You’re standing in the middle of a tech aisle, or more likely, scrolling through a dozen browser tabs, and you see it. The Apple iPad 11 in. Wi-Fi 128GB with A16 chip. It looks like the one from last year. It feels like the one from last year. Honestly, if you put them side-by-side, you’d probably struggle to tell the difference without looking at the box.
But there is a difference.
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Released in early 2025 as the 11th-generation "standard" iPad, this tablet is basically Apple admitting that not everyone needs a $1,000 Pro model to check emails and watch Netflix. It’s the "vanilla ice cream" of the lineup—reliable, familiar, and exactly what most people actually need.
Let’s get into what’s actually happening under the hood and why that 128GB starting storage is probably the biggest deal of the whole update.
The A16 Chip: More Than Just a Number
If you’ve used an iPhone 14 Pro or an iPhone 15, you’ve already met the A16 Bionic. It’s a workhorse. In this iPad, it replaces the aging A14 chip.
Is it a massive leap? No. You aren't going to suddenly feel like you’re using a supercomputer. But it is snappy. Everything feels just a bit more "instant." Apps stay open in the background longer because the RAM has been bumped up to 6GB—a sneaky little upgrade that Apple doesn't usually shout from the rooftops.
One thing you should know: even with the A16, this iPad doesn't support Apple Intelligence. If you were hoping to use the fancy new AI writing tools or image generation that Apple’s been pushing in 2026, you’re out of luck. You’d need an iPad with an M-series chip or the A17 Pro for that.
Kinda a bummer? Yeah, maybe. But for most of us just trying to get through a Zoom call or edit a basic Reel, the A16 has more than enough "oomph."
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Why 128GB is the Real Hero
For years, the base iPad started at 64GB. It was a joke. You’d download three high-fidelity games and a couple of 4K movies for a flight, and suddenly you’re getting "Storage Full" notifications.
The Apple iPad 11 in. Wi-Fi 128GB with A16 chip finally fixes this.
By starting at 128GB, Apple has made the "base" model actually usable for normal humans. You can actually store a decent library of photos, keep your apps updated, and not live in constant fear of the storage bar turning red.
It’s worth mentioning that while the storage went up, the price stayed relatively grounded. In early 2026, you can often find this model for around $349. That’s a lot of tablet for the money, especially when you consider how long Apple supports these things with software updates.
The Screen: 11 Inches (Well, Sorta)
Apple calls this an 11-inch iPad now. Technically, the screen is 10.86 inches if you measure the rectangle, but "11-inch" sounds better in marketing.
It’s a Liquid Retina display, which is just fancy talk for a very high-quality LCD. It’s bright (500 nits) and colors look great thanks to True Tone. However, there’s a catch that tech reviewers always complain about: it’s not laminated.
What does that mean for you? There’s a tiny air gap between the glass you touch and the actual display panel.
If you’re a professional artist, you’ll notice it. It makes a slight "hollow" sound when you tap it with an Apple Pencil. But if you’re just browsing Reddit or marking up a PDF? You probably won't even notice. Just don't expect it to look as "painted on" as the iPad Air or Pro screens.
Design and Hardware Quirks
- Touch ID: It’s still in the top power button. No Face ID here. Honestly, some people prefer this. It’s fast and works even if you’re wearing a mask or have the iPad at a weird angle.
- Landscape Camera: The front-facing camera is on the long side. This is huge. When you’re on a video call with the iPad in a keyboard case, you’re actually looking at the camera instead of off to the side like a weirdo.
- USB-C: It’s got the universal port, but it’s limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mb/s). Fine for charging, but slow if you’re trying to move 50GB of video files to an external drive.
- No Headphone Jack: Still gone. Rest in peace.
Who Is This Actually For?
Honestly, this is the iPad for 80% of people.
If you’re a student, the Apple iPad 11 in. Wi-Fi 128GB with A16 chip is a no-brainer. It works with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Magic Keyboard Folio. You can take notes, write papers, and then flip the keyboard around to watch Netflix in bed. It’s the ultimate school tool.
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If you’re a parent, it’s the one to get for the kids. It’s durable enough, fast enough for Roblox or Minecraft, and has enough storage that they won't be asking you to delete apps every Saturday morning.
If you already have a 10th-gen iPad, stay put. The upgrade isn't big enough to justify the cost. But if you’re rocking an old iPad with a Home button, or this is your first one, this is where you should jump in.
Actionable Advice for Buyers
- Check for Sales: Since this is the "entry-level" model, retailers like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy frequently drop the price by $30–$50. Never pay full MSRP if you can wait a week or two.
- Pencil Compatibility: Don't buy the expensive Apple Pencil Pro; it won't work. This iPad supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C) or the original 1st-gen Pencil (though you’ll need a silly adapter for that one).
- Screen Protection: Because the screen isn't laminated and lacks the fancy anti-reflective coating of the Pro, it’s a fingerprint and glare magnet. A good matte screen protector can make a world of difference for writing and outdoor use.
- Skip the Cellular: Unless you’re a field worker, save the $150. Use your phone’s hotspot for the few times you aren't near Wi-Fi.
At the end of the day, the Apple iPad 11 in. Wi-Fi 128GB with A16 chip isn't trying to change the world. It’s just trying to be a really good tablet that doesn't cost as much as a used car. And it succeeds. It’s the safe, smart bet for anyone who wants the iPad experience without the "Pro" tax.