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If you found yourself overwhelmed during the recent new iPhone launches, you may have missed a massive hint that Apple’s upcoming event in October will unveil the new iPad 11th Generation.
Considering the 10th Generation iPad, AKA iPad 10.9-inch, was launched in 2022, the arrival of the 11th generation iPad is long overdue.
As we approach the most lucrative time of the year for Apple and other retailers, we prepare for Apple to kickstart the next era in iPads, with a mainstream model that will fly off the shelves as the Holiday season approaches.
So, here is what we can expect from the iPad 11 in October.
What is the iPad 11th Generation?
The 11th version of the iPad is the entry-level tablet that always flies off the shelves during the holiday season.
Every iPad released over the next years will be based on this model, and design changes or upgrades made here will recur across Apple’s future iPad range.
If you are looking for an iPad for your child this Christmas, the iPad 11 will be on your wishlist because it will be the cheapest regular-sized option in-store.
But it’s been a long wait to get us to this point.
iPad 11th Generation Release Date
The iPad 11th generation’s release date is expected to be October 2024 at an Apple event that will also feature the iPad Mini 7 and a new range of M4 Macbook Pros.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has drip-fed iPad 11th generation rumors and behind-the-scenes insights via his Power On Newsletter.
In early September, he tweeted, “There are also new iPads in the works, including an upgraded mini. They’re on deck for Apple’s October event alongside the M4 Macs.”
It is the strongest hint yet that the iPad 11 is just around the corner.
There are also new iPads in the works, including an upgraded mini. They’re on deck for Apple’s October event alongside the M4 Macs. https://t.co/F0iRgsxMOS
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 6, 2024
Apple iPad 11th Generation Features
We expect the iPad 11 will have the A16 Bionic chip.
The 10th generation iPad launched with the A14 Bionic chip and only 4GB RAM in 2022. Traditionally, the entry-level tablet has been two years behind on chipset upgrades, hence our pick for the A16.
However, the arrival of Apple Intelligence means I would like to see at least an A18 chip to bring the iPad in line with the iPhone 16 range. But the eternal optimist in me would love to see an M1 or M2 Chip.
The 4GB of RAM in the current iPad looks very dated for a company about to go all in on artificial intelligence. For this reason alone, it feels relatively easy to predict that the new iPad 11 will come with a more respectable 8GB of RAM.
If the iPad 11th gen specs continue the theme of incremental upgrades, we expect to see storage range between 128GB and 256GB.
What we do expect to see happen is the iPad’s USB-C port, which was frustratingly limited to a USB2 speed of up to 480 Mbps, upgraded to allow 5Gbps or 10Gpbs.
Besides a more powerful processor and double memory, don’t expect any other big changes from the 11th generation of iPad.
The much-loved 10.9-inch liquid retina display is expected to remain unchanged. Although the camera might be refined slightly and the battery improved slightly, everything else will likely stay the same.
iPad 11th Generation Specs
While there isn’t any officially confirmed iPad 11th-gen specs available at the moment, we do expect a faster processor and more memory to handle Apple Intelligence.
Other than that, we only expect a series of design tweaks and refinements along with support for the 2nd generation of Apple Pencil.
Based on this, here is how we expect the iPad 11 to compare against the iPad 10.
iPad 11th Generation vs iPad 10th Generation: Specs Comparison
| Spec | iPad 11 (Expected) | iPad 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A18 Bionic Priocessor | A14 Bionic Processor |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB and 256GB | 64GB and 256GB |
| Camera | 12MP rear camera
12MP front camera |
12MP rear camera
12MP front camera |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours of battery life | Up to 10 hours of battery life |
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina Display |
| Apple Pencil compatibility | Supports Apple Pencil
(2nd generation) |
Supports Apple Pencil
(1st generation) |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | No |
| Price | $349 – $449 | $449 on launch. Now reduced to $349 |
iPad 11th Generation Colors
The last entry-level iPad is available in vibrant, playful colors: blue, pink, yellow, and a silver option for those who prefer to play it safe.
There isn’t any information about the iPad 11 yet, but many will hope for teal or ultramarine to match their new iPhone 16, and a vibrant purple seems a popular request online.
iPad 11th Generation Price
We expect the 11th-generation iPad will be released with a price of $349 rather than $449, which will likely be out of reach for many cash-strapped families.
The 10th-generation model initially launched in 2022 came with a high price tag of $449 upon release.
However, Apple unexpectedly reduced the regular-sized iPad to $349 earlier this year. This was seen as an affordable entry point for most users for a 10.9-inch tablet.
Once again, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman let it slip earlier this year that Apple was “focusing on how to make its production costs lower on the entry-level model.”
The Bottom Line
We don’t expect to see too many changes when comparing the new iPad 11 vs iPad 10 (2022).
But the specs of the older iPad are a little dated, and this latest refresh will bring it in line with all the other Apple devices to ensure it’s ready for the upcoming Apple Intelligence.
Arguably, unless your old iPad has battery problems or is running slow, there won’t be many other reasons to upgrade.
However, if you are in the market for a new entry-level iPad over the holidays, the 11th-generation iPad will be the perfect choice. A 10.9″ tablet with 8GB RAM, a faster processor, USB-C, and 2nd generation Apple Pencil compatibility for under $400 will be with the price for many this Christmas.
