Apple appears to be expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities to more affordable hardware this year. Recent reports suggest the company's entry-level iPad will receive Apple Intelligence support with its next update, bringing advanced AI features to a wider audience.
What Apple Intelligence Brings to Budget Tablets
Until now, Apple Intelligence has been limited to higher-end devices. The iOS platform originally restricted these features to devices with at least 8GB of RAM and A17 Pro or M-series chips. This meant budget-conscious buyers missed out on writing tools, image generation, and enhanced Siri capabilities.
The base iPad has historically been Apple's most popular tablet model. Schools, first-time tablet buyers, and casual users favor it for its lower price point. Adding Apple Intelligence to this model would democratize access to AI features that were previously exclusive to premium devices.
Hardware Requirements for AI Features
Bringing Apple Intelligence to the entry-level iPad requires some hardware changes. The current generation uses the A14 Bionic chip with 4GB of RAM, which falls short of AI processing requirements. Apple will likely need to upgrade to a newer chip with increased memory capacity.
The timing aligns with Apple's typical refresh cycle for this product line. The company usually updates its base iPad annually, often during fall hardware events. A 2025 refresh would mark the first time Apple Intelligence appears on a truly budget-friendly tablet.
Competitive Landscape
This move puts pressure on Android tablet manufacturers who have been integrating AI features across their entire product ranges. Samsung, Google, and others already offer generative AI tools on mid-range devices. Apple's strategy has been more conservative, limiting advanced features to premium hardware initially.
By bringing Apple Intelligence to the base iPad, Apple can compete more effectively in the education and budget segments. Students and casual users won't need to spend $800 or more to access writing assistance, image editing tools, and smarter voice commands.
When to Expect the Update
Industry observers anticipate the updated entry-level iPad will arrive alongside iPadOS 19 later this year. The combination of new hardware and software would give users immediate access to Apple's full suite of AI capabilities without the premium price tag.
If the rumors prove accurate, this represents a significant shift in Apple's AI strategy. Making Apple Intelligence available on the cheapest iPad signals the company's confidence in scaling these features across its entire ecosystem.