After not offering any updates to its iPad lineup in 2023, Apple refreshed its tablets this year with the new M2 iPad Air, M4 iPad Pro, and iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip. Despite the difference in price, these tablets share some important features. For example, they all have at least 8GB of RAM and a chip powerful enough to run Apple Intelligence. It also features a high-speed USB-C port, modern connectivity options, and support for Apple Pencil Pro.
But Apple seems to have forgotten about one tablet: the 2022 iPad 10. Over the past two years, Apple has upgraded the device with a new stylus, the USB-C Apple Pencil, and lowered the price after the iPad 9 was discontinued. Still, this tablet is quite slow to update, especially since it’s the only tablet that can’t run Apple Intelligence.
Fortunately, it looks like this could change in 2025. bloomberg’s According to Mark Gurman, Apple really wants to bring Apple Intelligence to as many people as possible.
In addition to the iPhone SE 4, Apple Vision Pro, and new smart home devices, Apple also wants to extend Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPad 11 in late 2025. If it turns out to be accurate, users will have a lot to celebrate.
First and foremost, this means the iPad 11 will have at least 8GB of RAM. This is twice as many as the 10th generation. Apple also needs to update the chip to A17 Pro or A18. If so, I think Cupertino plans to update the entry-level iPad with one of these processors after announcing the A19 chip.
Even if it keeps the same design, display, and ports, this $349 tablet will be an instant hit. People in schools can get a powerful tablet with several features without spending a lot of money. Additionally, by the time this tablet is released, Apple Intelligence will be a more reliable platform with even more features.
That being said, I think the iPad 11 will encourage more people to upgrade. Even those who choose the Air and Pro versions may want to switch thanks to the more affordable price, powerful hardware, and beautiful colors.
