As 2024 draws to a close, the odds of a refreshed base model iPad seem to be slipping away. With the recent, unexpected reveal of the iPad mini 7, Apple fans have been left with one lingering question: when will the 11th-generation iPad finally arrive? The latest rumors suggest that we may be waiting until 2025, making this year the first in a while without an update to Apple‘s entry-level tablet.

A year without a new base iPad

For those eagerly anticipating an iPad upgrade, the options for 2024 look slim. Your choices are the newly released iPad mini 7, the upgraded iPad Air (2024), or the latest iPad Pro (2024). If you’re set on the base model, you might need to sit tight for a while. Insider reports indicate that Apple’s display component shipments for the new iPad are set to kick off this month, according to industry analyst Ross Young. This timing aligns with a potential early 2025 release, which coincides with when the next MacBook Air is expected to make its debut.

Backing up these claims is Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who stated in his recent newsletter that a base iPad update is “probably” on the horizon. He hinted that it might include Apple’s latest AI-powered features — dubbed “Apple Intelligence.” Unfortunately, the current base model, with its aging A14 Bionic chip, falls short of supporting this tech, making an upgrade a necessity.

Why the delay?

It’s frustrating not to have a concrete reason for the delay, and unless Apple decides to explain, speculation is all we have. However, it’s likely that Apple Intelligence is playing a central role in the decision to hold off until 2025. This new feature is a top priority for Apple, and the company aims to roll it out across its entire device lineup.

To safeguard user privacy, Apple Intelligence heavily relies on on-device processing, necessitating powerful hardware. For Apple, that means sticking to its latest chipsets — the A17 and beyond. Traditionally, the base iPad has lagged behind, using iPhone Pro chips that are two years old. If Apple sticks to this trend, the next iPad would likely feature the A16 chip, which doesn’t meet the processing requirements for Apple Intelligence.

Additionally, the iPad mini 7, which just launched with the A17 chipset, has likely eaten into Apple’s A17 supply. Keeping the entry-level iPad accessible with affordable components is another likely reason for the delay. Using older tech keeps costs down, maintaining its appeal as an entry-level device.

An inevitable update

While the delay is disappointing for fans, it seems inevitable that a new base model iPad will be released — it’s only a question of timing. If rumors about the iPhone SE are accurate, we could see Apple Intelligence arriving on that device as soon as March 2025. If so, it’s unlikely that the iPad will remain one of the only major Apple products without this feature for long.

What to expect

Until the official announcement, everything remains speculative, but there are a few safe bets for the 11th-generation iPad. The new model will almost certainly get a chipset upgrade to support Apple’s AI features. There’s also talk of design updates, though it’s unclear if we’ll see any dramatic changes given that the current design still aligns well with Apple’s overall tablet aesthetic.

One thing is for sure: a new base iPad will arrive sooner or later. It remains a popular choice for students, families, and budget-conscious Apple fans, making it one of Apple’s best-selling products year after year. Keep your eyes peeled, as leaks and rumors are sure to continue in the coming months, and with any luck, we’ll get an official announcement sooner rather than later.