CUPERTINO, California, March ​20, 2025 – Apple’s new iPad, the 11th generation basic model, comes with a familiar look and feeling, but with enough sub-bell changes to justify ​a second look. At a time when Apple ​aggressively pushes the limits ​of its ​M-series chips and Apple ​Intelligence features, this device stands out for what 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 ​as much as it does. For a ​price of ​$349, this is an attractive package for casual users, students and families. ​But the question remains: Is it the test of the future, or does Apple subtly tell us that we spend more?

What’s up on the iPad (A16)?

At first glance, he hasn’t changed ​much since the ​iPad 10th Gen. The chassis, screen, camera settings ​and even color options remain largely the same. But ​under the surface, Apple equipped this model with the Bionic A16 chip, essentially a refined version of the processor used in iPhone 14 Pro. According to the benchmarks cited by The Verge and Engadget, the A16 chip gives the iPad a ​remarkable increase in the performance ​of a single kernel and softer multitasking capabilities thanks to 6 GB of RAM, a 2 GB increase from its predecessor.

However, the A16 remains a lower level than the ​M series chips on iPad Air and iPad Pro. Thus, while occasional tasks such as video streaming, web browsing ​and light games admirably perform heavy workflows – think ​of video ​editing, 3D ​modelling or AI-assisted tasks – may expose iPad limitations.

How does the ​iPad 11-gen work in real life?

In daily use, the device feels sensitive and fluid. Most applications are launched quickly, and the transitions are butterfly-loop. Play games like Mini Metro or use productivity tools ​like Notability does not tax the system. CNET stated that users should expect a solid battery of about 10 to 11 hours per charge, depending ​on usage. It is reliable, ​consistent and rarely frustrating.

But don’t ​expect this tablet to ​follow your dearest brothers. In the reference tests, iPad (A16) scored approximately 6,186 in the CPU tests ​of several nuclei, significantly below the 11 643 of iPad M3 Air. GPU scores tell ​a similar story, making this iPad a step forward for energy users or those planning ​to follow future iPadOS ​features.

Does iPad (A16) support ​Apple Intelligence?

Anyway, no. The iPad (A16) is particularly ​missing from Apple’s generic ​intelligence features as publicized as ​Apple’s intelligence. This may not matter now, many of ​these tools are still in development, and for many ​users they are not ​yet essential. But as 9to5Mac suggests, losing AI functionality could mean being ​excluded from future innovation.

The lack of support ​is linked to the physical limitations: the A16 lacks ​sophistication of the ​neural motor and the RAM ​required ​for Apple Intelligence ​functions. ​And while 6 GB of RAM is enough ​for today’s ​multitasking, ​the fast moving software landscape could leave this model behind.

How’s the screen?

The 11-inch screen is technically ​a 10.9-inch panel (rounded by Apple), and remains identical ​to the iPad 10togen. It ​is clear enough and bright for indoor use, but it ​suffers ​from a direct ​sun due to the absence ​of anti-reflex coating. Most importantly, the screen is not yet laminated, creating a space between the glass and the screen that ​becomes particularly ​remarkable ​when using a style.

It’s more important than ​you think. Writing or drawing ​with Apple pencil on this screen is slightly less accurate and tactile than on laminated screens. The lack of a large P3 ​support also makes the colours a little more flat when compared side by side with ​the iPad Air. It is a good ​screen, but it is clearly constructed taking into account costs.

What are Apple ​Pencil and Keyboard media?

That’s where things get complicated. The iPad (A16) only supports ​the oldest ​Apple Pencil (1st gene) ​and the USB-C Pencil, none of which offers the full set ​of features ​found ​in the 2nd generation Pencil or Pencil. ​The USB-C pencil lacks sensitivity to pressure – a great disadvantage for digital artists ​- and ​the 1ergen pencil always requires ​a dongle for ​loading and matching.

The keyboard situation is not much better. The only ​official option is the Magic Keyboard Folio, which costs a total of $249 and lacks return stability and backlight of the magic keyboard available in the air and Pro. As Engadget said, “Apple continues to subcut the basic iPad with subpar ​accessory support that makes transit ​models even more attractive”

What about storage ​and connectivity?

Thank you. Apple doubled the base storage to 128 ​GB, which is a welcome and necessary update. There is also a new 512 GB model for those ​who need extra space. The tablet retains a USB-C port, but is limited to USB 2.0 ​speeds, which means data transfers are slower than Thunderbolt speeds in high-end iPads.

Bluetooth 5.3 support and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity guarantee relatively robust wireless performance ​in the future, although these specifications are standard on most Apple devices now.

Who should buy the iPad (A16)?

If you are ​a student, father buys for a child, or someone ​who wants only a ​light media machine, the iPad (A16) offers great value. It is ​also perfect as a secondary device ​for tasks ​such as reading, ​video streaming or taking occasional notes. For these users, it offers an ​excellent balance of performance and affordability.

However, if you plan to use ​your tablet for productivity, creative ​or multitasking, the iPad Air M3 or M4 iPad Pro offers better long-term performance. As 9to5Mac pointed out, the iPad buying ​triangle helps to visualize this: the basic iPad manages 90% of daily ​tasks, but the higher levels offer the tools to ​develop with you.

What are the compromises with iPad Air or Pro?

There is no multitasking of the stadium administrator, no Apple ​intelligence, no support for high-end ​styles. The screen ​is not laminated, ​speakers are only decent, and accessories are expensive or compromised. These are all areas where the iPad Air starts to shine and the Pro ​stands out.

But perhaps the greatest concern is longevity. With ​the evolution of iPad ​applications and features, the ​A16 chip ​can start fighting, especially without AI support. Okay ​now, but also the A10X five ​years ago. For ​anyone who ​wants to ​keep your relevant iPad for half a decade or more, spending more now might mean saving later.

Nevertheless, ​Apple deserves credit ​to keep the iPad ​database accessible. Its performance is strong, looks good and continues to support application ecosystems. As ​CNET said, “If you don’t need bells and whistles, then Apple’s basic iPad ​is your choice.”

Is iPad 11o-gen an intelligent purchase or a short-term solution? It depends ​entirely ​on your expectations. If you know their limits and plan to stay ​in them, it’s a ​good purchase. But if you are already ​dreaming of the ​following ​iPadOS ​functions or ​are ​hoping to replace your laptop, look at a higher level. As ​always with Apple, the ​best option is reduced to know exactly what you need, and maybe ​a little bit of what you want.