The base iPad is now faster, more affordable but lacks Apple Intelligence

Apple has updated the base iPad with the A16 chip alongside the new iPad Air with M3 and Magic Keyboard. The hardware refresh brings faster performance and more storage options but downsides on the Apple Intelligence features.

Apple says the updated iPad with A16 is nearly 30 percent faster than the previous generation iPad (10th generation), and up to 6x faster than the “best-selling Android tablet.”

While the A16 promises a significant performance improvement to the iPad, it doesn’t support Apple Intelligence features on the device — making the device not build for Apple Intelligence. On the accessories, the device continues to support Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Magic Keyboard Folio.

The 11th-generation iPad is a more value for money purchase for consumers as it bumps the base storage to 128GB (previously 64GB) for the same starting price of $349. The storage options go up to 256GB and 512GB. Preorders are open now with availability starting March 12.