MacRumors recently reported that Apple(AAPL, Financial) has decided not to release the much-awaited iPad 11 in 2024 in a strategic management move. This decision appears to stem from difficulties with interacting with Apple Intelligence, the company's novel generative AI technology that requires a device utilizing an A-series or M-series hardware or better, with a powerful Neural Engine and at least 8GB RAM.
The current iPad 10, in particular, is a perfect example that can be bought for a relatively low $299 for the Wi-Fi-only model with 64 GB storage; this iPad has an A14 Bionic chip coupled with only 4 GB of RAM, which means that it can by no means have Apple Intelligence. Not even the latest iPad mini 6 with the A15 Bionic chip and the same amount of RAM as the supposed iPad 10 has been omitted due to outdated components.
This may be due to the criticism iPhone 15 and 15 Plus users had given in when they were unhappy to find out that they bought quite expensive devices barely a year ago that would not be able to support the new AI features. Seeing how the company is still in the process of implementing the first applications of generative AI, it only makes sense that Apple is wary of causing any more disconnection with audiences.
Market analysts believe that Apple could have used the time to refine the physical internal mechanics of iPad 11 and, in a similar vein, beef up the hardware specifications of the device in the same way they have done the iPad mini 7, recently introducing an A17 Pro chip and 8GB RAM. This delay could not only help Apple gain the degree of flexibility that might allow it to tweak its pricing tactics but could also help to ensure that its next-generation iPad is ready to unlock generative AI's full potential.
