In a surprising twist for tech enthusiasts, Apple is likely to skip an annual launch for its budget-friendly tablet in 2024. This decision appears to be a strategic move by Apple as it gears up to introduce the iPad 11, a device packed with powerful hardware capabilities aimed at tackling a wide array of tasks. Launching it too early could have had the effect of undercutting the sales of other Apple gadgets. However, as we edge closer to mid-January, exciting updates are surfacing about the iPad 10’s successor, particularly its chipset upgrade. Expectations are rising that the iPad 11 will feature the A17 Pro chip, the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max from last year.
With the introduction of the A17 Pro chip, the iPad 11 is also anticipated to come with 8GB of RAM, making it ready to support Apple Intelligence right out of the box. The current iPad 10, which is available at a bargain price of $299, houses an A14 Bionic and 4GB of RAM. Although this setup is sufficient for transforming the tablet into a robust device, it falls short when it comes to the experience of playing AAA games and utilizing generative AI features included under Apple Intelligence. Fortunately, the iPad 11 is expected to eliminate these limitations, as suggested by tech analyst Mark Gurman, in his recent ‘Power On’ newsletter, which indicates that the new low-cost tablet will boast an A17 Pro chip.
If Apple is, indeed, planning to offer comprehensive generative AI feature support for the iPad 11 from the outset, shipping it with at least 8GB of RAM is a likely move. This would be fantastic news for potential buyers eager to snap up the upcoming budget-friendly model, as it will eliminate the need for a hefty investment to enjoy Apple Intelligence. However, such impressive upgrades typically come with a price hike.
For instance, the iPad 10, equipped with a more modern design and a USB-C port, was priced slightly higher than its predecessor, the iPad 9. While the exact pricing for the iPad 11 remains under wraps, there is speculation, especially when comparing the iPad mini 7, that the new model might retail around $429. The mini version, complete with the A17 Pro and 8GB RAM, starts at $479. As the weeks progress, details should become clearer about what distinctive features or compromises will be present to differentiate the iPad mini 7 from the iPad 11. Keep an eye out for more developments as they unfold.
