Apple's AI Ambitions: The Suspicious Absence of the iPad 11 Refresh

Apple has seemingly prioritized AI features over refreshing its base iPad model this year, which raises questions about the company's strategy and product lineup. The current base iPad is over two years old and uses an A14 chip from 2020, making it outdated compared to other models such as the newly refreshed iPad mini, which boasts an A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence features. Historically, Apple refreshes its base iPad annually with a two-year-old chipset, but this year broke that pattern.

Pundits suggest the lack of Apple Intelligence support may have been a roadblock in refreshing the base model this year due to the current 3nm chip supply situation and optimizing AI for lower-end hardware. This leaves many customers looking for an affordable iPad having to settle for a 10th gen model with much older technology.