iPad 11: what we want to see

The iPad 11 feels overdue, given that the most recent model – the iPad 10.9 (2022) – landed all the way back in March of 2022. Yet according to some sources we might still be waiting a while yet, with there being disagreement on whether this next model will land in early or late 2024.

Still, in a sense there’s no hurry, because the current model remains one of the best tablets you can buy.

We have heard some things about the iPad 11 though, and you’ll find all the current leaks and rumors below. Then, under that you’ll find our wish list of what we most want from Apple’s next basic tablet.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next entry-level iPad
• When it it out? Possibly March, or maybe later in 2024
• How much will it cost? Possibly around $449 / £499 / AU$749

iPad 11 release date and price

The first iPad 2024 release date leak we heard suggested that it will land between now (November 2023) and June 2024, which is quite a wide window.

More recently, we’ve heard the iPad 11 will land in March, and this comes from a reputable source, so we’re inclined to believe it. That said, most recently of all we’ve heard from another reputable source that the iPad 11 won’t even enter mass production until the second half of 2024. Another tipster has suggested the same launch window.

We don’t know what the iPad 2024 will cost, but it may have a similar starting price to the iPad 10.9 (2022), which starts at $449 / £499 / AU$749. Then again, that tablet cost more than its predecessor, so it’s possible Apple will push the price up again.

iPad 11 news and leaks

There aren’t many leaks about this tablet yet, but we have heard from multiple sources that the iPad 2024 will simply offer “spec upgrades”, suggesting this will be a small update, with probably a new chipset but the same design and a 10.9-inch screen again.

Indeed, given that Apple upped the screen size and changed the design for the iPad 10.9 (2022), we’d expect both of those things to stay the same for the next model; meaning a 10.9-inch screen and an iPad Air-like design both being likely.

However, in line with the leak above we’d think it will almost certainly have a new chipset. Or at least a newer one – the current iPad uses Apple’s existing A14 Bionic, also seen in the iPhone 12 line and the 2020 fourth-generation iPad Air, so the next model will likely get an upgrade to, at least, the A15 Bionic found in the iPhone 13.

What we want to see

As good as the iPad 10.9 (2022) is, it could always be better, so we hope the new iPad 11 includes some of the following changes and upgrades.

1. Apple Pencil 2 support

One of the more unusual aspects of the iPad 10.9 (2022) is that it supports the original Apple Pencil rather than the newer Apple Pencil 2. That’s despite switching to a USB-C port, which means you can’t even charge the Apple Pencil (which charges via Lightning) without an adapter.

There are reasons for this decision, but it seems like a mistake overall, and one we hope Apple will fix for the next model.

2. A lower price, or at least no price rises

Apple pushed the price up significantly for the iPad 10.9 (2022), compared to its predecessor, so for the next model we’d ideally like to see the price fall, given that this is the company’s cheapest line of tablets. At the very least, though, we don’t want it to rise any higher.

3. A less reflective screen

While we were largely happy with the iPad 10.9 (2022)’s screen, one issue we found in our review was that the lack of an anti-reflective coating meant there could be quite a lot of reflections in it, particularly when used outside.

We don’t expect Apple to switch to a mini-LED or OLED screen, or pack in more pixels for the new iPad 11th gen, but we’d love to at least be able to comfortably use it outdoors, so hopefully this model will have that coating.

4. More camera modes

Cameras are rarely a priority for tablets, and such is the case with the iPad 10.9 (2022). We’re largely fine with that, but the absence of both Portrait mode and Cinematic mode are noticeable and disappointing, so we’d like to see them included for the new iPad 2024.

5. Improved battery life

The iPad 10.9 (2022) actually has quite reasonable battery life, with our reviewer managing around 8-10 hours of constant use. That’s in the same ballpark as most other iPads, but when you consider that the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) lasted over 16 hours in our tests, we think Apple can do better, given that a tablet isn’t a million miles from a laptop.

Even an extra couple of hours would make all the difference, so we hope that’s a focus for Apple with the next model, as it could help ensure the iPad 2024’s place among the best iPads.