Apple iPad 11" A16 128 GB OS 18 Liquid Retina Wi-Fi Tablet - Yellow

Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025 A16) 11-inch Wi-Fi: A Complete Buyer's Guide

The Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025 A16) 11-inch Wi-Fi is Apple's latest entry-level iPad, released on March 12, 2025. It represents a meaningful step forward from the previous generation, bringing the powerful A16 chip to Apple's most accessible tablet lineup. Sold under barcode 195950086676, this model is the Wi-Fi-only variant of the 11th generation iPad, making it well suited for home, school, and office use where cellular connectivity is not required.

This tablet runs iPadOS and features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display, a capable dual-camera system, USB-C connectivity, and support for popular accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio. It is designed for a broad range of users, from students and creative professionals to casual consumers who want a reliable, fast, and versatile tablet.

Key Features and Specifications

A16 Chip Performance

The centerpiece of the Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025) is the A16 Bionic chip, which also powers the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 series. This chip features a 5-core CPU, a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, paired with 6 GB of RAM. In practical terms, this translates to noticeably faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and more responsive performance during demanding tasks like editing 4K video, running augmented reality apps, or playing graphically intensive games. The Neural Engine also enables on-device machine learning tasks such as Live Text, which can recognize and interact with text within photos and videos.

It is worth noting that despite the powerful chip, this iPad does not support Apple Intelligence, Apple's generative AI feature set, due to current software and hardware eligibility requirements.

11-inch Liquid Retina Display

The Apple iPad 11th Gen Wi-Fi features an 11-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2360 x 1640 pixels at 264 pixels per inch. The screen uses True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the white balance and color temperature based on ambient lighting, making it more comfortable to view for extended periods. While the display is not laminated — meaning there is a small gap between the glass and the panel — it still delivers vibrant colors and sharp text suitable for reading, drawing, and media consumption.

Storage Options

The 11th generation iPad starts at 128 GB of internal storage, a notable increase over its predecessor's 64 GB entry point. It is also available in 256 GB and 512 GB configurations. There is no microSD card slot, so choosing the right storage tier at purchase is important. For most users who primarily stream content and use cloud-based apps, 128 GB is sufficient. Those who work with large video files or keep extensive offline media libraries will benefit from the higher tiers.

Cameras

The iPad 11th Gen (A16) includes a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front-facing camera mounted in landscape orientation, which records video up to 1080p. This landscape placement is particularly useful during video calls, keeping users centered in the frame naturally. It also supports Center Stage, a feature that uses the wide-angle lens and machine learning to automatically pan and zoom to keep subjects in frame during FaceTime or other video conferencing apps.

The rear camera is a 12-megapixel Wide lens capable of recording 4K video. This is useful for capturing documentation, scanning documents with apps like Notes, or recording content for creative projects.

Connectivity

As a Wi-Fi model, the Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025 A16) 11-inch Wi-Fi supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO for fast and stable wireless connections, along with Bluetooth 5.3. It connects to computers and charges via a USB-C port, though transfer speeds are limited to USB 2.0. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack; users who prefer wired audio will need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, sold separately.

Battery Life

Apple rates the battery life of this tablet at up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi or video playback. In real-world use, most users find this estimate to be reliable under typical workloads, making it practical for a full school day, a long flight, or a day of remote work without needing to carry a charger.

Accessories and Compatibility

• Compatible with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil (1st generation) via a USB-C to Apple Pencil adapter
• Supports the Magic Keyboard Folio for a laptop-like typing and trackpad experience
• Smart Connector enables the Magic Keyboard Folio to connect without Bluetooth or a separate charge
• Works with a wide range of third-party cases, keyboards, and styluses

Who Is the Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025) For?

The Apple iPad 11th Gen Wi-Fi is a versatile tablet suited to a wide audience.

• Students will find it an excellent tool for note-taking with Apple Pencil, researching, writing papers, and attending virtual classes via video conferencing apps with Center Stage support.
• Remote workers can use it as a secondary screen, for document review, or as a standalone productivity device with the Magic Keyboard Folio.
• Creative hobbyists who enjoy digital illustration, music production, or video editing will appreciate the A16 chip's performance and the responsive Liquid Retina display.
• Families looking for a shared device for streaming, gaming, and light browsing will find the iPad 11th Gen reliable and easy to manage through Screen Time and Family Sharing.
• First-time iPad buyers who want a capable, modern tablet without the premium cost of the iPad Air or iPad Pro will find this model offers strong value.

Usage Tips

To get the most out of the Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025 A16) 11-inch, consider the following practical suggestions:

• Enable Stage Manager in iPadOS for a more desktop-like multitasking experience, especially useful when paired with the Magic Keyboard Folio.
• Use iCloud storage to supplement the internal storage, particularly if you opt for the base 128 GB model.
• Pair an Apple Pencil for annotating PDFs, sketching, and using apps like Procreate or GoodNotes.
• Keep iPadOS updated regularly to access new features and security improvements.
• Enable True Tone in Settings for a more eye-friendly reading and viewing experience in changing light conditions.
• Use the landscape front camera orientation to your advantage during video calls by positioning the iPad in landscape mode for a more natural framing.

Buying Advice

The Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025 A16) 11-inch Wi-Fi is a solid choice for the majority of tablet buyers. Its main strengths are the significant chip upgrade, the generous starting storage of 128 GB, and the broad accessory ecosystem. The Wi-Fi-only model is the right choice for most buyers, as it is more affordable and covers the vast majority of everyday use cases. Those who need connectivity while away from Wi-Fi — such as frequent travelers or people who work in the field — should consider the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant instead.

Compared to the iPad Air and iPad Pro, the 11th Gen iPad makes some compromises: the display is not laminated, it lacks ProMotion (120Hz) refresh, and USB transfer speeds top out at USB 2.0 rather than USB 3 or Thunderbolt. For most users, however, these differences will not be noticeable in daily use. If your primary needs are browsing, video streaming, note-taking, and light creative work, the base iPad offers excellent value.

When choosing a storage tier, consider how you use your device. 128 GB is practical for users who rely on streaming services and cloud apps. If you plan to save large video projects, maintain a local music or photo library, or use many large apps and games, 256 GB or 512 GB will provide more headroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025) support Apple Intelligence?

No. Despite using the capable A16 chip, the 11th generation iPad does not currently support Apple Intelligence. Apple's AI features require specific hardware and RAM configurations that are not met by this model at the time of launch.

What is the difference between the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular models?

The Wi-Fi model connects to the internet only through wireless networks. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model adds support for 4G LTE and sub-6GHz 5G networks using eSIM technology, allowing connectivity without a Wi-Fi network. The cellular model does not include a physical SIM card slot. The Wi-Fi model is typically more affordable and is sufficient for users who mainly use their tablet at home, school, or in places with Wi-Fi access.

Which Apple Pencil models are compatible?

The Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025 A16) is compatible with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil (1st generation). The 1st generation Pencil requires a USB-C to Apple Pencil Adapter for pairing and charging, which is sold separately. The Apple Pencil Pro and 2nd generation Apple Pencil are not compatible with this model.

Is there a headphone jack?

No, the 11th generation iPad does not include a 3.5mm headphone jack. Users who prefer wired headphones will need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. Bluetooth headphones and earbuds pair via Bluetooth 5.3 without any adapter.

How does the 11th Gen iPad compare to the 10th Gen iPad?

The primary improvements in the 11th generation model are the upgrade from the A14 chip to the A16 chip, an increase in base storage from 64 GB to 128 GB, an improvement from Bluetooth 5.0 to Bluetooth 5.3, and a minor camera enhancement. The overall design, display, and dimensions remain largely the same. For users still on the 10th generation iPad, the performance gains may not justify an immediate upgrade unless faster processing or increased base storage is a specific need.

Does this iPad support the Magic Keyboard Folio?

Yes. The Apple iPad 11th Gen (2025 A16) 11-inch Wi-Fi features a Smart Connector that works with the Magic Keyboard Folio, providing a two-piece keyboard and trackpad accessory that transforms the tablet into a more laptop-like device. This accessory is sold separately and is designed specifically to fit the 11-inch iPad form factor.