Apple’s upcoming entry-level iPad, the 11th generation of this device, is anticipated to debut in 2024, as revealed by a recent report from Nikkei Asia via MacRumors. The report delves into the production processes of Apple’s manufacturing partners based in Vietnam, shedding light on the tablet’s potential release timeline.
According to sources within Nikkei Asia, the engineering verification, a crucial step in the quality control process, is slated for mid-February 2024. Concurrently, the transition of new product resources to Vietnam is already underway.
While the report provides insights into the manufacturing aspects, it remains silent on the specifications, features, and pricing of the 2024 iPad. Notwithstanding, minimal alterations are anticipated compared to the currently available model.
Strategic Launch Patterns
Historically, Apple’s iPad releases follow a distinct timeline. The 10th-gen iPad was unveiled in October 2022 via a press release. Preceding this, the 9th-gen iPad shared the spotlight with the iPhone 13 series in a September 2021 Apple event.
However, the unveiling schedule isn’t always consistent. The 5th-gen iPad Air, for instance, made its debut in March 2022 alongside the iPhone SE 3 and the Mac Studio.
Pinpointing the release month for the 10th-gen iPad is challenging. While September or October appears likely, there’s speculation about a joint announcement with the iPhone 16.
The current 10th-gen iPad boasts a 10.9-inch, 2360 x 1640 pixel IPS LCD screen, driven by an Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4GB of RAM. Initially priced at $449 / £499 / AU$749, it offers a compelling blend of features and performance.