Is the standard iPad too widely used to receive Apple Intelligence?
**Apple**
In a time when Apple emphasizes its AI-driven Apple Intelligence, it seems peculiar that this technology hasn’t been integrated into the entry-level iPad (2025). The reason for this may now be more apparent.
At first glance, there’s the clear hardware limitation of the basic iPad not having sufficient power to support AI capabilities. However, Apple likely anticipated this issue and made a conscious decision to withhold AI enhancements for this model.
According to 9to5mac, referencing a sales chart from CRIP, the sales of the base model iPad have seen a yearly increase. This presents the assertion that Apple may intentionally be making the base iPad less attractive.
The implication here is that by reducing sales of the base iPad, Apple aims to prevent it from negatively impacting the sales of its higher-end models. Ultimately, this could lead to increased sales for the iPad Pro and iPad Air, resulting in greater overall profits.
This assumption is based on the idea that customers opting for the base model do so by choice rather than necessity.
Apple is providing accessible options.
Another perspective is that Apple is simply maintaining a basic iPad model to ensure more people can afford a version of this popular tablet. As noted by Digital Trends’ Nadeem Sarwar: “The $349 price simply doesn’t justify hardware capable of supporting generative AI.”
Thus, Apple seems to be segmenting its hardware in tandem with its software—offering enhanced features in premium models while still making available essential Apple features for those who prefer or require a more affordable option with the base iPad.
This year, the iPad (2025) has actually received more attention from Apple, highlighted by an upgrade to 6GB of RAM from the previous 4GB, enhancing its value in terms of future-proofing, provided users do not prioritize Apple Intelligence.
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**Luke has over two decades of experience covering tech, science, and health. Among many other topics, Luke writes about health tech…**
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Is the standard iPad too widely used to receive Apple Intelligence?
In a time when Apple focuses heavily on AI technology, it seems peculiar that this capability isn’t included in the base model. The reason for this may now be more apparent. At first glance, the clear hardware limitation of the base iPad is that it doesn’t possess the necessary power to support AI functionalities. [...]