Apple’s Upcoming iPad (11th Gen): Insights and Expectations
Recent reports suggest that Apple’s forthcoming entry-level iPad models may not feature the latest A18 processor, but instead rely on an older chipset. Specifically, the focus is on the 11th generation iPad, which is rumored to utilize the same chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro series. This decision comes despite previous challenges related to manufacturing costs and production yields associated with this newer technology. The anticipated chipset could enable support for Apple Intelligence—an array of innovative software capabilities driven by artificial intelligence.
iPad (11th Gen) Expected to Feature Enhanced RAM
In his recent Power On newsletter from Bloomberg, tech journalist Mark Gurman provided insights into what we might expect from the upcoming 11th generation iPad. It is believed that this model will incorporate the A17 Pro chipset currently used in both the iPhone 15 Pro and its larger counterpart, the iPhone 15 Pro Max. If these predictions hold true, this would mark a significant addition to Apple’s tablet lineup as it follows closely behind the release of the seventh-generation iPad Mini scheduled for October 2024.
The two anticipated variants of this new model—designated J481 and J482—are expected to come equipped with a robust 8GB of RAM. This enhancement suggests compatibility with Apple Intelligence features similar to those available on higher-end models like the recently launched iPad Mini.
Challenges Surrounding Chipset Production
Gurman’s report indicates that Apple had initially planned to transition away from using A17 Pro due to previously reported complications in production processes at TSMC—the company responsible for manufacturing these chips. The first-generation N3B process faced hurdles such as elevated costs and subpar yield rates while failing to deliver substantial performance improvements over earlier versions.
Consequently, there were indications that Apple might avoid integrating this particular chipset into its more popular products like their base model tablets. Notably, during its recent product launches, Apple opted not to include this chip in any version of their new iPhone 16 lineup; instead, they advanced directly to utilizing an upgraded A18 Pro chip built on second-generation 3nm technology.
Potential Exceptions for Base Model Tablets
If Gurman’s assertions are accurate regarding Apple’s strategy for their upcoming devices, it seems they may be making an exception for their anticipated base model—the purported iPad (11th Gen). While it has been reported that the seventh-generation Mini will operate using a binned variant of A17 Pro featuring a five-core GPU configuration, it remains uncertain whether similar specifications will apply across all models within Apple’s tablet range.
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