After a hiatus throughout all of 2023, Apple finally updated its entire iPad lineup in 2024, with the notable exception being the long-overdue tenth-generation model. While the device’s value dropped aggressively to $349, Apple surprisingly chose to maintain its entry-level tablet’s unchanged specifications, which date back to its 2022 debut. Despite its temporary nature, the current state is expected to give way to a replacement soon; thus far, we have gathered the following information.
The exact launch date of the Eleventh-generation iPad remains unclear, as Apple has yet to make an official announcement. However, rumors suggest that it might arrive in the fall of 2023 or early 2024, with a possible reveal at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
Apple traditionally had a staggered release schedule for its most affordable iPad models alongside the latest iPhone launches during the September event. In 2022, they noted a subtle shift in this trend, which premiered in October alongside the and.
When the initial iPad models debuted:
When can we realistically expect a successor to the current iPad lineup? Apple may potentially pair software updates with a spring launch of its 4th-generation iPhone SE in March or April, signaling a unified release strategy for both hardware and software.
What will be the cost of the Eleventh-generation iPad remain uncertain until Apple officially reveals its pricing strategy.
Pricing remained consistent until the tenth-generation iPad’s release in 2022, when Apple increased the value significantly, from $329 to $449, following the device’s redesign. In May 2024, Apple unexpectedly slashed the price of its tenth-generation iPad globally, trimming the cost to $349/£349/€439, a $100 reduction.
As a result, there’s no information available on the pricing of the 11th-generation iPad. Apple may sustain the same $349 price point or potentially boost it to $449, allowing the tenth-generation model to serve as a budget-friendly option within its product lineup.
The eleventh-generation iPad is expected to feature a dual-camera setup, with a 12-megapixel primary camera and a 10-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. It may also include a more advanced TrueDepth camera system for improved Face ID functionality. Additionally, the device could boast an A14 Bionic chip, up to 6GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 64GB to 1TB. Other potential features might include Apple Pencil support, a Smart Connector for external keyboards, and a larger 10.9-inch display with a higher resolution than its predecessors.
Given the significant overhaul in the tenth generation, we expect minimal changes for the eleventh-gen iPad. Notwithstanding, there are several notable enhancements.
Processor and RAM
The most likely upgrade path for the eleventh-generation iPad is a chip refresh, just as with the 2024 iPad mini. The current iPad (10th generation) is powered by an A14 Bionic chip, introduced in 2020 alongside the and iPhone models. The upcoming iPad mini is expected to feature either the A17 Bionic or A18 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM, enabling seamless integration with Apple Intelligence. The latest iPad mini, powered by a 2024 A17 Pro chip, stands out as Apple’s only tablet that does not support Apple Intelligence, a feature requiring a minimum of 8GB of RAM.
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Given the latest redesign, we expect the display height to remain at its current level of 10.9 inches, eliminating any possibility of a future adjustment down to 10.2 inches. One potential enhancement lies in adopting a laminated display, which could result in a marginally thinner design while offering enhanced legibility.
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Cameras
Given the significant changes introduced in the tenth-generation iPad, it is unlikely Apple will modify the front camera’s orientation to landscape mode, as this would depart from the established Heart Stage format. Apple’s subtle upgrade to the rear camera likely stems from software enhancements rather than a physical overhaul, given the new M2 iPad Air features the same 12MP wide-angle camera.
Storage
If one significant improvement could simplify life for people, it’s likely to be enhanced storage capabilities. While the entry-level mannequin comes with a modest 64GB of storage, all other models in the series start with a minimum of 128GB. When the next-generation iPad launches, we expect a similar boost in storage capacity to that seen with the iPhone SE: doubling the base model’s storage to 128GB and increasing the top-tier offering to 512GB.
As new information becomes available, we will continually update this text. Until then, we recommend reviewing our curated lists and deal roundups to discover the best opportunities to purchase discounted versions of Apple’s various offerings.