Apple was previously speculated to announce the iPad mini 7 and the next entry-level iPad together back in October. However, the company chose to launch only the iPad mini 7.
This device is currently the most affordable option supporting iPadOS 18, which includes the company’s Apple Intelligence features. Now, Apple is reportedly planning to update its entry-level iPad in Spring 2025, though its integration of Apple Intelligence remains uncertain.
The Challenge of Integrating Apple Intelligence
While Apple Intelligence is a standout feature of iPadOS 18, it comes with specific hardware requirements. Apple’s baseline for these AI features appears to be the A17 Pro chip paired with 8 GB of RAM, as seen in the iPad mini 7. This specification poses a dilemma for the entry-level iPad, which traditionally occupies a more budget-friendly space in Apple’s product lineup.
If Apple were to include the A17 Pro chip and 8 GB of RAM in the entry-level iPad, it would narrow the gap between the iPad mini 7 and the entry-level model, potentially making the iPad mini 7 redundant. Using a less advanced chip, like the A16 series processor, clearly raises questions about why Apple Intelligence isn’t available on older devices such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 Pro models, which also utilize the A16.
Rumored Launch Date
A recent report by MacRumors sheds some light on Apple’s plans. A reliable tipster has confirmed that Apple will launch the entry-level iPad running iPadOS 18.3 in Spring 2025. This release is set to coincide with the introduction of the M3 iPad Air and the iPhone SE 4. It is also stated that Apple will not include its custom 5G modem in the updated iPad; instead, this feature is slated to debut with the iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 17 Air.
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