Monday, October 21, 2024 — Apple is expected to introduce a new version of its entry-level iPad featuring Apple Intelligence capabilities in late 2025, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This update would mark the first significant refresh to Apple’s most affordable iPad since its 10th generation debuted in October 2022.
In his Power On newsletter, Gurman revealed that the iPhone SE will likely be the first budget-friendly device to gain Apple Intelligence in March 2025, with the entry-level iPad following later that year. By 2026, Gurman suggests, nearly every Apple device with a screen will integrate Apple Intelligence.
Technical Challenges and Timing
The delay in updating the entry-level iPad could stem from the challenges of implementing Apple’s AI capabilities in a budget-friendly device. Priced at $349, the current iPad is powered by the A14 chip—first introduced with the iPhone 12 lineup—but this is becoming outdated. For an AI-integrated iPad, Apple may opt for a more advanced chip, such as the A16 (found in the iPhone 15) or even the upcoming A17 Pro or A18 chips.
Recent Changes in the iPad Lineup
Apple recently updated the iPad mini to include Apple Intelligence support, announced via a standalone press release. The company also adjusted the pricing of the existing iPad 10 and removed the charger from the package in Europe. These changes indicate that Apple is not preparing to release the next-generation iPad in the immediate future, and any announcement of an iPad 11 is unlikely before late 2025.
The release timeline aligns with Apple’s push to make its AI capabilities more widely accessible across devices, signaling an exciting shift in Apple’s product lineup as it continues to integrate advanced intelligence features into its ecosystem.
