The latest iPad represents a missed chance for Apple to take a daring step.

      This week, Apple unveiled the iPad Air (2025). However, the announcement of a new version of the standard iPad received comparatively little attention. If you missed this news, that's understandable, as the latest model appeared in the Apple online store without much fanfare. The 11th-generation iPad didn't even warrant a press release, which speaks volumes. In contrast, the iPad mini, another tablet that hasn’t received much spotlight from Apple in recent years, did get a press release when it was launched in October.

      Why is there such a lack of interest in the regular iPad? What should potential buyers consider?

      Before we delve into the details, let’s quickly examine the iPad (2025) and how it compares to the prior model released in 2022.

      The most notable upgrade is the introduction of the A16 chip in the new model, as opposed to the A14 Bionic chip of the previous version. However, it’s important to note that this upgrade is not as significant as one might assume. The A16 chip is a less advanced variant of the A16 Bionic chip found in the iPhone Pro 14 series and the standard iPhone 15 models, featuring a 5-core CPU and a 4-core GPU, which is one core less than the Bionic version.

      On the plus side, the newer iPad boasts a slightly larger display and expanded storage options. The base model now includes 128GB of storage instead of the previous 64GB, all for the same price of $349. This is particularly impressive when considering that the first iPad, released in 2010, was priced at $499 for only 16GB of storage, which would equate to nearly $730 after adjusting for inflation in 2025.

      My issue with the new iPad isn't about its pricing, and I won't fault Apple for opting for the A16 chip over an A16 Bionic chip. My dissatisfaction lies in the lack of design changes and the omission of a key feature.

      Apple was once viewed as a pioneer in mobile product design, and many were excited by substantial design updates with devices such as the iPhone 4 and iPhone X. The original iPad Air was also praised for its sleek design, and undoubtedly, the first iPhone Air will receive similar accolades when it debuts later this year.

      So, what do we find with the iPad (2025)? It retains the same design as the 2022 model. It's surprising that in 2.5 years, Apple couldn't implement even a minor design modification or color change for its entry-level tablet. While the iPad Air (2025) also resembles its predecessor—something I find questionable—it’s worth noting that these tablets were released just 10 months apart, making the lack of change slightly less troubling.

      Additionally, the new iPad misses out on Apple Intelligence, a feature highlighted in nearly all Apple advertisements since last summer.

      You could argue that most buyers of an entry-level iPad might not prioritize AI features. Nevertheless, considering Apple’s struggle to keep pace with competitors in the AI space (looking at you, Gemini), wouldn’t it be wise to integrate this heavily advertised capability into as many products as possible? Even the recently launched budget iPhone 16e includes Apple Intelligence.

      As it stands, the iPad (2025) and the 2023 iPhone 15 are the only two Apple devices currently available without the company’s most significant software product in years.

      The inclusion of the A16 chip in the new iPad seems illogical. Ideally, this device should meet the minimum requirements for Apple Intelligence, which entails having an A17 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM. Instead, it features the A16 chip and, although not yet confirmed, likely only has 4GB of RAM. Doesn’t that appear inconsistent?

      Many people, including some at Digital Trends, will assert that the improvements in the latest iPad (better chip, increased storage) make it a solid entry-level tablet. However, I believe Apple could have done better, a sentiment that seems to resonate frequently regarding the company's recent decisions: odd misses and a tendency to coast.

      Alongside the release of a new tablet that lacks support for Apple’s new AI features, Apple also launched the iPhone 16e, which offers most (but not all) features of the 2022 iPhone 14. Additionally, the absence of a new Apple Watch Ultra and the decision to release the more budget-friendly Apple Watch Series 10 with a superior chip did not help Apple's case. Should I continue?

      The iPad (2025) is now available for pre-order, with expected delivery on March 12.