iPad 11 with Apple Intelligence probably in March
When iPadOS 18.3 is released, a new standard iPad will be launched at the same time. That's what leakers claim. But it probably won't stay that way.
Apple's iPad 10: The hardware urgently needs support for Apple Intelligence, with model 11 it should be ready.
(Image: Apple)
2024 was not a bad year for the iPad. Apple launched the iPad Pro M4 with an OLED screen and fast SoC, updated the sixth-generation iPad Air with an M2 chip and, after a three-year wait, delivered the iPad mini 7, which is compatible with Apple Intelligence for the first time. What remained untouched, however, was the standard iPad, which for many users represents the entry into Apple's tablet world. Fresh details have now been leaked about what could happen with this series.
The iPad 10 is no longer worth it
The model was last updated as the iPad 10 in October 2022. Back then, it had a 10.9-inch screen, an A14 Bionic SoC from the iPhone 12 (which was already outdated at the time) plus a USB-C port instead of Lightning. Apple offers it in four colors (blue, pink, money and silver) and charges exactly 399 euros for the – clearly too narrow – 64 GByte in the entry-level model, which is also cheaper in stores (starting from 319,90 €). The more sensible maximum configuration with 256 GB costs 569 euros from the manufacturer.
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However, the iPad 10 is currently no longer recommended, as it is not future-proof without support for Apple Intelligence. It is therefore worth waiting for the iPad 11. It was actually expected in fall 2024, but never came. At the moment, it looks like it will be ready in spring 2025. The first clues can be found in the beta version of iPadOS 18.3, which has been distributed since December. According to a leaker report from the Christmas period, this operating system auch will be delivered with the iPad 11. iPadOS 18.3 is expected at the end of January or beginning of February. That would be enough time to launch an iPad 11 by March or April.
Hardware details: Small upgrade, but useful
In terms of hardware, the iPad 11 is likely to be a moderate – but nevertheless sensible – upgrade. First of all, Apple is likely to install an Apple Intelligence-enabled chip. It is quite possible that this is the A17 Pro from the iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max. This is also found in the iPad mini and is the "smallest" SoC that is suitable for Apple Intelligence. Otherwise, the iPad must have at least an M1. However, Apple is unlikely to use M-series SoCs in the standard iPad for marketing reasons, even if it is already years old.
Apple could also install its own 5G modem in the iPad 11 for the first time, which is also expected for the iPhone SE 4. The integration of Apple's first in-house Bluetooth/WLAN chip is also conceivable. There have also been rumors about a new keyboard accessory from Apple for the iPad 11. A Magic Keyboard variant is already available in the form of a folio, but it is quite rickety. Finally, Apple is also likely to give the iPad 11 more RAM, as Apple Intelligence cannot run without at least 8 GB.
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