Apple quietly upgraded the base iPad with double the starting storage and the powerful A16 Bionic chip, alongside the announcement of the new iPad Air. This upgrade translates to significant improvements in performance, speed, and battery life. Apple claims a 30% performance boost compared to the previous generation with the A13 Bionic chip.
These enhancements, however, come with a trade-off. Despite the hardware upgrade, the base iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence. This omission is notable, given Apple’s recent emphasis on AI. The reason is straightforward: Apple Intelligence requires 8GB of RAM, while the A16 chip only offers 6GB.
The absence of Apple Intelligence seems like a missed opportunity, especially considering the A16’s Neural Engine surpasses even the M2 chip in power. While the A16 could have been modified with increased RAM to meet the requirement, Apple Intelligence might not be a universal necessity for all users.
Apple iPad showing Morpholio Trace app.Another interesting omission is the continued compatibility with only the first-generation Apple Pencil and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), while the second-generation Apple Pencil with its attractive features remains unsupported.
Despite these limitations, the improved speed makes the entry-level iPad more appealing. Users focused on productivity will experience faster response times and smoother performance, while mobile gamers can expect consistent frame rates thanks to the enhanced hardware.
Remarkably, the price remains unchanged, making the iPad an even more compelling value proposition compared to similarly priced Android tablets. This affordability has led many schools to adopt entry-level iPads for their students. This isn’t Apple’s first foray into the education sector; in 2018, they introduced the 9.7-inch iPad at a Chicago school.
Whether you’re a student or simply looking for an affordable tablet, the base iPad has become an even better choice.
