Apple has once again refreshed its iPad lineup, introducing the new iPad 11th Generation and the iPad Air M3. But are these truly new devices, or just slight upgrades of their predecessors? Let’s dive into the details and determine whether these tablets are worth buying.

iPad 11th Generation: What’s New?

Apple has officially replaced the iPad 10th Generation with the iPad 11th Generation. However, the changes are minimal. The major update is in the processor—Apple has upgraded the previous A14 Bionic chip to the more powerful A16 Bionic chip, the same one found in the iPhone 15. Along with this, Apple has also doubled the base storage from 64GB to 128GB, addressing one of the biggest complaints about the previous generation.

Interestingly, despite these improvements, Apple has kept the pricing the same. The 11th Generation iPad retains the same MRP of ₹34,900. Additionally, customers who opt for pre-orders may benefit from bank discounts or EMI options, making it available for around ₹32,000.

Apart from the processor and storage upgrade, there are no other changes. The design, display, and features remain identical to the previous model. If you are already familiar with the iPad 10th Generation, you won’t find anything dramatically new except for these two changes.

Should You Buy the iPad 11th Generation?

If you already own the iPad 10th Generation, upgrading might not be necessary. The performance boost from A14 to A16 is noticeable, but unless you require heavy multitasking or gaming, the difference may not be substantial. However, if you are switching from an older iPad or transitioning from an Android tablet, the iPad 11th Generation is a solid choice, offering better performance and increased storage at the same price.

For those considering the iPad 10th Generation, it may be worth waiting to see if prices drop further to clear out existing stock. If the 10th Generation iPad drops below ₹25,000, it could still be a great budget option, much like what happened with the 9th Generation iPad, which is now available at ₹18,000-₹19,000 in sales.

iPad Air M3: A Minor Refresh

Apple has also refreshed the iPad Air by upgrading its processor from M2 to M3. Other than this chipset improvement, everything else remains the same—the design, display, and features are unchanged. Apple has retained the same pricing, making the M3 iPad Air a great choice for those who were planning to buy the M2 version.

One small disappointment is that Apple did not add Apple Pencil Pro support to the iPad Air M3. Many expected this feature, especially since the iPad 11th Generation supports it. However, Apple chose not to include it, sticking with its usual product differentiation strategy.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you are confused between the iPad 11th Generation and the iPad Air M3, the decision comes down to your needs. The iPad 11th Generation is a great option for general use, casual content consumption, and students, especially with its improved storage and processor. On the other hand, the iPad Air M3, with its more powerful M3 chip, is better suited for professionals, creatives, or those who need extra performance for video editing or graphic design.

If you are upgrading from an older iPad Air model, getting the M3 version makes sense since the price remains unchanged. However, if you already own an M2 iPad Air, the upgrade may not be necessary unless you specifically need the new processor’s capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s new iPads are more of a refresh than a revolution. The iPad 11th Generation offers meaningful upgrades in storage and performance without a price hike, making it a solid choice for new buyers. The iPad Air M3 continues Apple’s tradition of incremental updates, providing a better processor while keeping everything else the same.

If you’re planning to buy a new tablet, both devices are worth considering. However, if you already own the previous generation, the upgrades may not be compelling enough to justify an immediate purchase. Keep an eye on discounts and stock clearance sales for the best deals before making a final decision.