Apple has made headlines recently with the refresh of its iPad mini, introducing an A17 Pro chip and integrating Apple Intelligence capabilities. However, conspicuously absent from the announcements was any mention of a new version of the base iPad, raising eyebrows among tech enthusiasts and industry analysts. The current entry-level iPad has now been in the market for over two years, leading to speculation about Apple’s reluctance to update a product that many believe is overdue for a refresh.
The entry-level iPad, known for its budget-friendly price point, has its origins in a model launched in 2017. Although the current model is now the 10th generation, its design ethos harks back to the 5th generation, which aimed primarily at budget-conscious consumers and educational markets. This model stripped down various premium features—such as the latest processors, a laminated display, and advanced Apple Pencil support—preferring to focus on affordability while still delivering a solid performance at just $329.
Over the years, Apple has incrementally updated this model. Subsequent generations saw enhancements, including Apple Pencil support, improved chips, and a larger display. The 10th generation marked a significant design overhaul, embracing a more modern aesthetic along with vibrant colors and a switch to USB-C. However, it still retained the previous generation’s A14 chip, making it somewhat out-of-touch with current technology standards.
Typically, Apple tends to refresh the base iPad approximately every two years with a more advanced chip that’s about two years old; thus, the A14 was already considered outdated when the latest model debuted. Industry insights suggest that Apple may have opted to delay the release of the new iPad primarily to better align with its broader strategy of embedding Apple Intelligence across its product line.
Historically, if Apple were to follow tradition, the iPad 11 would likely sport the A16 chip, which currently lacks the necessary capabilities to run Apple Intelligence. Even if Apple were to consider fitment of the A16 with 8GB of RAM into the base model, it raises questions about performance and user experience, particularly since the emphasis seems to be on a seamless integration of Apple Intelligence across newer devices.
The iPad has now settled into the $349 price bracket, which presents additional challenges for Apple in terms of upgrading the chipset without cumbersome financial implications. With the recent rollout of the iPad mini 7, which uses the A17 Pro chip, it’s evident that Apple is managing the supply chain considerations associated with its newer chips, particularly since the A17 Pro is based on a second-generation 3nm process, potentially limiting its availability.
Given these circumstances, a refresh of the base iPad—especially with the integration of Apple Intelligence—appears increasingly unlikely in the near future. Originally anticipated for release this fall, updates on display shipments have pushed expectations toward a spring 2025 launch. However, as highlighted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this timeline remains speculative, with a potential fall 2025 update being more plausible.
This timeline aligns with the rollout of the iPhone SE, which is expected to receive updates in March, hinting that the base iPad may not see a refresh until later in the year, perhaps after the iPhone 17 is introduced, which would allow the iPad to use the older A18 chip and embrace Apple Intelligence features. Still, this creates a curious scenario where the base iPad could end up with more advanced specifications than the iPad mini, which could seem contradictory to Apple’s branding strategy.
In the interim, Apple may benefit from increased sales of the iPad Air, especially among consumers drawn to Apple Intelligence features but on a tighter budget. However, anticipation continues to grow regarding Apple’s long-term strategy with its iPad lineup. As it stands, if the base iPad remains stagnant, by the time it does finally receive a refresh, it would be equipped with a chipset that is five years old—raising concerns about future software performance and support.
The tech community is left wondering how Apple’s commitment to Apple Intelligence will shape the future of its iPad offerings, particularly for a device that has historically catered to budget-conscious users. As enthusiasts await updates, the tug-of-war between innovation and affordability will undoubtedly continue to shape Apple’s tablet landscape in the years to come.