The 10th-generation iPad from Apple offers significant value at its price of $299 (down from the regular $349). This is particularly noteworthy as the next iPad with a comparable display size starts at $600. The iPad 10 features a full-screen design, vibrant color options, Touch ID, USB-C, and impressive camera capabilities. However, one important feature is notably absent, prompting potential buyers to think twice before making a purchase.
Lack of Apple Intelligence
Since the iPad mini received its update last fall, the iPad 10 stands out as the only model in Apple’s range that does not come with Apple Intelligence. Every Mac in Apple’s lineup, however, does support Apple Intelligence.
While it’s true that three iPhones (the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone SE) also lack Apple Intelligence, it indicates that the feature isn’t yet a standard across all Apple devices. Nonetheless, it would be reasonable to expect inclusion of Apple Intelligence in new devices set to launch in 2025.
This expectation arises from Apple’s self-imposed baseline requirement of at least 8GB of RAM for devices that utilize Apple Intelligence. For both iPhone and iPad, this 8GB mark serves as a reasonable baseline to ensure smooth multitasking capabilities. On the Mac side, 16GB RAM has become the standard for new models.
Can you guess which iPad sold by Apple doesn’t include 8GB RAM? That’s right—the iPad 10. Given that iPads can multitask in ways that iPhones cannot, it’s logical to anticipate that the tablet should have more RAM than the phone. Consequently, it might be wise to hold off for an improved iPad 11 to see if it brings 8GB of RAM to the entry-level iPad for less than the $600 iPad Air.
Should you purchase an iPad that lacks AI?
Is the absence of Apple Intelligence a dealbreaker for the iPad 10? Not at this moment, but it’s likely the iPad will remain relevant long enough for Apple Intelligence to advance before you need to acquire a new iPad in the future. As mentioned, having 8GB of RAM in your iPad is becoming increasingly sensible.
The current mystery revolves around whether the upcoming 11th-generation iPad will support Apple Intelligence. If it doesn’t, Apple should consider postponing its release until they can ensure 8GB of RAM is reasonably priced.
I’m personally investing in this argument. My son currently uses an aging iPad 9, and I’d love to phase out the Lightning port and Home button from our home. However, despite the attractive trade-in upgrade price, I’m skeptical about the wisdom of not having Apple Intelligence for his next iPad. Even seemingly simple features like Image Playground and Genmoji enhance the basic iPad experience significantly once you’ve had the chance to use them.
Do you agree or disagree? Would you consider buying an iPad 11 if it lacks Apple Intelligence? It’s still too early to make a final judgment, but a significantly improved Siri may make waiting for Apple Intelligence support worthwhile. Time will tell!
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