Apple has officially unveiled the 11th-generation iPad, bringing double the starting storage, a powerful A16 Bionic chip, and a budget-friendly price tag. With more power, better efficiency, and a $349 starting price, this new iPad is Apple’s most compelling entry-level tablet yet.
📦 Double the Storage for the Same Price
One of the biggest highlights of the 2025 iPad refresh is the storage upgrade. The base model now starts at 128GB instead of 64GB, doubling the space for apps, photos, videos, and documents—without increasing the price.
This move aligns Apple’s entry-level iPad with modern usage trends. With iPadOS becoming more capable for productivity and gaming, 64GB was starting to feel too limited. The jump to 128GB ensures better longevity, reducing the need for cloud storage or frequent cleanups.
| Model | iPad 10th Gen (2022) | iPad 11th Gen (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Storage | 64GB | 128GB (2x) |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Price (Wi-Fi) | $449 | $349 |
| Price (Wi-Fi + Cellular) | $599 | $499 |
✅ More storage for the same price means better value for students, families, and casual users.
🚀 A16 Chip: The Biggest Power Boost Yet
At the heart of the new 11th-gen iPad is the A16 Bionic chip—the same powerful processor found in the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 models. This significant upgrade from the A14 chip in the previous model makes the iPad:
- 30% faster CPU performance
- 50% better GPU power for gaming and graphics
- More efficient battery life thanks to the 5nm process
- Snappier multitasking for apps, video editing, and productivity
Compared to Android tablets in the same price range, the A16 outperforms most competitors, making it the best-performing tablet under $400.
| Feature | iPad 10th Gen (A14) | iPad 11th Gen (A16) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 6-core CPU | 6-core CPU (30% faster) |
| GPU Cores | 4-core GPU | 5-core GPU (50% faster graphics) |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | 16-core (Improved AI Processing) |
| Battery Efficiency | Standard | More efficient 5nm chip |
🎮 Better gaming? ✅ Faster app performance? ✅ Longer battery life? ✅ The A16 chip makes the new iPad a performance powerhouse for its price.
🎨 New Colors and Design: Familiar Yet Fresh
The 11th-generation iPad keeps the modern, flat-edge design introduced in 2022. While there are no major visual changes, Apple continues to offer four fun color options:
- Blue 💙
- Pink 💗
- Yellow 💛
- Silver 🩶
It retains Touch ID in the power button, USB-C for universal charging, and a landscape front camera for improved video calls.
📶 Faster Wi-Fi, Optional 5G, and Stronger Connectivity
Apple has upgraded the wireless capabilities of the new iPad to ensure better performance in both Wi-Fi-only and cellular models.
- Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster downloads, smoother streaming, and better network efficiency
- Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless accessory support
- 5G (sub-6 GHz) available on cellular models for blazing-fast mobile connectivity
| Feature | iPad 10th Gen | iPad 11th Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 (Better speeds) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Cellular Option | 4G LTE | 5G (Optional) |
🌐 For users who work, travel, or study on the go, the cellular option brings more flexibility than ever.
🎯 Who Is This iPad For?
With its combination of affordability, speed, and storage, the 11th-gen iPad is a versatile device that serves multiple types of users:
✅ Students:
- Affordable & lightweight for note-taking, online classes, and research
- Apple Pencil (USB-C) support for sketching and digital handwriting
✅ Families & Casual Users:
- Great for streaming, FaceTime, and everyday web browsing
- More storage for photos and apps
✅ Budget Creators:
- A16 chip makes video & photo editing smooth
- Powerful enough for casual Procreate, CapCut, and iMovie users
✅ Gamers:
- 50% better graphics performance for gaming apps like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty, and Apple Arcade
✅ Business Users:
- Perfect for emails, Zoom calls, and office apps
- Optional 5G for connectivity anywhere
🚀 Starting at just $349, this iPad offers the best balance of price, performance, and storage in Apple’s lineup.
💰 Pricing Breakdown
| Model | Wi-Fi Price | Wi-Fi + Cellular Price |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $349 | $499 |
| 256GB | $449 | $599 |
| 512GB | $599 | $749 |
Compared to last year’s $449 starting price, Apple has made the iPad more affordable while upgrading storage and performance.
📌 Final Verdict: Best Budget iPad Yet?
The 11th-gen iPad is a massive improvement over its predecessor, bringing:
✅ Double the starting storage (128GB)
✅ A16 chip for 30% faster performance & better battery life
✅ 5G connectivity for mobile users
✅ A lower $349 starting price
⭐ Verdict: 9/10 – The best entry-level iPad Apple has ever made.
Apple has once again made the iPad lineup more accessible, offering a device that punches well above its weight in performance, storage, and value. Whether you’re a student, casual user, or creator on a budget, this is the iPad to get in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The new iPad comes with 128GB of storage and the A16 chip for just $349.
- Four color options are available with Wi-Fi + Cellular models starting at $499.
- The 11th generation iPad offers better performance and value than previous models.
Overview of the New iPad 11th Generation
Apple’s newest iPad brings significant improvements with double the storage capacity and a powerful new chip. The updated model offers better value while maintaining the familiar iPad experience users love.
Design and Display Enhancements
The new iPad 11th generation maintains Apple’s sleek design language while offering some subtle refinements. It comes in four color options: blue, pink, yellow, and silver, giving users choices to match their personal style. The tablet features the same familiar display that provides crisp visuals for everyday tasks.
The starting storage has doubled to 128GB, a welcome upgrade that addresses a common complaint about previous models. This means more space for apps, photos, and videos without needing to constantly manage storage.
While the device hasn’t received a complete redesign, it maintains the thin profile and portable form factor that iPad users appreciate. The display quality remains suitable for watching videos, browsing the web, and casual gaming.
Performance: The A16 Chip
The iPad 11th generation comes equipped with Apple’s A16 chip, marking a significant performance upgrade from previous models. This processor, first seen in iPhone models, brings faster speeds and better efficiency to the base iPad line.
Users will notice:
- Snappier app launching
- Smoother multitasking
- Better gaming performance
- Improved battery efficiency
The A16 chip enables the iPad to handle demanding tasks more easily, from photo editing to gaming. Apps open faster and run more smoothly, creating a more responsive experience overall.
One important note: the base iPad model still lacks Apple Intelligence, which remains exclusive to higher-end models. However, the performance boost from the A16 chip makes this iPad a compelling option at its starting price of $349 for Wi-Fi models, with cellular models available at a higher price point.
Storage and Pricing Options
Apple’s new 11th generation iPad comes with significant improvements in storage capacity at competitive price points. These changes make the device more attractive to budget-conscious consumers who need ample space for apps, photos, and files.
Double the Starting Storage
The new iPad now starts with 128GB of storage, twice the capacity of the previous generation which began at 64GB. This upgrade addresses a common complaint among iPad users who often struggled with limited space.
For users who need more room, Apple offers 256GB and a new 512GB configuration. The jump to 512GB is especially helpful for those who store large files, edit videos, or download many apps and games.
The expanded storage options come in four vibrant colors: blue, pink, yellow, and a classic silver option. This variety lets customers pick a device that fits their style while getting the storage they need.
Competitive Pricing Strategy
The 11th generation iPad starts at $349 for the base 128GB model, making it one of Apple’s most affordable tablets. This price point positions the iPad as an attractive option for students, families, and first-time tablet buyers.
The pricing structure for the higher storage options follows:
- 128GB: $349
- 256GB: $499
- 512GB: $649
Compared to competitors in the tablet market, the new iPad offers strong value with its A16 chip and doubled storage. The $349 starting price is particularly notable since customers now get twice the storage at this entry-level price point.
Apple also maintains its education discount program, giving students and educators additional savings on their purchases. This makes the new iPad even more accessible for educational use.
Availability and Release Date
The new 11th generation iPad is set to hit stores on March 12, 2025. Customers don’t need to wait to secure their device though – pre-orders are available immediately.
Apple fans can pick up the new iPad in four stylish colors:
- Blue
- Pink
- Silver
- Yellow
The new iPad will be widely available through Apple’s retail stores, the Apple online store, and authorized retailers worldwide. This global release means customers across different regions can get their hands on the latest iPad at the same time.
The starting price remains at $349 for the base model with the newly doubled storage capacity. This keeps the entry-level iPad at an affordable price point while offering more value than previous generations.
Customers who want to buy the new iPad with the Magic Keyboard can also place their pre-orders now for the same March 12 delivery date.
Apple has kept the same timeline for both online and in-store availability, making it easy for consumers to plan their purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new 11th generation iPad brings several key upgrades including the A16 chip, double the storage, and maintains its affordable $349 price point. These changes aim to deliver better performance and value.
What are the new features of the 11th generation iPad?
Apple’s 11th generation iPad comes with several notable improvements. The device now features the more powerful A16 chip for better performance.
It maintains the 10.9-inch display from the previous model and includes 12-megapixel cameras. The iPad is available in four colors, giving users more choices to match their style.
The biggest change is the storage boost, with the base model now starting at 128GB instead of 64GB.
How does the A16 chip improve the performance of the new iPad?
The A16 chip marks a significant upgrade from the A14 processor in the previous model. This newer chip delivers faster processing speeds and better energy efficiency.
Users will notice smoother multitasking when running multiple apps. The A16 also powers better gaming experiences with improved graphics performance.
The chip enhances machine learning capabilities, making features like photo editing and voice recognition work more quickly and accurately.
What is the starting price for the 11th generation iPad, and how does it compare to previous models?
The 11th generation iPad maintains the same starting price of $349 as its predecessor. This price point is impressive considering the doubled storage and upgraded processor.
Apple has kept the entry-level iPad affordable while adding more value. For comparison, the 10th generation iPad also started at $349 but came with only 64GB of storage.
This pricing strategy makes the new iPad an even better value than before.
What storage options are available for the new iPad, and how do they differ from previous versions?
The new iPad starts with 128GB of storage in the base model, doubling the 64GB offered in the previous generation. This change addresses one of the biggest complaints about earlier models.
Higher storage options are also available for users who need more space. The previous generation required users to pay more for 128GB, which is now the standard.
This storage upgrade helps the iPad stay competitive with other tablets in its price range.
How does the increased storage capacity benefit users of the new iPad?
The doubled storage capacity allows users to install more apps without worrying about running out of space. Many modern apps and games take up significant amounts of storage.
Photos and videos can be stored directly on the device rather than relying on cloud storage. This is especially helpful when using the iPad’s 12-megapixel cameras.
For students and professionals, the extra space means more room for documents, presentations, and educational content without constant storage management.
What are the implications of Apple’s pricing strategy for the 11th generation iPad on the tablet market?
By maintaining the $349 price point while doubling storage and upgrading the processor, Apple has set a new value standard in the tablet market. Competitors may need to adjust their offerings to match this value proposition.
The strategy helps Apple strengthen its position in the education market, where price and performance are key factors. Schools and students get more for the same budget.
This aggressive pricing may increase iPad market share, especially among first-time tablet buyers and users looking to upgrade from older models.
