iPad 2023 release predictions, price, specs, and upcoming features

Now we’re expecting a refresh of this model, supposedly phasing out the 9th generation iPad and giving us an iPad portfolio with a uniform look all around and a USB Type-C port across the board.

Latest news on iPad 11th generation

iPad 11th generation release date

While analysts are unsure whether Apple will launch an iPad before the end of 2023, a hot new rumor suggests we could have an announcement for the 11th generation iPad, a new iPad Air, and a new iPad mini as early as tomorrow, on October 17.

iPad 11th generation price

Last year, Apple launched the 10th generation iPad at a slightly higher price and kept the 9th generation iPad to continue offering this “cheapest iPad” title. Once the 11th generation launches, we imagine the 9th generation will be discontinued.

Now we’re pretty sure Apple won’t lower prices. This means that the 11th generation iPad will most likely start at $449, like its predecessor. But we wonder: Will Apple keep the 10th generation iPad, at a lower price (maybe $349) after?

* – anticipated prices

Name of iPad 11th generation

There are few products with naming schemes as confusing to the second-hand market as iPads. Apple likes to call them iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and very rarely are there any distinctive markings on the box that will let you know if it’s the newer model or not.

We, fans, users and journalists, have gotten into the habit of calling them by year or by chip model (if it is a fairly well-known model), for greater clarity.

So, the 10th generation iPad is very often referred to as iPad (2022), while the iPad Pro models may be called “The iPad M1” or “The iPad M2”, instantly indicating which model is more recent.

iPad 10th generation for illustration purposes (Image credit – PhoneArena

The 10th generation iPad was the first model to have the selfie camera positioned on the “proper” bezel – the one that sits on top when the tablet is rotated into horizontal orientation. We assume the 11th generation iPad will repeat this design choice, while users of the iPad Air and iPad Pro models are stuck with a selfie camera that is moved to the side when their tablet is placed on a stand/keyboard. The latter is more annoying and users have praised the new position of the 10th generation iPad’s selfie camera.

We don’t expect huge improvements in camera resolutions – that would mean a 12 MP selfie and a 12 MP main (single) camera for the new iPad.

iPad 11th generation storage

Apple has been pretty stingy with storage space on its base iPad models. In 2023, 64GB of storage isn’t enough for someone who intends to use the device a lot. We’re hoping that an annual refresh of the base iPad will see its minimum storage increase to 128GB, but we haven’t heard anything about that from analysts or leakers.

So, for now and based on past models, here’s what we expect:

iPad 11th generation storage capacity:

This upgrade to 256GB will cost you $150 more and essentially push you into the iPad Air’s price range.

iPad 11th generation design

We’ve heard rumors that Apple is looking to reduce the size of the bezels on its iPads, but we think it’s safe to assume that those reports were for the Pro models, perhaps the Airs. Base iPads receive design updates last…and with a huge delay. So we expect the 11th generation iPad to look exactly like the 10th generation iPad. Maybe with a few different color options, but that’s it.

The good news is that entry-level iPads finally have stereo speakers located on either side of the screen (in landscape position). It’s not quite the four-speaker powerhouse of the iPad Pros, but two drivers powerful enough to let you enjoy shows, YouTube videos, and music.

iPad 10th generation, one of the grids is just there for show (Image credit – PhoneAren)

iPad 11th generation screen

Base iPads still use LCD screen technology, still stuck at 60Hz. The good news is that they benefit from Apple’s excellent color calibration and support the Apple Pencil (gen 1).

Thus, the 11th generation iPad should have a 10.9-inch screen – the same size as the iPad Air –, a backlit LCD panel without laminated glass and a resolution of 2,360 x 1,640 pixels for 264 PPI. No HDR support and no high refresh rate – just the basics for a solid experience without stepping on the toes of the more expensive models.

For years, iPads have aimed for a consistent battery life of 10 to 12 hours. The rule of thumb is that an iPad loses about 10% of its charge for 1 hour of mixed use (split screen, watching videos, gaming), although this can be drained more quickly if you use apps and games more demanding for longer.

In any case, an iPad holds its charge exceptionally well when the screen is off, and it takes a while to drain those percentages when the screen is on. We don’t expect it to be any different with the 11th generation iPad.

iPad 11th Generation Features and Software

The next iPad will obviously come with iPadOS 17 out of the box. The new software has improvements primarily aimed at the iPhone side of the Apple experience (iMessage, Apple Music, Contact Posters, Name Drop), but we think the upcoming Journal app will look great on the big screen of an iPad, just like the next News widget.

These features, however, haven’t launched yet – we can’t even test them on the iPads we have.

iPad 11th Gen Hardware and Specs

Apple’s silicon is quite powerful and has a lot of headroom, so it makes sense that Cupertino still uses it in its cheaper models. They are like second-hand items from big brothers.

Should I wait for the 11th generation iPad?

Since we are supposedly so close to a launch, you might as well wait a week or two, see what happens. Once the 11th generation iPad is launched, retailers will be looking to clear their 10th generation inventory. And, with Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday just around the corner, you might just score a great deal on an iPad… even if it’s not the 11th generation one.