Let’s start with the basics. The iPad 11, officially dubbed “iPad (A16)” in Apple’s streamlined naming scheme, replaces the 10th-generation model from 2022. The A16 chip—first seen in the iPhone 14 Pro—brings a 5-core CPU and 4-core GPU to the table, a step down from the 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU in iPhone variants, but still a leap over the A14’s older architecture. Apple claims it’s 50% faster than the A13 in the 9th-gen iPad and up to six times quicker than the top-selling Android tablet, based on tests from early 2025. That’s enough muscle for streaming, browsing, and casual gaming without breaking a sweat.
Storage gets a boost too. The base model now starts at 128GB—double the 64GB of its predecessor—while new 256GB and 512GB options join the lineup. At $349 for the Wi-Fi version, it’s a value proposition that’s hard to ignore. Pre-orders opened this week, with shipping set for March 12. For students or families, this is a no-frills tablet that punches above its weight—perfect for note-taking, video calls, or keeping kids entertained.
The Arizona Angle: Chips Made in the USA
Here’s where it gets interesting. TSMC, Apple’s chipmaking partner, kicked off A16 production at its Arizona Fab 21 plant last year, a move that puzzled some at the time. Why churn out a two-year-old chip in the U.S. when Taiwan’s fabs—known for higher yields—could handle it? The iPad 11 might be the answer. 9to5Mac, citing insider sources, suggests Apple is using these U.S.-made A16 chips in the new tablet. It’s a low-stakes proving ground—unlike, say, the iPhone 15, which is winding down production, the iPad 11 doesn’t need Apple Intelligence, so the A16 fits perfectly.
The timing aligns too. TSMC’s Arizona plant began small-scale A16 output in 2024, with plans to scale up in the first half of 2025—just as the iPad 11 hits shelves. Apple hasn’t confirmed this shift, but the pieces fit. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman adds weight to the theory, noting that U.S.-made chips could shield Apple from tariff hikes under the incoming Trump administration, which takes office in January 2025. With threats of broad import taxes looming, sourcing chips domestically could dodge a cost spike—keeping the iPad affordable while others scramble.
Why It Matters to You
For users, this is less about geopolitics and more about what lands in your hands. The iPad 11’s $349 price—unchanged since Apple slashed the 10th-gen’s MSRP last May—feels like a steal with double the storage and a faster chip. If tariffs had jacked up costs, that entry-level sweet spot might’ve vanished. Instead, you get a tablet that handles 4K video edits or multitasking with apps like Keynote and Notes, all on an 11-inch Liquid Retina display that’s crisp and bright (technically 10.86 inches, but Apple rounds up). Add the Magic Keyboard Folio or Apple Pencil, and it’s a lightweight productivity machine.
The catch? No Apple Intelligence. The A16 lacks the 8GB RAM minimum (it’s got 6GB) and Neural Engine oomph required for AI tricks like Genmoji or enhanced Siri. That’s a letdown if you’re eyeing the M3 iPad Air or iPad Pro, but for casual users, it’s no dealbreaker. The iPad 11 leans on iPadOS 18’s core strengths—smooth multitasking, Smart Script for handwritten notes—without needing flashy AI add-ons.
A Smart Play in a Tense Trade Climate
Apple’s move reflects a broader trend: tech giants hedging against trade volatility. TSMC’s Arizona fab, backed by the CHIPS Act, aims to bring semiconductor production stateside—a slow but steady shift. Yields in Arizona lag behind Taiwan, per industry reports, but the iPad 11’s modest chip needs make it an ideal test case. If successful, this could pave the way for more U.S.-made Apple gear, softening the blow of tariffs that might otherwise hike iPhone or Mac prices.
Competitors might take note. Samsung and Google, reliant on overseas fabs, could face steeper costs if tariffs hit. Apple’s early pivot—however small—shows a knack for staying ahead. It’s not blind cheerleading to say this; it’s a pragmatic edge in a market where every dollar counts.
Looking Ahead: Value Meets Innovation
The iPad 11 won’t wow power users—it’s not meant to. But for the millions who just need a reliable, affordable tablet, it delivers. The A16 keeps it snappy, the storage bump adds longevity, and the potential U.S. chip sourcing keeps it accessible. Apple’s playing a long game here, blending innovation with stability. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly iPad that doesn’t skimp on essentials, this could be your pick when it lands next week.