iPad 11th gen (2024) vs iPad 10th gen (2022): expectations

iPad 11th gen (2024) vs iPad 10th gen (2022): expectations،

Introduction

In 2022, Apple finally updated the look of the base iPad to look more like a contemporary iPad Air or iPad Pro. It was called iPad 10th generation and also had a new accessory launched especially for it: the Magic Keyboard Folio.

Basically, this was the discount (yes, we said it twice) on the iPad Pro – it has the all-screen front, it has its own keyboard, and it supports an Apple Pencil gen 1 (now also the new Apple Pencil USB-C).

We expect Apple to refresh it in early 2024, so… what will be the differences between the next 11th generation iPad and this 10th generation iPad? Is it worth an upgrade? Is it better to cheat the system and buy old 10th gen stock once the new one launches?

iPad (2024) vs iPad (2022) in a nutshell

Same shape and size
Magic Keyboard Folio should work with both models
A processor upgrade – we expect Apple A15 Bionic on the new iPad (2024)
Two speakers (landscape stereo)
No camera upgrades expected

Contents:

Design and size

Hello me, meet the real me

Apple likes to stick to designs for years, so since the iPad got a facelift in 2022, we don't expect the new 2024 model to change shape. This is actually a good thing: if you own a Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad (2022), it should work with the new model, if you decide to upgrade.

Other than that, we expect the same setup with a Touch ID power button, landscape stereo speakers, a selfie camera that ends on the top bezel in landscape mode, and a USB C port at the bottom.

In fact, it's very possible that both tablets will be the same thickness, so even the 2022 model cases could fit the 2024 model. Of course, wait, Apple might surprise us.

Display differences

The base iPad has a 60Hz non-laminated LCD screen. Its colors aren't bad, and it supports True Tone and Night Shift, making it easy on the eyes. It is not very effective in combating light reflections and its oleophobic (anti-fingerprint) coating is quite weak. We see no indication that Apple plans to change this formula with the iPad (2024) model.

But, at the very least, it supports the Apple Pencil – the new USB C model coming out in 2023, as well as the older Apple Pencil gen 1.

Performance and software

Chips from old iPhones

The only thing you can fault about basic iPads is the hardware: They usually come with Apple A processors that were in iPhones years ago. For example, the iPad (2022) packs an Apple A14 Bionic – the chip that comes with the iPhone 12. For the iPad (2024), we think this could upgrade to an A15 Bionic, aka the iPhone chip 13.

Is it bad? Well, this reviewer spent the last couple of months with an iPhone 12 mini as his primary phone, and it actually held up pretty well through late 2023. We'd call it a processor that sits comfortably at the high end of what we could call mid-range class. There were some stutters and slowdowns to notice, but nothing that would seem jarring or annoying. And iPads work the same way. If you want to edit and export video and then compare the performance to the iPad Pro, yes, there is definitely a difference. But can it do the trick? Yes he can. Likewise, the Apple A13 Bionic won't blow you away, but it will keep iPad (2024) performance acceptable for the next few years.

Camera

FaceTime with a camera that follows you everywhere

When we talk about cameras on tablets, it's the selfie camera that gets the most use – video calls and maybe the occasional selfie, of course. The main camera occupies a rear seat and is typically used for scanning a document or taking a quick photo of your dog sleeping in a cute position.

So…the iPad (2022) has a 12 MP selfie camera with an ultra-wide lens, which is pretty acceptable. We have attended many virtual meetings with him and he does his job perfectly. The main camera is also a 12 MP snapper which takes photos on the order of iPhone12 quality. So, again, pretty usable.

We expect the iPad (2024)'s specs and performance to be comparable, if not slightly improved. We'll take the science selfies here once they're posted, no worries!

Audio quality

With two speakers in landscape stereo format, we find the 10th generation iPad sounds pretty good. A little honky in the mids, a little thin on the bass if you're nitpicking. But if you're not comparing it to the meaty sound of an iPad Pro, it's perfectly fine. Again, we don't expect the 11th generation iPad to play with this formula in any capacity.

Battery life and charging

10 hours of binging on YouTube?

iPads typically last around 10 hours and Apple seems to be happy with that figure. Every time there's a new processor or design, the slates seem to have just enough battery capacity to stay on for an entire workday. If you only use them mixed here and there, with the screen often on standby, you will definitely be able to get 2 days of use out of them.

Specification Comparison

The iPad 11th generation will primarily adopt the look and feel of the iPad 10th generation. When we have more information on the specifications, it will be placed in our iPad (2024) and iPad (2022) specifications comparison page. For the moment, we expect something along the lines of:

	iPad 11th generation	iPad 10th generation
Size weight	9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 inches (248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm)	9.87 x 6.85 x 0.30 inches (248.6 x 179.5 x 7mm) 16.83 ounces (477.0 g)
Screen	10.9″ LCD screen 60Hz	10.9″ LCD screen 60Hz
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic* 5nm	Apple A14 Bionic 5nm
RAM, storage	4 GB / 64 GB* 4 GB / 256 GB	4 GB / 64 GB 4 GB / 256 GB
Cameras	12 MP main 12 MP ultra-wide front with Center Stage	12 MP main 12 MP ultra-wide front with Center Stage
Battery	~7,600mAh*	7,606mAh
Loading	USB-C 30W wired	USB-C 30W wired

*Alleged specifications or rumors

Summary

If you have a 10th generation iPad, should you upgrade to an iPad 11 (2024)? At first glance, no. We're expecting a fairly small update, keeping the base iPad in the game for new users, but the iPad 10 won't be that far behind technologically. In fact, once the 11th generation launches, it might be a good idea to find the iPad 10 at clearance prices and score a deal.

Of course, we'll have to wait and see what Apple's pricing strategy will be for these – perhaps it'll keep the iPad 10 on board as a cheaper alternative (like it did with the iPad 9, when the 10th generation launches in 2022). And, who knows, maybe we'll see a curveball upgrade that will change our minds once the iPad (2024) becomes official!