Apple skips iPad 11 refresh to focus on AI advancements

Apple’s strategic pause in iPad updates: Apple’s decision to skip refreshing the base model iPad this year appears to be driven by its commitment to incorporating Apple Intelligence across its product line.

• The company recently updated the iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support, but unexpectedly left the base model iPad unchanged.
• The current base iPad, now over two years old, is equipped with an A14 chip that was already two years old at launch.

Evolution of the base iPad: Apple’s entry-level iPad has undergone significant changes since its introduction in 2017, balancing affordability with essential features.

• The original base iPad, launched in 2017, was designed as a budget-friendly option, particularly for the education market.
• Subsequent annual refreshes added features like Apple Pencil support, larger displays, and improved cameras.
• The 10th generation iPad, released in 2022, adopted a modern design language but still maintained some limitations to keep costs down.

Potential reasons for delaying the update: Apple’s decision to postpone the base iPad refresh may be influenced by several factors related to hardware capabilities and marketing strategy.

• The company likely wants to ensure all new products support Apple Intelligence, which may not be possible with the A16 chip that would typically be used in a refreshed base iPad.
• Optimizing Apple Intelligence for lower-end hardware could be challenging and resource-intensive for Apple.
• The current $349 price point of the base iPad limits Apple’s ability to incorporate more advanced chipsets.
• Production constraints on the second-generation 3nm process may be affecting chip allocation across Apple’s product line.

Projected timeline for the next base iPad: Industry experts have differing opinions on when consumers can expect an update to the base iPad model.

• Display specialist Ross Young suggested a potential spring release based on panel shipment information.
• Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicts a later timeline, possibly in fall 2025.
• A fall 2025 release could coincide with the availability of the A18 chip from the iPhone 16, enabling Apple Intelligence support.

Implications for the iPad lineup: The delay in updating the base iPad could have several consequences for Apple’s tablet strategy and market positioning.

• By the time of the next update, Apple may be selling a 3-year-old product with a 5-year-old chipset, raising concerns about long-term software support.
• The lack of an update may drive budget-conscious customers interested in Apple Intelligence features towards the iPad Air, potentially boosting sales of the higher-priced model.
• This strategy could create an unusual situation where the base iPad eventually has a more advanced chip than the iPad mini, potentially necessitating another mini refresh.

Analyzing the broader strategy: Apple’s approach to the base iPad refresh reflects its commitment to AI integration and product differentiation.

• The company appears to be prioritizing the inclusion of Apple Intelligence across its product line, even if it means delaying updates to popular models.
• This strategy may help Apple maintain a technological edge in the tablet market but could potentially alienate price-sensitive consumers looking for more frequent updates to the entry-level iPad.
• The decision also highlights the complexities of managing a diverse product lineup while navigating supply chain constraints and evolving technological capabilities.