iPad A16 (11th gen, 2025) release date, price and features
Apple has finally refreshed the base level iPad — not an Air and not a Pro. It's called the iPad 11th gen or iPad (A16), and as the parenthesis suggest — it's powered by an A16 chip. And no, despite speculation, it's the only new Apple product that does not support Apple Intelligence.
It has that modern all-screen design, but it's easily the iPad with the most corners cut. The screen is backlit IPS, forget about 120 Hz, and it doesn't support a Magic Keyboard, but the Magic Keyboard Folio, which is slightly different from the premium version. It also supports the USB C Apple Pencil — not the one that charges wirelessly while being magnetically attached to the iPad, but one that you charge by awkwardly plugging it into the side.
But, for what it is, it's still the core iPad experience, packaged in a more affordable product. It also now starts at 128 GB storage, hallelujah. Here's all the information about the iPad (A16) you want to know:
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Also read: iPad 11th gen (2025) colors
Latest iPad (A16) news
iPad (A16) release date
Apple announced the 11th gen iPad (A16) on March 4th, 2025, nearly two years and a half after the launch of the previous iPad 10th gen. Shipping should begin on the 11th, with first deliveries promised for the 12th of March.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| iPad 9th gen | September 14, 2021 | September 24, 2021 |
| iPad 10th gen | October 18, 2022 | October 26, 2022 |
| iPad 11th gen | March 4, 2025 | March 12, 2025 |
iPad 11th gen (A16) price
The good news is that Apple is keeping the same price for the iPad (A16). It starts at $350 for a base model that now features double the storage, or 128 GB. You also have the option to purchase a 256 GB model for $450, or even a 512 GB version for $650.
If you look at the price of the 256 GB model, that one used to cost $600 for the previous generation, and now it costs $450, a much better deal.
| iPad model | 64 GB of storage | 256 GB of storage |
|---|---|---|
| iPad 9th gen | $329 | $479 |
| iPad 10th gen | $349 | $599 |
| iPad 11th gen | $349 | $449 |
iPad (A16) name
The higher range iPads now have a more comprehensive naming scheme. Apple has finally started adding the chip name next to the tablet model — so, in 2024, we had the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2. It's much easier to understand what you are getting that way, instead of trying to figure out generation numbers or launch years.
So the new base iPad follows that model and Apple refers to it as the iPad (A16). However, don't be surprised if you see something like "iPad 11th Gen" or "iPad (2025 edition)". Those are not official names, but some people may refer to this new iPad this way.
iPad (A16) camera
Tablets are very rarely sought after for their cameras, but having a good snapper on the selfie side is useful for video calls and meetings.
The selfie camera is positioned on the long landscape side of the tablet, making FaceTime and other video calls look way more natural, but that has also been the case on the previous generation.
This is also wide selfie camera, since the iPad (A16) supports Center Stage — the ability of the iPad to "follow" you around and keep you in frame while in a call.
This base iPad still uses Touch ID embedded into the power button, so there is no support for Face ID here.
iPad (A16) storage
We've already mentioned the good news — the base iPad (A16) now has 128 GB of storage, double the storage of the previous version. This upgrade was a long time coming, and currently, in 2025, having 128 GB is still a very acceptable storage option for base model mobile devices (previously, it was 64 GB, which was starting to feel too stingy).
iPad 11th gen storage capacity:
- 128 GB
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
Having the option for a 256 GB model at a cheaper price is nice and now for the first time you can also order a base iPad with 512 GB storage.
iPad (A16) design
The new iPad (A16) follows the design of the iPad 10th gen before it. It's kind of like an iPad Air 11", but with a slightly thicker bezel so its screen measures at 10.9". But it's still a fairly compact tablet that offers just the right amount of screen real estate.
The good news is that the entry-level iPads finally have stereo speakers situated on both sides of the screen (when in landscape position). They are not quite the quad-speaker powerhouse of the iPad Pros, but two drivers that have good enough punch to allow you to enjoy shows, YouTube videos, music.
iPad 10th gen, one of the grilles is there just for show (Image credit - PhoneAren)
iPad (A16) display
The base level iPad still use LCD screen technology, still stuck at 60 Hz. The good news is that it benefits from Apple's excellent color calibration, and it supports the Apple Pencil (Gen 1 and USB C models).
So, here are the iPad (A16) screen specs.
iPad (A16) display:
- 10.9 inches
- LCD (no laminated glass)
- 1640 x 2360 pixels
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- No HDR support
iPad (A16) battery
For years now, iPads have aimed for a consistent 10-12 hour battery life. The basic rule of thumb is that an iPad loses about 10% of its charge for 1 hour of mixed usage (split screen, video viewing, gaming), though that can be drained faster if you use more demanding apps and games for longer.
In any case, an iPad holds its charge exceptionally well when the screen is off, and it takes a while to drain those percentages when the screen is on. There don't seem to be any changes on the iPad (A16). Apple promises "Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi‐Fi or watching video", which matches our experience with previous iPads for years now.
iPad (A16) features and software
While this new iPad features the latest iPadOS 18 software, it does NOT support Apple Intelligence.
It seems that it does not mean the minimum requirement of processor power and 8 GB of RAM. We don't have this exact spec currently. Apple does disclose RAM for its higher-end tablets, but not the base model... for some reason. Holding out for a teardown to see what's in there.
Is that a deal-breaker? Not really, Apple Intelligence is not very impressive at the moment. However, considering how Apple worked hard to include AI in every one of its products, even the iPad mini and the new $600 iPhone 16e, it's still a bit of a surprise that an 11th gen iPad launched with no AI support.
For features, you will still be able to use it as a makeshift laptop and even enjoy some drawing and handwriting on it. The base iPad still supports the Magic Keyboard Folio accessory, which is pricey, but the keys feel good. And it also supports the Apple Pencil 1st gen which now comes in a USB-C variant, so no more confusing dongles.
iPad (A16) hardware and specs
As is customary, the base level iPads lag behind with the processor, compared to the top-tier models. This new iPad adopts the A16 chip, an upgrade from the Apple A14 Bionic chipset used on the previous iPad, the 10th Gen one.
The Apple A16 was the chip that powered the iPhone 14 Pro and then the iPhone 15. However, note that the A16 inside the new iPad (A16) has one less CPU core and one less GPU core. While the original A16 was a hexa-core chip with a 5-core GPU, the one in the iPad has a 5-core CPU and a 4-core GPU. That's a weird cut to make, but it's been made none the less.
Apple's silicon is quite powerful and has tons of headroom, so it makes sense that Cupertino would still use it in its lower-priced models. They are like hand-me-downs from the bigger brothers, but the cutdown on cores seems like an odd, almost petty choice.
No word on the exact amount of RAM, but we should learn more about this after the first teardowns.
Should I buy the iPad (A16)?
Right now, it's a great time to buy the new iPad (A16). The 128 GB base storage is good by 2025 standards, the lack of Apple Intelligence... will barely hurt you, and it still offers the core experience with Split View, Slide Over, Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio. Sadly, it doesn't support Stage Manager, but it's a good point to dip your toes into the iPad experience and see if it's for you!
- You should buy iPad (A16) if you want an iPad without the hefty price tag. This one is excellent!
- You should not buy the iPad (A16) if you are interested in premium features like ProMotion, an OLED laminated screen, the more premium Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil 2 with its squeeze controls, Apple Intelligence, Stage Manager (desktop-like experience).
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