Apple’s Entry-Level iPad Set for Major Upgrade with A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence Support

Apple is gearing up to refresh its most affordable iPad lineup with a significant internal overhaul that could redefine the baseline tablet experience. According to a new report from Japan’s Mac Otakara, a trusted source in Apple’s supply chain, the next-generation entry-level iPad is expected to debut this spring—bringing with it a generational leap in processing power, memory, and AI capabilities.

The current entry-level iPad, released in March 2024, is powered by the A16 Bionic chip paired with 6GB of RAM. While it remains a solid performer for everyday tasks, it lacks support for Apple Intelligence, the company’s ambitious AI-driven suite of features designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and user interaction across its ecosystem.

That’s all set to change. The rumored new model will swap the A16 Bionic for the A18 chip—the same silicon found in the iPhone 16 series—and double the RAM to 8GB. This combination is no coincidence. Apple has made it clear that 8GB of RAM is the minimum requirement for running Apple Intelligence features, which include advanced Siri capabilities, on-device generative AI tools, and intelligent system-wide automation.

A Familiar Design, But a Smarter Core

Despite the hardware upgrades, the new iPad is expected to retain the same design language as its predecessor. That means the same sleek aluminum unibody, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and support for the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Magic Keyboard. This approach aligns with Apple’s strategy of maintaining design continuity while focusing on performance and feature enhancements.

The A18 chip, built on a more advanced 3nm process, promises significant gains in both CPU and GPU performance, as well as improved energy efficiency. This will translate to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance—all while preserving battery life. The jump to 8GB of RAM will further enhance these experiences, allowing for more apps to run simultaneously and enabling more complex AI-driven tasks to be processed on-device.

Apple Intelligence: A Game-Changer for the Entry-Level iPad

The inclusion of Apple Intelligence support is arguably the most exciting aspect of this update. For the first time, the cheapest iPad in Apple’s lineup will be able to leverage the same AI-powered features found in the iPhone 16 and the iPad Pro. This includes:

• Enhanced Siri: More natural conversations, better context awareness, and the ability to perform complex tasks across apps.
• On-device Generative AI: Tools for summarizing text, creating images, and generating content directly on the device.
• Smart Automation: AI-driven suggestions and automations that learn from user behavior to streamline workflows.

This move signals Apple’s intent to democratize its AI capabilities, making them accessible to a broader audience. By bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPad, Apple is not only enhancing the value proposition of its most affordable tablet but also ensuring that users don’t have to splurge on the Pro models to experience the future of AI on iPadOS.

What This Means for Consumers

For students, educators, and casual users, the upgraded entry-level iPad will offer a compelling blend of performance and affordability. The A18 chip and 8GB of RAM will future-proof the device for years to come, ensuring it can handle the demands of next-generation apps and software updates. The addition of Apple Intelligence will further enhance its utility, making it a more versatile tool for both work and play.

Of course, power users and professionals may still gravitate toward the iPad Pro for its superior display, faster refresh rate, and more advanced features. However, for the vast majority of users, the new entry-level iPad will strike an ideal balance between capability and cost.

Looking Ahead

While Apple has yet to officially confirm these details, the report from Mac Otakara has a strong track record of accuracy. If the timeline holds, we can expect the new iPad to be unveiled in the coming months, likely alongside other spring product announcements.

As always, we’ll be keeping a close eye on developments and will update you as soon as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if you’re curious about the current model, be sure to check out our in-depth review of the 2024 entry-level iPad.

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