Apple Unveils iPad 11: Faster A16 Chip, More Storage, No AI in Sight

Apple’s iPad 11 brings a speedy A16 chip and doubled storage starting at $349, but skips Apple Intelligence. Here’s what’s new.

Apple Unveils iPad 11 – A Budget-Friendly Upgrade with a Catch

On March 4, 2025, Apple pulled back the curtain on its latest entry-level tablet, the iPad 11, marking the first refresh of its base model in over two years. The tech giant’s announcement, timed alongside the sleek new iPad Air, arrived with a promise of enhanced performance and greater storage options—key upgrades that could tempt budget-conscious shoppers. Yet, as the confetti settled, one omission stood out: Apple Intelligence, the company’s heralded AI suite, won’t be joining the party. For a device starting at just $349, this latest iteration offers a compelling mix of power and practicality—but is it enough to keep pace in today’s AI-driven tech landscape?

For years, Apple’s base iPad has been the gateway to its tablet ecosystem, a reliable workhorse for students, casual users, and anyone seeking an affordable slice of Cupertino’s magic. The iPad 11 builds on that legacy with a chipset bump to the A16 Bionic, a chip that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro, and a generous doubling of base storage to 128GB. It’s a practical evolution, no doubt, but one that leaves some wondering: why stop short of the cutting-edge features headlining Apple’s pricier models? Let’s dive into what’s new, what’s missing, and whether this refreshed tablet deserves a spot on your radar.

A Speed Boost Worth Noticing

Under the hood, the iPad 11’s A16 chip delivers a noticeable leap forward. Apple claims it’s 30% faster than the A13 Bionic found in the 9th-generation model and offers up to 50% better overall performance compared to its immediate predecessor, the iPad 10, which ran on the A14. That’s a significant jump for a tablet priced at $349—especially when you consider it outpaces leading Android competitors by as much as six times, according to Apple’s own benchmarks. Whether you’re editing photos, streaming 4K video, or juggling multiple apps, the iPad 11 promises smoother sailing than ever before.

This isn’t just marketing fluff, either. The A16’s six-core CPU and five-core GPU bring tangible benefits to everyday tasks. Imagine a student seamlessly switching between research PDFs, a note-taking app, and a Zoom lecture without a hiccup—or a casual user binge-watching Netflix while sketching on the side with an Apple Pencil. For a device pitched at the entry-level market, this kind of horsepower feels like a quiet triumph. Still, the absence of an M-series chip—or even the A17 Pro powering the latest iPad mini—hints at Apple’s careful balancing act between cost and capability.

Storage That Finally Makes Sense

Perhaps the most welcome upgrade is the iPad 11’s storage overhaul. Gone is the stingy 64GB base option that plagued earlier models, a capacity that felt increasingly cramped in an era of high-res media and sprawling app ecosystems. Now, the entry-level iPad starts at 128GB, with options stretching to 256GB and a new 512GB tier—a first for the base lineup. For context, the iPad 10 launched at $449 with just 64GB, making the iPad 11’s $349 starting price with double the storage a rare value win.

Why does this matter? In 2025, storage demands are only growing. A single 4K video project can gobble up gigabytes, while apps like Procreate or cloud-synced games pile on the pressure. Doubling the baseline to 128GB means users won’t hit a wall as quickly, and the 512GB ceiling opens the door to more ambitious creative pursuits. It’s a practical move that acknowledges how we use tablets today—less as secondary devices, and more as primary tools for work and play.

iPadOS 18: Productivity, Minus the AI Hype

The iPad 11 ships with iPadOS 18, bringing a suite of productivity enhancements that don’t rely on flashy AI to shine. Features like Smart Script in the Notes app, which refines your handwriting in real-time, or the new Audio Recording and Transcription tools, cater to students and professionals alike. Add a customizable home screen and a long-overdue Calculator app, and you’ve got a software package that feels tailored for getting things done.

Yet, the elephant in the room is Apple Intelligence—or rather, its absence. Launched in late 2024 across higher-end iPads and iPhones, this AI framework powers everything from text generation to image creation. To run it, devices need at least 8GB of RAM and an A17 Pro chip or better. The iPad 11, is stuck with 4GB of RAM, and the A16, misses the cut. It’s a curious choice, especially as competitors like Samsung weave AI into their mid-range tablets. For now, iPad 11 users will lean on iPadOS 18’s core strengths—solid, but not revolutionary.

Design and Features: Familiar Yet Functional

Visually, the iPad 11 doesn’t stray far from its roots. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display returns, boasting 500 nits of brightness and a crisp 264 ppi resolution—perfect for streaming, reading, or sketching. The design echoes the iPad Air’s sleek, flat-edged aesthetic, complete with a USB-C port and Touch ID nestled in the power button. Four color options—silver, blue, pink, and yellow—keep things playful, though don’t expect a radical makeover here.

On the multimedia front, dual landscape stereo speakers and built-in mics make it a capable companion for podcasts or video calls. The 12MP rear camera handles 4K video and document scanning with ease, while the 12MP front-facing Center Stage camera keeps you framed during FaceTime chats. Support for the USB-C Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio rounds out a package that’s versatile, if not groundbreaking. It’s a formula Apple has honed over the years: reliable, approachable, and just premium enough to justify the price.

Pricing and Availability: A Deal Hard to Ignore

The iPad 11 hits shelves with a starting price of $349 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model—a figure that undercuts its predecessor’s launch price while offering more bang for the buck. In India, it translates to ₹34,900, with the Wi-Fi + Cellular version at ₹49,900. Step up to 256GB for $449 (₹44,900 in India) or 512GB for $649 (₹64,900), and cellular variants add roughly $150 across the board. Pre-orders kicked off March 4, with sales starting March 12 through Apple’s online store and authorized retailers.

For comparison, the iPad Air with its M3 chip starts at $599, while the iPad mini (A17 Pro) rings in at $499. At $349, the iPad 11 undercuts both, positioning it as the budget king of Apple’s tablet lineup. It’s a price point that could sway first-time buyers or anyone eyeing an upgrade from an aging model like the 9th-gen iPad, still clinging to its A13 chip and Lightning port.

The AI Question: A Missed Opportunity?

So why no Apple Intelligence? The decision feels strategic. Boosting RAM to 8GB and swapping the A16 for an A17 Pro would’ve pushed costs closer to the iPad mini’s territory, diluting the base model’s affordability. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested in a January 2025 report that Apple aims to keep its entry-level iPad accessible, betting that most users in this segment prioritize price over AI bells and whistles. Data backs this up: a 2024 Statista survey found that 62% of tablet buyers prioritize cost over advanced features.

Still, it’s a gamble. As AI becomes table stakes in tech—think Google’s Gemini or Microsoft’s Copilot—Apple risks leaving its budget buyers behind. The iPad 11 excels at what it does, but without AI, it’s less future-proof than its siblings. For now, it’s a trade-off: stellar value today, with a nod to yesterday’s tech.

 A Solid Step, Not a Leap

The iPad 11 is a testament to Apple’s knack for refining what works. Faster performance, ample storage, and a wallet-friendly price make it a standout choice for anyone dipping their toes into the iPad ecosystem—or upgrading from an older model. Yet, the lack of Apple Intelligence casts a shadow, a reminder that even Apple’s budget offerings come with compromises. If you’re after a reliable tablet for school, streaming, or sketching the iPad 11 delivers in spades. But if AI is your frontier, the mini or Air might beckon instead.

As 2025 unfolds, this launch sets the stage for Apple’s next moves. Will the base iPad catch up to the AI wave, or remain the practical, no-frills option? For now, grab it if value’s your game—just don’t expect it to rewrite the tablet rulebook. What’s your take—deal of the year, or missed potential? The choice, as always, is yours.

(Disclaimer:  This article is based on information available as of March 4, 2025, from Apple’s official announcements and industry reports. Specifications, pricing, and availability may vary by region or change with future updates. Always verify details with official sources before making purchasing decisions.)

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