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)
