Why the new $349 iPad is sneakily Apple’s best hardware deal right now

Apple has unveiled the 11th-generation version of its base iPad at a price that may be too good to resist. Starting at $349, the new 11-inch iPad sports a Retina Display, is powered by an A16 chip, and comes with 128GB of storage.

No Apple Intelligence or Face ID

The most prominent features missing here are Apple Intelligence and Face ID. Instead, the new iPad continues to rely on Touch ID. But with such a low price, you can’t have everything.

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In its announcement, Apple touted the A16 chip as offering a 30% boost in overall performance compared with the 10th-generation’s A14 Bionic processor and a 50% increase over the 9th iPad’s A13 chip. The A16 also promises all-day battery life.

The new iPad supports the Apple Pencil, which attaches to the unit magnetically. You can also connect a Magic Keyboard Folio with its keyboard, 14-key function row, and built-in trackpad.

Available in three variants starting at $349

Beyond the 128GB model, the new iPad is available in 256GB and 512GB variants. The tablet starts at $349 and comes in a choice of four colors — blue, pink, yellow, and silver. As with all iPads, you can also choose between Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models.

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Interested buyers can pre-order the new iPad starting now, and the tablet will reach customers and arrive in Apple Stores in the US and 29 other regions beginning Wednesday, March 12.

Apple last updated the base iPad in 2022, so this model has sorely needed a refresh. Customers who prefer Face ID and want to take advantage of Apple Intelligence would be better served by an iPad Pro or iPad Air (which Apple also refreshed today). But if your needs are modest and you want a budget-friendly tablet, the new iPad seems worth the price.