Apple is set to introduce the next generation entry-level iPad, referred to as the iPad 11, featuring the highly anticipated A17 Pro chip. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this new model is expected to integrate Apple Intelligence capabilities, although previous uncertainties existed regarding which chip would ultimately power this more budget-friendly device.
Historically, Apple’s chip strategy involved placing newer, high-performance silicon in their higher-end products while older generation chips populated their more economical offerings. The firm faced challenges with the first generation N3B manufacturing process, which was associated with low yield rates and high production costs, ultimately leading to speculation about Apple phasing out this production process.
In recent chip releases, such as the introduction of the M4 in the iPad Pro just months after the M3’s debut in Mac devices, it became evident that Apple was repositioning its strategy to maximize efficiency and performance. This shift raised questions about how Apple would handle chip distribution across various product tiers. For instance, with the iPhone 14 series, the base model retained the A15 Bionic chip while the Pro models advanced to the A16 Bionic, only for Apple to later diverge from this pattern by equipping all iPhone 16 variants with the A18 chip, omitting the A17 entirely.
Unexpectedly, Apple revealed the new iPad mini 7th generation, which, while supporting Apple Intelligence, incorporated the A17 Pro chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro. Utilizing an older chip in a lower production volume product made sense strategically at the time.
Gurman’s latest insights indicate that for the forthcoming entry-level iPads, designated as J481 and J482, Apple will continue to rely on the first generation N3B process. This decision suggests that even with the adoption of faster processors aligned with the A17 Pro chip, including an upgrade to 8 gigabytes of memory, Apple is committed to using its existing production methods despite their earlier inefficiencies.
The current iPad models are powered by the A14 chip and limited to 4 gigabytes of memory, so the transition to the A17 Pro will mark a significant advancement for users needing enhanced performance. Furthermore, it’s projected that Apple will implement a variant of the A17 Pro chip in the iPad 11, likely binned with a 5-core GPU, similar to what was seen in the iPad mini 7.
With the upgraded iPad 11 anticipated for launch in the spring alongside new iPad Air models, a refreshed iPhone SE, and innovative Magic Keyboards, the move to the A17 Pro chip signals not only progress in hardware capabilities but also a forward-thinking approach to integrating advanced technologies like Apple Intelligence into broader product lines.
As the tech world eagerly awaits these announcements, the implications of Apple’s decisions regarding chip architecture and product offerings may set a significant precedent for industry performance standards and consumer expectations.