The iPad 11th Generation: Release, Price and More!

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We’ve written articles on whether the iPad 10 is worth buying now, considering its recent price drop, but It’s been over two years since it’s release. Naturally, we’re wondering when the next generation iPad 11 will make an appearance, and if it’s worth waiting for.

Here’s everything we know (and hope for) about the upcoming iPad 11th generation!

Release Date Predictions

Traditionally, the entry-level iPad debuts in the fall, often alongside the latest iPhones in September. However, the 10th-gen iPad made an exception with its October 2022 reveal. So, this makes it harder to predict the actual release date of the next rendition.

However, rumours suggest a spring 2025 launch, just like the iPad 6th-generation. Therefore we might be looking at a March or April unveiling, maybe sharing the spotlight with the possibly AI-integrated 4th-gen iPhone SE.

Here’s a quick recap of past iPad release dates:

• iPad (10th-gen): October 2022
• iPad (9th-gen): September 2021
• iPad (8th-gen): September 2020
• iPad (7th-gen): September 2019
• iPad (6th-gen): March 2018.

Price Predictions

The 10th-gen tablet was fairly pricey from the previous model, jumping from $329 to $449.

However, in a surprising move, Apple slashed the price of the iPad 10 in May 2024, bringing it down to a more reasonable $349/£329/€439.

It’s hard to say what Apple will do about the iPad 11’s price, but it’s probably not a bad bet to suggest it will be $449. Maybe the reduction in price for the 10 model was to prepare us for the 11 debuting?

Processor and Performance

The current 10th-generation iPad is running on the A14 Bionic chip, which was released way back in 2020 with the iPhone 12 and 4th-gen iPad Air. While it’s still a capable little powerhouse, the new powerful M4 chip in the iPad Pro shows just how much more potential there is for a major upgrade.

So, what can we expect from the 11th-gen iPad’s silicon? Possibly…

1. A17 Pro chip: This chip debuted in the iPhone 15 Pro series and made its way to the 2024 iPad mini. It would bring a massive leap in processing power and graphics capabilities. Read Mark’s iPhone 15 Pro Max review here!
2. A18 chip: It would make sense for Apple to give the iPad 11 a more powerful chip than the recently released iPad Mini 7!

These chips would most likely also provide support for Apple Intelligence – the company’s suite of on-device AI features. However, there’s a catch: Apple Intelligence requires at least 8GB of RAM, which would be a significant upgrade from the current model’s 4GB.

(If you’re interested in Apple AI’s capabilities, you can read Mark’s Apple Intelligence review.)

But Apple has been upgrading their base level RAM recently, so it won’t be surprising if the iPad 11 starts with 8GB of RAM rather than 4GB.

Display

The 10th-gen iPad already got a nice bump up to a 10.9-inch display, aligning it with the iPad Air. It’s a good size for portability and usability, so Apple’s likely to stick with it.

However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any improvements. Here are some potential display upgrades we might see:

1. Laminated display: This technology reduces the gap between the display and the glass, resulting in improved clarity and reduced reflections. It’s a feature found in pricier iPads, and bringing it to the entry-level model would be a welcome upgrade.
2. True Tone: This feature adjusts the display’s colour temperature based on ambient lighting, making for a more comfortable viewing experience. It’s another premium feature that could trickle down to the budget iPad.
3. Improved brightness: While the current model’s 500 nits of brightness is decent, a bump to 600 nits would make outdoor use even more enjoyable.
4. Better colour accuracy: Apple might enhance the colour gamut, bringing it closer to the P3 wide colour standard used in higher-end models.

One thing that probably won’t change is the resolution. The current 2360×1640 pixel count (264 ppi) is plenty sharp for a tablet of this size and price point.

Although, ProMotion (Apple’s 120Hz refresh rate technology), is highly unlikely to appear on the entry-level iPad. That’s still (most likely) going to be reserved for the Pro models.

Camera Capabilities

Most people don’t care about their iPad’s camera. But for those quick snapshots, video calls, and document scans, having decent cameras on your iPad can be useful. So, what might Apple have in store for the 11th-gen iPad’s camera setup?

Here’s the camera capabilities n the current model:

• Rear camera: 12MP wide
• Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide (landscape orientation)

The good news is that the 10th-gen iPad already made a significant leap by moving the front camera to the landscape edge – slightly improving video calls where you want to look like you’re actually making eye contact.

For the 11th-gen model, we’re not expecting any majorchanges, but here are some potential improvements:

1. Rear camera enhancements: While the 12MP wide camera is likely to stay the same, Apple might introduce some software improvements for better low-light performance or more advanced portrait mode effects.
2. Front camera tweaks: The current 12MP ultra-wide is will most likely stay the same too, but we could see some refinements to the Center Stage feature, which keeps you in frame during video calls.
3. Improved image processing: With a more powerful chip, the 11th-gen iPad could benefit from enhanced computational photography features, resulting in better overall image quality.
4. Night mode: This popular feature from iPhones could potentially make its way to the iPad, allowing for better low-light photos and videos.
5. Cinematic mode for video: While it’s a long shot, this iPhone feature that adds a shallow depth of field effect to videos could be an interesting addition to the iPad’s toolkit.

With the potential for a more powerful processor, we could see some on-device AI-powered photo editing tools. This may enable the user to remove photobombers or change the lighting in photos on your iPad.

Storage Solutions

Currently, the 10th-gen iPad comes with:

• 64GB: Perfect for light users, but can fill up fast
• 256GB: Plenty of space, but at a higher price point

Rumours suggest that the 11th-gen model will see Apple finally bump up the base storage. Here’s what we might get:

1. 128GB base model: This would be more than sufficient for most users, offering enough space for apps, photos, and a decent amount of offline content without breaking the bank.
2. 256GB mid-tier option: For those who need more room but don’t want to splurge on the top-end model.
3. 512GB top-tier: This would bring the entry-level iPad in line with other iPad models, offering ample space for power users and content creators.

Here’s a comparison table to put things into greater perspective:

Storage Size	Approximate Number of Photos*	Hours of 1080p Video*
64GB	16,000	40
128GB	32,000	80
256GB	64,000	160
512GB	128,000	320

*These are rough estimates and can vary based on file sizes and other factors stored on the device.

Looking at this table, it’s easy to see why a storage bump would be so welcome.

And let’s not forget – with potential AI features on the horizon, having extra storage for on-device processing and data could become even more important.

Connectivity

Cellular connectivity

The current 10th-gen iPad offers 5G support, which is great for speedy internet on the go.

For the 11th-gen model, we might see some interesting developments:

1. Apple’s custom 5G modem: Rumour has it that Apple is working on its own 5G modem chip, which could debut in the 11th-gen iPad. This in-house solution might offer better integration with Apple’s hardware and software, potentially improving battery life and performance.
2. Improved 5G speeds: While the current model supports sub-6GHz 5G, we might see support for faster 5G bands, though mmWave support is likely still reserved for higher-end models.
3. eSIM improvements: Apple’s been pushing eSIM technology, so we might see enhancements in this area, making it even easier to switch between cellular plans.

WIFI

The 10th-gen iPad supports Wi-Fi 6, but for the 11th-gen model, we’re hoping for Wi-Fi 6E support. This would allow the iPad to tap into the less crowded 6GHz band, potentially offering faster speeds and lower latency in compatible networks.

Here’s a quick comparison of Wi-Fi standards:

Wi-Fi Standard	Max Theoretical Speed	Frequency Bands
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	3.5 Gbps	5 GHz
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	9.6 Gbps	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Wi-Fi 6E	9.6 Gbps	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz

As you can see, Wi-Fi 6E could be a game-changer for home networks, especially in crowded areas where the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are congested.

Ports

What about Ports?

The 10th-gen iPad made the switch to USB-C, and we expect the 11th-gen model to stick with it. However, we might see an upgrade to USB 3.2 or even Thunderbolt support, allowing for faster data transfers and more versatile connectivity options.

And for those who like using an iPad as a second screen for your Mac, improved Wi-Fi and potentially Thunderbolt support could make features like Sidecar even smoother and more responsive.

Better connectivity often translates to smoother video calls, faster file transfers, or more responsive cloud gaming,

Apple Pencil Compatibility

The 10th-gen iPad switched to USB-C, making it incompatible with the first-gen Apple Pencil (which charges via Lightning). Apple’s solution was a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter which some people found a bit annoying.

For the 11th-gen iPad, people are hoping for a more streamlined solution. Here are the possibilities:

1. Apple Pencil 2 support: The Apple Pencil 2 offers magnetic attachment and charging, plus a double-tap feature for switching tools. It would bring the entry-level iPad in line with its pricier siblings.
2. New USB-C Apple Pencil: Apple might introduce a new version of the Apple Pencil designed specifically for USB-C iPads, offering a middle ground between the first and second-gen models.
3. Improved adapter solution: If Apple sticks with first-gen Pencil support, they might at least refine the adapter design for a more seamless experience.

We have an Apple pencil buying guide, but here’s a quick overview of their features for ease:

Feature	1st Gen Apple Pencil	2nd Gen Apple Pencil
Charging	Lightning connector	Magnetic attachment
Pairing	Manual via Lightning	Automatic when attached
Double-tap function	No	Yes
Flat edge (anti-roll)	No	Yes
Compatibility	Original iPad Pro, iPad (6th-10th gen), iPad mini (5th gen), iPad Air (3rd gen)	iPad Pro (3rd gen and later), iPad Air (4th gen and later), iPad mini (6th gen)

While full Apple Pencil 2 support might be a stretch for the budget iPad, any improvements in this area would be welcome. The Apple Pencil isn’t just for artists – it’s for note-taking, marking up documents, and even navigating the iPad UI with precision.

Plus, with the potential for a more powerful processor in the 11th-gen iPad, we might see some new Apple Pencil features. For example, more advanced palm rejection, better pressure sensitivity, or even AI-assisted drawing tools.

Software and Features

Mark installed iPadOS 18 on his iPad and felt it had a lot to give.

But will the next generation be even better?

It’s likely that the 11th-gen iPad will launch with the latest version of iPadOS. So, by spring 2025, we’re possibly looking at iPadOS 19. While it’s too early to know exactly what features it’ll bring, we can make some educated guesses based on Apple’s recent focus areas:

1. Enhanced multitasking: Apple’s been steadily improving iPad multitasking, so we might see even more desktop-like window management capabilities.
2. AI-powered features: With the potential for a more powerful chip, we could see on-device AI features for things like advanced photo editing, text generation, or even real-time language translation.
3. Improved file management: As iPads become more powerful, users are demanding better ways to organize and access their files. We might see enhancements to the Files app or even support for external drives in more apps.
4. AR enhancements: Apple’s been big on Augmented Reality, so expect to see more AR capabilities baked into iPadOS.
5. Accessibility improvements: Based on the latest improvements in Apple products, we can expect new features that make the iPad even more accessible to users with different needs.

Now, let’s talk about some iPad-specific features we’re hoping to see:

• Better external display support: While the current iPad can mirror its display, we’d love to see true extended desktop functionality, especially if Apple bumps up the processor.
• More pro-level apps: As the entry-level iPad gets more powerful, we might see some of Apple’s pro apps (like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro) become available.
• Enhanced Apple Pencil integration: New software features could make the Apple Pencil even more versatile, perhaps with advanced handwriting recognition or new creative tools.
• Improved gaming features: With Apple Arcade growing, we might see more gaming-centric features like better controller support or even game streaming capabilities.

Feature	Current iPad	Potential 11th-gen iPad
Multitasking	Split View, Slide Over	More flexible window management
AI Features	Limited	On-device AI for various tasks
External Display	Mirroring only	True extended desktop
Pro Apps	Limited selection	Broader range of pro-level apps

Apple software is ever-evolving and surprising- iPadOS 18 saw features that helped pregnant mothers.

Software is one of Apple’s key selling points, and they often bring new life to older hardware through updates. So even if some of these features don’t make it to the 11th-gen iPad at launch, there’s always the possibility they’ll arrive in future iPadOS updates.

Accessories

Keyboards

The 10th-gen iPad introduced a new Magic Keyboard Folio, and we expect this trend to continue. Here’s what we might see:

1. Improved Magic Keyboard Folio: Apple might refine the design, perhaps adding backlighting or improving the typing experience.
2. Smart Keyboard compatibility: Apple could expand support to include the Smart Keyboard, offering a more affordable option.
3. Third-party options: With the switch to USB-C, we might see more diverse keyboard options from third-party manufacturers.

Other accessories

• Apple Pencil: As discussed earlier, we’re hoping for improved Apple Pencil support, whether it’s compatibility with the 2nd-gen model or a new USB-C version.
• Cases and covers: Expect a range of new case options, both from Apple and third-party manufacturers, to protect and personalize your iPad.
• Stands and mounts: With more people using iPads for work and video calls, we might see new stand options optimized for desk use.
• External storage: USB-C opens up possibilities for external drives and hubs, expanding the iPad’s storage and connectivity options.

Accessory Type	Current iPad	Potential 11th-gen iPad
Keyboard	Magic Keyboard Folio	Magic Keyboard Folio, possibly Smart Keyboard
Apple Pencil	1st-gen (with adapter)	2nd-gen or new USB-C model
External Storage	Limited support	Expanded support for drives and hubs
Display Output	Basic mirroring	Possible extended desktop support

One rumour worth keeping an eye on is the potential for a new Magic Keyboard accessory. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has hinted at a new keyboard coming for the low-cost iPad and/or iPad Air by mid-2025. This could bring some of the features of the more expensive iPad Pro Magic Keyboard to the entry-level model.

Is the 11th-gen iPad Worth the Wait?

Should you hold out for the 11th-gen iPad, or should you buy the 10th-gen?

Reasons to wait for the 11th-gen iPad:

1. Potential performance boost: With a newer chip, you’ll likely get faster performance and potentially some cool AI features.
2. Possible display improvements: While not guaranteed, any upgrades here could make a big difference in your daily use.
3. Better Apple Pencil support: If you’re into digital art or note-taking, improved stylus compatibility could be a game-changer.
4. Latest software features: The newer model will likely support all the latest iPadOS tricks for longer.
5. Potential storage upgrades: More space for your digital life is always a good thing!

Reasons to consider the current 10th-gen iPad:

1. It’s available now: No need to wait if you need a tablet ASAP.
2. Proven technology: The current model is a known quantity with a track record of reliability.
3. Potential deals: As the new model approaches, you might snag some great discounts on the 10th-gen iPad.
4. Still plenty capable: For most everyday tasks, the current iPad is more than up to the job.

Here’s a quick pros and cons list to help you decide:

Waiting for 11th-gen	Buying 10th-gen now
✅ Latest tech	✅ Immediate availability
✅ Potential new features	✅ Proven reliability
✅ Longer software support	✅ Possible discounts
❌ Uncertain release date	❌ Older technology
❌ Potentially higher price	❌ Shorter future-proofing

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal needs and patience level. If you’re a power user who likes to own the latest, waiting for the 11th-gen iPad might be worth it. But if you need a solid, reliable tablet right now and aren’t fussed about having the absolute newest tech, the 10th-gen iPad is still a fantastic choice.