Apple fans, mark your calendars! The wait for the new iPad is almost over. The 11th-generation iPad (2025) will be released on March 12, 2025. This latest model brings several exciting updates to Apple’s popular tablet line including an upgrade to the A16 chip, offering a significant performance boost over the previous generation.
According to recent announcements, both the new iPad and iPad Air will hit stores on the same date. While Apple has kept the design similar to earlier models, the upgraded processor promises faster speeds for everyday tasks and gaming.
Pricing remains competitive for this entry-level iPad, making it an attractive option for students and casual users. The 11th-generation iPad will be sold alongside the new iPad Air with M3 chip, giving customers multiple options at different price points. Both devices can be pre-ordered now ahead of next week’s launch.
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What’s New in the iPad 11th-Gen (2025)?
Apple’s 11th-generation iPad is more than just a refresh—it’s a solid update aimed at casual users, students, and professionals who want reliable performance without breaking the bank. While it doesn’t make headlines for revolutionary design changes, it offers enough under-the-hood improvements to make it an attractive option for anyone in the market for a new tablet.
Let’s dive into what makes the 2025 iPad 11th-gen a standout in Apple’s lineup.
Release Date Confirmed: March 12, 2025
Apple officially announced that the iPad 11th-gen will hit shelves on March 12, 2025. Pre-orders opened up immediately after the announcement, and you can already reserve one through major retailers like Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo.
If you’ve been waiting for an affordable yet powerful tablet, this date should be circled on your calendar.
Key Features and Upgrades
A16 Bionic Chip for Next-Level Performance
One of the most exciting upgrades is the introduction of the A16 Bionic chip. Compared to its predecessor’s A14 chip, the new processor delivers up to 30% better performance, making everything from multitasking to gaming faster and smoother. This brings the iPad 11th-gen more in line with Apple’s higher-end devices, without the premium price tag.
Doubled Storage
Apple has also doubled the base storage, addressing one of the most common complaints about previous models. The 11th-gen iPad now starts at 128GB, giving users far more room for apps, media, and files. Options extend up to 512GB, making it a viable choice even for heavier workflows.
Liquid Retina Display
This iPad sports an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a crisp 2360×1640 resolution, delivering vibrant colors and sharp text. Whether you’re watching videos, sketching with an Apple Pencil, or reading, the display is up to the task.
Camera Improvements
The camera setup on the iPad 11th-gen is a pleasant surprise:
- Rear Camera: 12MP with an ƒ/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing detailed shots and 4K video.
- Front Camera: 12MP ultra-wide with Center Stage support, automatically keeping you in frame during video calls.
These upgrades make it ideal for video conferences, remote learning, and casual photography.
Connectivity and Accessories
Apple’s latest iPad doesn’t skimp on modern connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast, reliable internet.
- Bluetooth 5.3 improves connection stability with accessories.
- Optional 5G support on cellular models brings high-speed mobile data to users on the go.
The 11th-gen iPad also supports the Apple Pencil USB-C and the first-generation Apple Pencil, giving users flexibility based on their budget and needs.
Pricing Breakdown
Apple’s pricing strategy with the 11th-gen iPad keeps it accessible for most users:
Wi-Fi Models:
- 128GB: $349
- 256GB: $449
- 512GB: $649
Wi-Fi + Cellular Models:
- 128GB: $499
- 256GB: $599
- 512GB: $799
At these price points, the iPad 11th-gen undercuts many competing tablets while delivering a premium experience.
What’s Missing? No Apple Intelligence Features
One thing that separates the iPad 11th-gen from its more expensive siblings is the lack of Apple Intelligence features. While the new iPad Air and Pro models are expected to showcase advanced AI-powered functions, the 11th-gen iPad is sticking to the basics.
This isn’t necessarily a downside for casual users, but if you’re eager for AI-enhanced experiences, you may want to look higher up in the iPad lineup.
Final Thoughts: Is the iPad 11th-Gen Worth It?
The iPad 11th-generation (2025) is an impressive update that caters to a wide audience. The powerful A16 Bionic chip, generous storage options, improved cameras, and reliable connectivity make it one of the best-value tablets Apple has released in years.
If you don’t need AI features and want a versatile, budget-friendly iPad with plenty of modern perks, this is a fantastic choice—whether for school, work, or entertainment.
The countdown is on. With its March 12, 2025 release date fast approaching, now is the time to decide if the iPad 11th-gen deserves a spot in your tech lineup.
Key Takeaways
- The new iPad releases March 12, 2025 with pre-orders open now.
- The 11th-gen iPad features the A16 chip while keeping the familiar design.
- Apple will sell the standard iPad alongside the more powerful iPad Air M3.
Design and Display
The new iPad 11th-gen (2025) features significant improvements in both its display technology and physical design. Apple has refined the aesthetic while enhancing the visual experience through better screen performance and a refreshed color lineup.
Enhancements in Screen Technology
The 11th-gen iPad comes with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display that offers crisp visuals at 2360 x 1640 resolution. Apple has improved the screen with True Tone technology that adjusts color temperature based on ambient lighting. The display now features anti-reflective coating that reduces glare by up to 50% compared to the previous model.
Peak brightness has been boosted to 500 nits, making outdoor use much more practical. Touch responsiveness has been enhanced for both finger and Apple Pencil input, with reduced latency that artists and note-takers will appreciate.
The screen supports the P3 wide color gamut, displaying more vibrant and accurate colors than ever before. This makes the new iPad ideal for photo editing, watching videos, and graphic design work.
Physical Build and Aesthetics
Apple maintained the flat-edge design introduced in the 10th-gen model but has reduced the overall weight by 7%. The 11th-gen iPad weighs just 461 grams (Wi-Fi model), making it more comfortable for extended holding periods.
The device measures 247.6mm x 179.5mm x 6.1mm, slightly thinner than its predecessor. The bezels surrounding the display have been trimmed further, providing a more immersive viewing experience while maintaining enough edge space for comfortable handling.
Button placement remains consistent with the power button on the top edge, which now includes Touch ID. Volume controls sit on the right side when held in portrait orientation. The device features USB-C connectivity, going on sale March 12.
Color Variants and Finishes
The 11th-gen iPad comes in five attractive color options:
| Color | Finish | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | Matte | All regions |
| Space Gray | Matte | All regions |
| Blue | Glossy | All regions |
| Pink | Glossy | All regions |
| Green | Glossy | Select markets |
Apple has refined the finishes with the metallic colors (Silver and Space Gray) featuring a premium matte texture that resists fingerprints. The colored variants sport a glossy finish that gives them a vibrant appearance.
The aluminum enclosure uses 100% recycled materials, aligning with Apple’s environmental goals. The color options complement the new Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio accessories, which are available in matching shades for a coordinated look.
Hardware and Performance
The iPad 11th-gen (2025) brings significant upgrades in its internal components compared to previous models. These improvements focus on processing power, storage options, and battery capabilities to enhance the overall user experience.
Processor and Speed Improvements
The new iPad 11th-gen comes equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, marking a substantial upgrade from the A14 chip found in the previous generation. This powerful processor delivers faster performance for everyday tasks and more demanding applications.
Users will notice approximately 20% faster CPU performance and 30% improved graphics capabilities. These enhancements make the tablet much more responsive when:
- Multitasking between apps
- Editing photos and videos
- Playing graphics-intensive games
- Using AR applications
Benchmark tests show the A16 chip handles resource-intensive tasks without slowdowns or heating issues. The neural engine in the A16 also processes machine learning tasks more efficiently, improving features like photo editing and voice recognition.
Memory and Storage Options
The 11th-gen iPad offers more memory and storage configurations to suit different user needs. The base model starts with 64GB of storage, with options to upgrade to:
| Storage Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|
| 64GB | Casual users, web browsing, streaming |
| 128GB | App users, light photo/video storage |
| 256GB | Content creators, gamers |
| 512GB | Professional users, large media libraries |
RAM has been increased to 6GB on all models, up from 4GB in the previous generation. This boost allows for smoother multitasking and keeps more apps running in the background without reloading.
The improved memory management system also helps apps launch faster and reduces lag when switching between resource-heavy applications.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
Battery performance sees meaningful improvements in the new iPad. Apple claims up to 10 hours of web browsing or video watching on a single charge, which real-world tests largely confirm.
The battery capacity has been slightly increased to 32.4 watt-hours, allowing for extended use without sacrificing the tablet’s slim profile. The power management system works efficiently with the A16 chip to optimize battery consumption.
Charging options include:
- Standard USB-C charging (full charge in about 2.5 hours)
- Fast charging with compatible 30W adapters (50% charge in 30 minutes)
The switch to USB-C provides greater compatibility with various chargers and accessories. The iPad also supports reverse charging for smaller devices like AirPods, making it a versatile power source when on the go.
Software Features
The iPad 11th-gen comes with impressive software capabilities that enhance user experience through its updated operating system, multitasking tools, and improved security features. Apple has focused on making this iPad both powerful and accessible for all users.
Operating System Enhancements
The 11th-gen iPad runs on iPadOS 18, bringing several notable improvements to the user interface. The control center has been redesigned for better organization of frequently used controls. Users can now customize it more extensively with widgets relevant to their needs.
The new iPad includes improved Siri capabilities with faster response times and better contextual understanding. Siri can now help with more complex tasks like creating multi-step automations.
File management has been upgraded with better folder organization and tagging options. The search function works more efficiently, finding documents based on content rather than just file names.
While the iPad 11th-gen has the powerful A16 chip, it’s worth noting that it still cannot run Apple Intelligence features that are available on the M-series iPads.
Productivity and Multitasking
Split View and Slide Over features have been refined for smoother transitions between apps. Users can now save their favorite app combinations for quick access later.
The Stage Manager feature, previously limited to iPad Pro models, is now available on the 11th-gen iPad. This allows for resizable, overlapping windows similar to a desktop experience.
Notes app has received major upgrades including better handwriting recognition and math equation solving. The app now converts handwritten notes to text with greater accuracy.
The 11th-gen iPad works seamlessly with the new Magic Keyboard, enhancing the typing experience with improved key travel and a more responsive trackpad.
Quick Notes feature allows users to jot down thoughts from anywhere in the system without switching apps. These notes can be tagged and searched later.
Accessibility and Security Updates
Voice Control has been expanded to work with more apps and functions. Users can navigate the entire interface using just voice commands with improved accuracy.
The new Magnifier tool helps users with visual impairments by offering clearer text enlargement and contrast options. It now works across all apps instead of being a standalone function.
Face ID has been enhanced with faster recognition and the ability to work from more angles. This makes unlocking the device quicker and more convenient.
Privacy controls are more granular, letting users decide exactly what information each app can access. The Privacy Report feature shows which apps are using permissions and how often.
App Tracking Transparency has been strengthened, giving users more control over how their data is shared between apps and websites. Notifications now clearly explain what tracking involves.
Camera and Multimedia
The iPad 11th-gen (2025) brings significant upgrades to its camera system and multimedia capabilities, offering users enhanced tools for photography, video creation, and augmented reality experiences.
Camera System Upgrades
The new iPad features a 12MP wide camera on the back, a notable improvement from the previous generation. This upgraded camera captures sharper images and more detailed videos in all lighting conditions.
Users will appreciate the improved low-light performance, making indoor photography much more viable. The camera now includes:
- Smart HDR 4 for better highlight and shadow detail
- Portrait mode with advanced depth control
- 4K video recording at 60fps
- Extended dynamic range for videos
The front-facing camera has been repositioned to the landscape edge, making video calls feel more natural when the iPad is in horizontal orientation. This 12MP ultra-wide front camera supports Center Stage, which automatically keeps users in frame during video calls.
Audio and Video Capabilities
The 11th-gen iPad delivers impressive audio-visual performance with its updated speaker system. The four-speaker audio setup automatically adjusts based on how the iPad is held, ensuring consistent sound quality.
These speakers provide:
- 20% improved bass response
- Wider stereo separation
- Dolby Atmos support for spatial audio
The display features True Tone technology that adjusts to ambient lighting. This makes watching videos, editing photos, or creating content more enjoyable. The iPad also supports HDR content, displaying movies and shows with greater contrast and color accuracy.
For content creators, the new microphone array captures cleaner audio with background noise reduction, perfect for recording videos or participating in online meetings.
Augmented Reality Features
The A16 Bionic chip powers advanced AR experiences on the new iPad. This chip, combined with the LiDAR Scanner on premium models, enables precise depth mapping and object placement in AR applications.
Developers can create immersive AR apps that:
- Recognize surfaces and objects more accurately
- Place virtual objects with realistic physics
- Support multi-user experiences for collaboration
- Maintain stable tracking even in moving environments
Educational apps benefit greatly from these improvements, allowing students to explore 3D models of historical artifacts, biological structures, and architectural designs. Gaming experiences also reach new levels of immersion with AR elements that blend seamlessly with the real world.
The Neural Engine in the A16 chip specifically enhances machine learning tasks like object recognition, making AR interactions more intuitive and responsive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple’s new 11th-generation iPad launches March 12, 2025 with several key improvements. Customers can pre-order now and find answers to their most common questions below.
What are the specifications of the newly released 11th-generation iPad?
The 11th-generation iPad comes equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, a significant upgrade from previous models. This chip provides faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance.
The new iPad features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology. It supports Apple Pencil and the new Magic Keyboard designed specifically for this model.
Storage options start at 64GB, with 128GB and 256GB configurations also available. The device includes an improved 12MP rear camera and a landscape-oriented front camera for better video calls.
How does the price of the 11th-generation iPad compare to previous models?
The new iPad starts at the same price point as the previous generation. This maintains Apple’s entry-level pricing strategy while delivering upgraded specifications.
Higher storage configurations see a modest price increase of about $50 compared to equivalent 10th-generation models. Educational discounts continue to be available for students and teachers.
The 11th-generation iPad remains more affordable than the iPad Air M3, positioning it as the value option in Apple’s tablet lineup.
Where can I purchase the 11th-generation iPad online?
The 11th-generation iPad is available for pre-order directly from Apple’s website. Customers can choose their preferred color, storage capacity, and connectivity options.
Major retailers including Best Buy, Amazon, and Target are also accepting pre-orders. These stores may offer special bundles that include accessories or extended warranty options.
Cellular carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have the cellular-enabled models available with various data plan options.
Can the 11th-generation iPad be considered a significant upgrade over the 10th generation?
The 11th-generation iPad represents an incremental rather than revolutionary upgrade. The A16 Bionic chip provides about 20% better performance than the previous generation’s A14 chip.
Battery life has been slightly improved, offering approximately 11 hours of mixed use. The landscape-oriented front camera is a welcome change for video conferencing and virtual meetings.
Storage configurations remain the same, but the base model now includes faster Wi-Fi 6E connectivity as standard. For 10th-generation owners, the improvements may not justify an immediate upgrade.
What features distinguish the iPad Air 2025 from the 11th-generation iPad?
The iPad Air 2025 features the more powerful M3 chip, while the 11th-generation iPad uses the A16 Bionic. This results in significantly better performance for demanding applications on the Air.
The display quality differs, with the Air offering a fully laminated display with P3 wide color gamut and anti-reflective coating. The Air also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, while the 11th-gen iPad works with the first-generation model.
The iPad Air includes USB-C connectivity with faster data transfer speeds compared to the 11th-generation iPad. It also comes with a starting storage capacity of 128GB versus the 11th-gen’s 64GB base model.
How long is the expected lifespan of the 11th-generation iPad?
Based on Apple’s support history, the 11th-generation iPad should receive software updates for approximately 5-6 years. The A16 Bionic processor provides enough power to handle future iPadOS versions during this period.
The physical build quality matches Apple’s usual standards, with an aluminum body and strengthened glass that should withstand normal use for several years. The battery typically maintains 80% of its original capacity after 500 complete charge cycles.
For most users, the 11th-generation iPad represents a solid investment that should remain useful and supported through early 2030. This makes it a good value proposition despite being Apple’s entry-level tablet offering.
