Monday, October 21, 2024 — Apple’s entry-level iPad is set to receive a significant update in late 2025, incorporating Apple Intelligence capabilities, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This update is expected to bring artificial intelligence (AI) features to Apple’s most affordable tablet for the first time.
In his Power On newsletter, Gurman stated that the iPhone SE is likely to be the first budget device to gain Apple Intelligence features in March 2025, with the entry-level iPad following later in the year. By 2026, nearly every Apple device with a screen could potentially support these AI features, marking a company-wide shift toward integrating advanced intelligence capabilities across their product line.
Long Awaited Update
The current 10th-generation iPad was last refreshed in October 2022, and the upcoming model would mark a substantial gap in updates. This delay may be due to the technical complexities of embedding AI functionalities into a budget-friendly device priced at $349. While the 10th-generation iPad currently runs on the aging A14 chip from the iPhone 12 lineup, Apple is expected to significantly upgrade the hardware.
Gurman speculates that the new iPad could feature either an A17 Pro or A18 chip, both of which would be powerful enough to handle Apple Intelligence tasks, ensuring smooth AI performance while maintaining affordability.
Recent iPad Updates
Apple recently announced the iPad mini with Apple Intelligence support, alongside price reductions for the 10th-gen iPad. These changes, coupled with the removal of the charger from iPad sales in Europe, suggest that an iPad 11 release is still some time away, likely not until late 2025.
Although an iPad-focused announcement is not expected during any potential October Mac event, the upcoming iPad 11 could be a major release in Apple’s push to bring AI to more affordable devices.
This new entry-level iPad will likely cater to a wider audience, continuing Apple’s strategy of offering AI features across a range of products without compromising on cost-efficiency.
