Apple's Entry-Level iPad Set for Major Upgrade with Apple Intelligence Support

Apple is preparing to refresh its entry-level iPad lineup with a significant upgrade that will bring Apple Intelligence capabilities to the most affordable tablet in its lineup. According to a reliable source in Japan, the new device will launch this spring with the same familiar design but featuring substantial internal improvements.

The current entry-level iPad, released in March 2025, comes equipped with the A16 Bionic chip and 6GB of RAM. While capable, this configuration falls short of Apple's requirements for its AI-powered features. The upcoming model will reportedly feature the A18 chip, first introduced in the iPhone 16, paired with 8GB of RAM.

This RAM upgrade is particularly noteworthy as 8GB appears to be the minimum requirement for Apple Intelligence features. The A18 chip's enhanced neural engine will work in tandem with the additional memory to enable on-device AI processing, bringing capabilities previously reserved for higher-end models to Apple's most accessible tablet.

What This Means for Users

The upgrade represents a significant value proposition for budget-conscious consumers. Apple Intelligence features include enhanced Siri capabilities, intelligent writing tools, advanced photo editing, and on-device processing for various AI-powered tasks. By bringing these features to the entry-level iPad, Apple is democratizing access to its latest technology.

Design and Pricing Expectations

Despite the internal upgrades, the new entry-level iPad is expected to maintain the same physical design as its predecessor. This suggests Apple is focusing on performance improvements rather than aesthetic changes for this refresh. The pricing is likely to remain competitive, maintaining the entry-level iPad's position as the most affordable way to enter Apple's tablet ecosystem.

Technical Implications

The move to the A18 chip brings several advantages beyond just Apple Intelligence support. The A18 offers improved performance-per-watt efficiency, enhanced graphics capabilities, and better overall system responsiveness. Combined with the RAM upgrade, users can expect smoother multitasking and better performance in demanding applications.

Market Context

This upgrade comes at a time when tablet competition is intensifying, with Android manufacturers offering increasingly capable devices at competitive price points. By adding Apple Intelligence to its entry-level model, Apple is strengthening its value proposition and potentially extending the useful life of the device as AI features become more central to the user experience.

Looking Ahead

The rumored upgrade suggests Apple's strategy of gradually bringing advanced features to lower price points. As Apple Intelligence matures and becomes more integral to the iOS/iPadOS experience, ensuring even the most affordable devices can participate becomes increasingly important for maintaining ecosystem cohesion.

For current iPad users considering an upgrade, this refresh could be particularly appealing if you're looking for access to the latest AI features without the premium price tag of higher-end iPad models. The combination of the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM should provide a smooth experience for both current tasks and future software updates.

The entry-level iPad has traditionally served as an excellent entry point into Apple's tablet ecosystem, and this upgrade reinforces that position while future-proofing the device for the AI-driven features that are becoming increasingly central to modern computing experiences.