apple’s latest AI features will reportedly be integrated into the iPad 11 for the first time, bringing capabilities like Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, and a revamped Siri experience.
Possible enhancements
Regrettably, there are currently no other significant upgrade rumors to discuss. Some color options may see minor changes, and Apple is likely to enhance connectivity standards, potentially introducing Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
One intriguing possibility is the introduction of Stage Manager. Initially unveiled in iPadOS 16, this feature requires an A12X (or newer) iPad Pro, or an M1 (or newer) iPad Air. While Apple hasn’t extended this feature to other iPads yet, it can be argued that an A17 Pro with 8GB of RAM would be better suited for this functionality compared to an A12X with just 4GB of RAM. Only time will reveal the outcome.
Conclusion
Ultimately, despite the lengthy interval between updates, the upcoming iPad will likely be just another incremental specification bump. One of the more significant changes across the iPad lineup in 2024 was the repositioning of the camera to landscape orientation, an upgrade the base model iPad already received in 2022.
There is hope for an increase in base storage from 64GB to 128GB to spark more interest. This new iPad model is anticipated to launch in the spring.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s upcoming iPad? Share your opinions in the comments.
Some of my favorite Apple accessories available on Amazon:
Follow StrongChimp on: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram
: . More.
