Alongside the launch of the new iPad Air M3, Apple has quietly updated its entry-level iPad lineup with the introduction of the iPad Gen 11, also known as the iPad A16. Officially announced via press release on March 4, 2025, this marks the first major refresh in over two years since the 10th-generation iPad.
Although Apple simply refers to the device as "iPad (A16)," users and retailers often call it iPad Gen 11 or iPad 2025 for clarity. The new iPad retains the modern design language introduced in the previous generation, with flat edges, a sleek aluminum frame, uniform bezels, and rounded corners for improved ergonomics.
It comes in four playful colors: Blue, Pink, Silver, and Yellow. The dimensions measure 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 mm, and it weighs approximately 477g for the Wi-Fi model. It’s slightly larger and thicker than the iPad Air, but still feels compact and portable.
Instead of Face ID, Apple continues to equip this model with Touch ID embedded in the top power button—offering secure authentication for unlocking the device, accessing apps, and using Apple Pay.
Key design features include a single rear camera, a landscape-oriented front-facing camera for improved video calls, stereo speakers at the top and bottom, volume buttons on the side, a USB-C charging port, and a Smart Connector for accessory compatibility.
The iPad Gen 11 features an 11-inch Retina LED display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 and a pixel density of 264 PPI. While the panel size is still technically 10.9 inches, Apple now rounds it to 11 inches. The display offers solid visuals, 500 nits of brightness, True Tone for adaptive color balance, and an oleophobic coating to minimize fingerprints. It also supports Apple Pencil (USB-C version).
Performance is where the iPad A16 truly shines. Powered by the same A16 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 14 Pro, it delivers a significant leap over its predecessor. The 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine ensure up to 30% better performance than the previous A13 chip—and up to six times faster than popular Android tablets, according to Apple.
Storage options have also improved, starting at 128GB (up from 64GB) with configurations up to 256GB and 512GB. This makes the iPad Gen 11 more versatile for productivity, media consumption, and creative tasks.
Battery life remains consistent, offering up to 10 hours of web browsing or video playback on a single charge thanks to its 28.6Wh lithium-polymer battery.
Camera-wise, the iPad Gen 11 is equipped with a 12MP rear wide camera (f/1.8) with Smart HDR 4, Burst mode, Focus Pixels, and 4K video recording at up to 60fps. Slow-motion support at 120/240fps and cinematic stabilization are also included.
The front camera is a 12MP Ultra Wide lens with a 122-degree field of view, f/2.4 aperture, and support for Center Stage. This feature intelligently pans and zooms to keep users centered during video calls and works seamlessly with third-party apps like Zoom or Skype. Its placement on the landscape edge improves usability for conferencing and online classes.
All in all, the iPad Gen 11 (iPad A16) brings meaningful upgrades in design, performance, and usability—making it a compelling choice for students, casual users, and anyone seeking an affordable yet capable tablet in Apple’s ecosystem.