Tag: 12MP

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iPad (A16) (Generation 11, 11-inch, Wi-Fi, 128GB, Yellow, 2025)

On March 4, 2025, when Apple introduced the iPad Air with the M3 chip, they also announced the iPad Generation 11 with an A16 chip. The entire press release for this iPad device release amounted to one paragraph:

“Apple today also updated iPad with double the starting storage and the A16 chip, bringing even more value to customers. The A16 chip provides a jump in performance for everyday tasks and experiences in iPadOS, while still providing all-day battery life. Compared to the previous generation, the updated iPad with A16 is nearly 30 percent faster. In fact, compared to iPad with A13 Bionic, users will see up to a 50 percent improvement in overall performance, and A16 makes the updated iPad up to 6x faster than the best-selling Android tablet.”

This iPad update was released soon after the announcement of Apple Intelligence. While Apple was touting Apple Intelligence and updating its devices to take advantage of the new features, the iPad Generation 11 was given a chip that did not allow Apple Intelligence. While this updated iPad is faster than the previous Generation 10 model, it does not meet the minimum specification of the A17 Pro chip to allow Apple Intelligence compatibility. Apple provided no explanation for this omission.

One notable upgrade was in storage on the A16 iPad. The iPad Generation 11 doubled its base storage from 64 to 128GB and was also available in 256 and 512GB configurations. 

Except for the A16 chip and upgraded storage, this iPad was nearly identical to the iPad Generation 10. 

The iPad Generation 11 measured 9.79 x 7.07 inches, and was 0.28 inch thick. It weighed 1.05 pounds (Wi-Fi model). It had stereo speakers, a front camera and microphone centered on the “long”landscape” (long) side to enhance the FaceTime experience, and included both USB-C and a Smart Connector.

Its Liquid Retina display was 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 ppi and delivered up to 500 nits brightness. It supported the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and also the Apple Pencil Generation 1 (although clumsily since the original Apple Pencil used a Lightning connector for charging). 

The back camera was 12MP with digital zoom up to 5x supporting Smart HDR 4, geotagging, auto image stabilization, and burst mode. It could capture video up to 4K. The similar front camera was also 12MP and supported Center Stage in Landscape mode. It supported Smart HDR 4, but only could record 1080p HD video. 

The iPad Generation 11 had 5 sensors, including Touch ID, 3‐axis gyro, accelerometer, barometer, and an ambient light sensor. 

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Specs)

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iPad (Generation 9, 64 GB, W-Fi, silver, 2021)

Apple released the iPad Generation 9 on September 14, 2021. The headline in Apple’s Press Release read, “Apple’s most popular iPad delivers even more performance and advanced features,” and listed its features as including “A13 Bionic, Center Stage, True Tone, and now starts with double the storage.”

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, reported:

“iPad has never been more essential for working, learning, and communicating, and we’re excited to bring one of the biggest updates ever to our most popular iPad… With the powerful A13 Bionic, more engaging video calls with Center Stage, and double the storage, the new iPad delivers advanced capabilities, versatility, and simplicity at an incredible value.”

The A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine not only boosted performance compared to the previous iPad by 20%, it also allowed “next-level machine learning capabilities, including Live Text…which uses on-device intelligence to recognize text in a photo that users can take action on.” Thus, this iPad was able to use an early version of Apple’s on-device “Artificial Intelligence” capabilities—even if Apple chose not to use the term “AI.”

Apple also touted the iPad Generation 9’s Center Stage capabilities, a feature that enhanced video calls that was on the minds of many users after the worldwide COVID pandemic. The iPad was equipped with a new 12MP Ultra Wide front camera that used the Neural Engine: “Center Stage automatically pans the camera to keep [the user] in view. When others join in, the camera detects them too, and smoothly zooms out to include them in the conversation.” Center Stage worked in FaceTime and third-party video-calling apps such as Zoom.

The iPad Generation 9 was offered in Silver and Space Gray, and in two storage capacities, 64 GB and 256 GB. It measured 9.8 inches (250.6 mm) x 6.8 inches (174.1 mm), and was 0.29 inch (7.5 mm) thick. The Wi-Fi model weighed 1.07 pounds (487 grams), and the Wi-Fi + Cellular model weighed 1.09 pounds (498 grams).

The iPad Generation 9 was the last iPad to use a physical Home button, and it also had Touch ID.

It used a 10.2-inch (diagonal) Retina display that was 2160 x 1620 pixels at 264 pixels per inch. It used a True Tone display that could deliver up to 500 nits brightness. This iPad had both stereo speakers and dual microphones for calls, video recording, and audio recording.

Uncharacteristically, the back camera had lower resolution than the front camera. The back camera was an 8 MP Wide camera with digital zoom up to 5x using a 5-element lens. It could capture Panoramic photos (up to 43MP), and featured HDR, photo geotagging, auto image stabilization, and burst mode. The back camera could record 1080p HD video at 25 and 30 fps.

The front camera was a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with 122° field of view. It could record 1080p HD video at 25, 30, or 60 fps.

Wireless connectivity included Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. Its 5 sensors included Touch ID, 3‐axis gyro, accelerometer, barometer, and an ambient light sensor. The iPad Generation 9 charged and transferred data using a Lightning connector and shipped with a Lightning-to-USB-C Cable that connected to its included 20W USB-C Power Adapter.

Interestingly, Apple continued manufacturing and selling the iPad Generation 9 even after they announced the iPad Generation 10 13 months later. The iPad Generation 10 was released with a considerable price increase at $459 for a base iPad—from the iPad Generation 9 base price of $329. Apple noted in the “fine print” of the iPad Generation 10 press release: “iPad (9th generation) will remain in the iPad lineup. Wi-Fi models of iPad (9th generation) are available with a starting price of $329 (US), and Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $459 (US), in silver and space gray finishes.”

Sources: Apple (Newsroom: Generation 9, Generation 10; Technical Specifications)

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iPad mini (Generation 7, A17 Pro, Wi-Fi, 128GB, Blue, 2024)

Soon after Apple updated most of its hardware for use with Apple Intelligence, the Smart Folio for iPad mini was updated to Generation 7 with the A17 Pro chip—the bare minimum processor to allow Apple Intelligence features. At the time, Apple described Apple Intelligence as “the easy-to-use personal intelligence system that understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant while protecting user privacy.”

This iPad mini had an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display (2266 x 1488 at 326 ppi, 500 nits brightness). Apple described the A17 Pro chip as offering “a huge performance boost for even the most demanding tasks, with a faster CPU and GPU, [and] a 2x faster Neural Engine than the previous-generation iPad mini.” This iPad mini also added support for the Apple Pencil Pro.

The iPad mini front camera was 12MP and included Center Stage: “as you move around, the camera automatically pans to keep you centered in the frame.” Apple described the back camera: “The 12MP wide back camera supports Smart HDR 4 for natural-looking photos with increased dynamic range, and uses machine learning to detect and scan documents right in the Camera app.” In addition, the back camera could record 4K video.

This iPad mini was available in three muted tones including Blue, Purple, and Starlight—and Space Gray. This example is Blue.

This iPad mini was 7.69 inches tall, 5.3 inches wide, and 0.25 inch thick. It weighed 0.65 pound. All buttons were along the top on the short side opposite the USB-C port, including the 2 volume buttons and the Top button with Touch ID. Each of the short sides also had speakers that allowed stereo sound output. Unlike other iPad models of the time, the front camera was placed on the short side.

Sources: Apple (press release, product page, specs)

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iPad (Generation 10, 64GB, 2022)

This is my 1,000th post on my Apple Collection blog!

When Apple released the iPad Generation 10, a press release noted that it featured “a large 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, the powerful A14 Bionic chip, advanced cameras, fast wireless connectivity, USB-C, support for the new Magic Keyboard Folio, and more.”

The iPad Generation 10 was the first base-level iPad to include an all-screen design and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. It used an A14 Bionic chip, and both the front and back camera were 12 megapixel with an Ultra Wide front camera for an “even better video calling experience.”

This was also the first base iPad to use USB-C charging. Despite the list of new technologies, the iPad 10 supported the Generation 1 Apple Pencil, released in 2015—seven years before this iPad.

Apple highlighted creative uses of the iPad 10:

“Express yourself, draw, and brainstorm on a flexible creative powerhouse. The stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display makes an incredible canvas. So you can doodle, take notes, mark up documents, and a lot more with Apple Pencil.”

The iPad 10 was available during 2022–2023 at a time when online commentators noted consumer confusion in the iPad lineup. MacRumors ran an article on October 2022 expressing the sentiment with the headline, “Apple’s New iPad Lineup Causes Potential Confusion With Inconsistent Features.”

At the time, six basic iPad models were available, with several sharing similar characteristics. As of 2023, iPad Pro models were available in 12.9- and 11-inch configurations, an iPad Air had a 10.9-inch display, this iPad 10 had a 10.9-inch display, an iPad mini had an 8.3-inch display—while Apple continued to offer the 10.2-inch iPad Generation 9.

This iPad 10 is the 64GB, Wi-Fi 6 model in Blue. The anodized texture and brightness of the color add a depth to this iPad’s finish.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, Product), Wikipedia, MacRumors

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iPhone 8 (gold, 64GB, 2017)

The iPhone 8 was announced September 12, 2017, at the same time as the iPhone X (iPhone ten). Except for a glass back (replacing a metal back), the iPhone 8 (and the iPhone 8 Plus) were similar in design to the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models that preceded them. The iPhone 8 was arguably eclipsed by the iPhone X with Apple’s first edge-to-edge screen with no Home button and a design that hinted at future designs of iPhone and iPad devices.

The iPhone 8 had a 4.7-inch Retina HD touchscreen (1334×750 at 326 ppi). Its solid-state Home button used Apple’s Taptic engine and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Its front camera was a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, and its back camera was a 12-megapixel 4K camera with a six-element lens system with augmented reality (AR) support.

The iPhone 8 was first offered in gold (white front with gold glass back), silver (white front with silver glass back), and space gray (black front with dark gray glass back), and Apple later added a (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition model (black front with a red glass back).

Internally, the iPhone 8 used an A11 Bionic processor with six cores, 2 GB RAM, and was offered in storage options of 64, 128, and 256 GB. Wireless connections included 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE (4G), and NFC (Apple Pay). Its only wired connection was the Lightning port (the headphone jack had been removed from the previous iPhone 7 models).

Qi wireless charging was also introduced with the iPhone 8—and also the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, introduced at the same time.

This example of the iPhone 8 is gold.

Sources: EveryMac, Wikipedia

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iPhone 11 (64GB, Purple, with iPhone 11 Clear Case, 2019)

When Phil Schiller introduced the iPhone 11 at a special event on September 10, 2019, he described the device:

“iPhone 11 is the next generation of iPhone, packed with great new capabilities in an incredible design, including new Ultra Wide and Wide cameras for gorgeous videos and photos, the power and ease of use of iOS 13, and A13 Bionic—the fastest chip ever in a smartphone that quickly handles the tasks that matter most to people every day.”

The iPhone 11 was the first of Apple’s base model phones to include a dual-camera system. Apple described the cameras in a press release:

“iPhone 11 introduces a dual-camera system with all-new Ultra Wide and Wide cameras that are deeply integrated into iOS 13, offering the highest quality video in a smartphone and major advancements in photography for the ultimate camera experience.”

Compared to previous models, the camera system was a major leap forward for iPhone. The camera system had two 12MP cameras (Ultra Wide and Wide). The A13 chip allowed Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control, and Portrait Lighting included six effects: Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, and High-Key Mono. Panorama mode allowed photos of up to 63MP. Videos could be recorded at up to 4K (at 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps). Machine learning capabilities allowed Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p) and continuous autofocus video.

iPhone 11 was available in six “stunning colors” including purple, green, yellow, black, white and PRODUCT(RED). This example is purple, a lighter shade of purple sometimes referred to as “lilac.”

This phone had a Liquid Retina HD display that measured 6.1‑inch (diagonal) display at 1792 x 828‑pixel resolution (326 ppi). The A13 Bionic chip allowed for “the best machine learning platform in a smartphone” at the time of its release. It used a 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores, a 4-core GPU, and an 8-core Neural Engine.

The iPhone 11 was also the first base iPhone to lack a Home button. Its six sensors included Face ID, barometer, 3‑axis gyro, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and an ambient light sensor.

The design of the iPhone 11 included rounded edges and the front and back were made of glass. Apple noted, “With a back design that is precision milled and sculpted from a single piece of glass, iPhone 11 features the toughest glass ever in a smartphone.”

This iPhone is shown in an iPhone 11 Clear Case. Apple described the case as “Thin, light, and easy to grip.” According to Apple’s website:

“Made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible TPU materials, the iPhone 11 Clear Case provides a solid, comfortable feel. The back is designed to be sturdy, while the sides are made from a softer, more flexible material that fits right over the buttons for an improved grip. And when it’s time to wirelessly charge, just leave the case on and set your iPhone on your Qi-certified charger. On the surface, a scratch-resistant coating has been applied to both the interior and exterior. And all materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time.”

Sources: Apple (specs, Newsroom)

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Apple Studio Display internal packaging (2022)

This version of the Apple Studio Display was announced on March 8, 2022, along with the Mac Studio. Apple described the display: “A big, beautiful window into new worlds, Studio Display draws you in from the moment you turn it on. It has a slim, all-screen design. And it’s packed with a phenomenal set of features so everything you do springs to life with gorgeous color and spectacular detail.”

The 27-inch display featured a 5K Retina display at 5120×2880 resolution (218 pixels per inch), a built-in 12MP Ultra Wide camera, a high-fidelity six-speaker system, and was powered by the A13 Bionic chip.

This packaging was included inside the Apple Studio Display and housed an included all-black Thunderbolt cable and a selection of paperwork, including:

  • Regulatory notes and safety information (two 2-sided sheets)
  • A color booklet explaining the display’s basic features
  • Apple stickers (2 black stickers on one page)

Please note that the all-black Apple logo stickers were considered somewhat rare in 2022 and were general only included with “Pro” Apple hardware.

This cardboard package measures 95 x 165 x 37 mm. Inside, it includes a pocket for the paperwork and a unique, all-cardboard structure to neatly pack the 1-meter Thunderbolt braided black cable.

Apple (Newsroom, product page)