iPad 11 With A17 Pro Chip and Apple Intelligence Rumor Was Wrong - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

iPad 11 With A17 Pro Chip and Apple Intelligence Rumor Was Wrong

Apple today updated the entry-level iPad with an A16 chip. Unfortunately, however, the device continues to lack support for Apple Intelligence.

iPad A16 Colors
Apple Intelligence is not available on the new entry-level iPad, according to Apple's tech specs.

In January, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the new entry-level iPad would be equipped with an A17 Pro chip, enabling Apple Intelligence on the device:

The new entry-level iPads — J481 and J482 — will get faster processors and Apple Intelligence. The current models have the A14 chip and 4 gigabytes of memory. Look for the new versions to have the A17 Pro chip, matching the iPad mini, and a bump to 8 gigabytes of memory. That’s the minimum needed to support the new AI platform.

This rumor proved to be wrong.

A private account on X with a proven track record ended up being correct about the entry-level iPad getting an A16 chip instead.

The entry-level iPad remains the only iPad model in Apple's current lineup that lacks support for Apple Intelligence. The features are available on any iPad Pro or iPad Air model with the M1 chip or newer, as well as the latest iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iPhone 5c Yellow

Apple Pulls Ability to Restore iPhone 5c, iPad Mini, and More [Updated]

Thursday July 9, 2026 5:31 am PDT by
Apple has stopped signing several older versions of iOS for a group of legacy iPhone and iPad models, cutting off the paths to reinstall or downgrade the affected software. Apple will no longer validate over-the-air (OTA) or direct IPSW installs of the builds in question. Once a version is unsigned, there is no longer a way to restore or install it through Finder or iTunes. The change is...
m3 ipad air mint

Apple Adds 36-Month Carrier Financing for Cellular iPads

Wednesday July 15, 2026 7:41 am PDT by
Apple has introduced 36-month financing for cellular iPad purchases through AT&T and Verizon, adding to the 12-month option previously available via Apple Card. The new financing, first reported by 9to5Mac, replaces Apple Card Monthly Installments as the sole route to spreading out a cellular iPad purchase. That plan paid off the balance interest-free over 12 months; the new carrier options...
iPad A16 Colors

Here's When to Expect the iPad 12 to Launch

Thursday July 16, 2026 7:59 am PDT by
In March, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said a new entry-level iPad was "still coming this year," but apparently this is no longer the case. Today, he reported that the device is slated for release in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest. The main new feature will be a faster processor rather than major design changes, he said, so it sounds like nothing more than a spec bump. While the next...

Top Rated Comments

19 months ago
Gurman got it wrong? SHOCKING!
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
19 months ago
Lacks “Apple Intelligence”. Let’s be honest- does that even exist?
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joshwithachance Avatar
19 months ago
Gurman is no longer a reliable "leaker". Also, the base iPad couldn't have an A17 Pro at $349 while the mini has the same chip at $499.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
19 months ago
Half of these iPads are being handed to kids to play Roblox. I'm not surprised they are trying to differentiate the models.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrat93 Avatar
19 months ago
Oh noooo, no Apple Intelligence!



I’m not even an AI hater. Apple Intelligence just sucks.

Attachment Image
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
19 months ago

Apple Intelligence is not available on the new entry-level iPad
It is not available elsewhere either, so no loss lol
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors