Apple's 2025 iPad Update: Storage Doubled and A16 Chip Enhancements
In a recent announcement, Apple has introduced the latest iteration of its base iPad, unveiling a range of upgraded features that promise to enhance user experience. Despite critics suggesting that Apple has shifted its focus away from tablets, the new offerings, including a more powerful processor and increased storage, indicate a continued commitment to this product line. With pre-orders already available, let's delve into what the new iPad brings to the table and whether it stands out in a crowded market.
Apple may have issued a rather unenthusiastic press release today, but that did not overshadow the introduction of several new devices. Among them, the newly upgraded iPad Air with enhanced processing power and the revamped "standard" iPad have drawn attention, particularly due to their minor but significant improvements.
Enhanced Performance and Storage at No Extra Cost
The 11th-generation iPad resembles its predecessor, the iPad 10, yet it boasts substantial upgrades worth discussing. Firstly, this new base model is available at the same starting price of $349 as the 2022 version, which featured the Apple A14 Bionic chip. The most noteworthy change is the transition to the A16 chip, which, according to Apple, is "nearly 30 percent faster." This upgrade is particularly beneficial for users of the earlier 2021 iPad 10.2, noted for its A13 Bionic processor, offering them up to a 50 percent performance improvement.
In a somewhat unusual marketing choice, Apple has compared its latest iPad to the "best-selling Android tablet," claiming a performance gap that could be described as monumental. They assert the A16-equipped iPad has "up to" six times the speed compared to this unnamed device, which some might find exaggerated.
Importantly, for the same $349, users now enjoy 128GB of internal storage, a significant jump from the previous 64GB found in the iPad (2022).
Pre-orders Now Available with Quick Release
Pre-orders for the new iPad (2025) are now open, allowing customers to secure their 128GB Wi-Fi-only model for $349, with deliveries set to begin next Wednesday, March 12. The pricing spectrum continues, with the 256GB model retailing for $449, while the top-tier, Wi-Fi-only 512GB version costs $649. If you seek a 5G-enabled model, prices range from $499 to $799, making this version one of the most attractive affordable tablets available today.
Despite these updates, the iPad continues to retain familiar features from its previous iteration. The Liquid Retina display has slightly expanded to a full 11 inches, yet the build dimensions, weight, camera specifications, and accessory compatibility remain unchanged. The available color options—silver, blue, pink, and yellow—also stay the same, signifying a cautious approach towards design innovation.
