Apple has released no fewer than 10 models of its regular iPad since that initial launch in 2010.
And another one is on the way soon, if the rumours are to be believed. It doesn’t look like Apple has any plans to ditch its cheapest iPad, but don’t expect wholesale changes on the new model.
Here’s everything we know so far about the regular 11th Gen iPad so far, from potential release date and price to key specs and features.
When will the new iPad (11th Gen) be released?
We expected to see the new iPad at Apple’s October 2023 event, which was fully dedicated to Macs.
This makes it likely that the launch of the new iPads will therefore not take place until next year. This also aligns with what leaker Ming-Chi Kuo said back in September – no new iPads in 2023.
If true, it’d be the first year since the iPad made its debut that there hasn’t been at least one new model.
But a release in the first half of 2024 is most likely. Apple’s next event could take place in March or April, if previous years are anything to go by. Or Apple might just launch the new regular iPad via a press release, especially if there are only minor updates.
How much will the new iPad (11th Gen) cost?
Here’s how previous generations of entry-level iPads were priced at their initial launch:
Looking back at the 10th-gen iPad, we have seen a price increase of $120 in the US and £180 more in the UK.
While we optimistically assume that prices will remain the same this time around, especially considering minor upgrades compared to the 10th-gen iPad, that might not be true. It’s possible we could see a device costing around $499/£499 or more.
What specs and features will the new iPad (11th Gen) have?
Back in January, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg hinted that the update for the entry-level iPad might not bring significant changes – just updated internals, which may only include a processor.
Previously, Apple tipster Majin Bu suggested that the 11th-gen iPad would be equipped with an M2 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. While this is certainly an optimistic vision, it’d mean the the iPad Pro’s base specs (6GB/128GB) would be inferior to this cheaper device..
However, the most likely enhancement for the 11th-gen iPad is the adoption of the A15 Bionic chip because of the tradition of equipping each new entry-level iPad with a chip that is one generation older. The 10th-gen iPad is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, making the A15 the logical choice for the upcoming model.
Majin Bu also suggests that the upcoming iPad will retain the same design as the 10th-gen model, and that accessories will maintain full compatibility.
Majin Bu is recognised for sharing rumours from various sources, including Weibo, though the accuracy of the information can vary. In the post, he also hinted at the release of the new 11th-gen iPad in October, which we now know did not happen.
That being said, the new entry-level 11th-gen iPad might potentially see improvements in other areas, such as support for the second-gen Apple Pencil. But it’s not yet clear what else could change.
It’d be a surprise to see Apple launch an iPad with so few upgrades, but it’s still possible.
We will keep this article updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, you can check out our guides to the best iPads and best tablets.