Apple’s base iPad did not get AI, and this chart explains it perfectly

Apple updated this month’s base iPad after an extremely long two years of waiting. But strangely enough, the new iPad won a worse chip than expected, missing out on Apple Intelligence. However, the new chart by CIRP appears to explain why.

The full iPad lineup has been updated, but one model missed Apple Intelligence

Apple’s iPad lineup has gained a lot of love from the company over the past year.

• I got the major new M4 iPad Pro, including a gorgeous display, a great magic keyboard and more
• The new iPad Mini gets the A17 Pro chip to enable Apple Intelligence and supports Apple Pencil Pro
• There were no one, but there were two iPad Air Updates that added a new 13-inch size importantly

However, there is one model that I wasn’t that lucky.

The base iPad achieved an overwhelming spec bump after a longer than usual wait. It also earned the honor of being the first AI-supported platform that doesn’t actually support Apple Intelligence.

So what will give?

There appears to be a great answer to CIRP’s new report on iPad models over the years.

Due to sales trends, the base iPad must be kept down

Looking at this CIRP chart, we show iPad sales over the past five years.

Looking at the left side of the chart, it’s pretty clear why Apple needs to keep the latest iPad down.

The base iPad removes market share from more market share from Apple’s other models.

The cheap iPad is now:

• 15% of iPad sales in 2021
• 21% in 2022
• 30% for 2023
• Last year, up to 38%

All sales are excellent sales, but Apple will definitely prefer its customers for more expensive models.

However, in recent years, it appears that more and more shoppers have felt that they are unnecessary. The base iPad was enough for them.

So Apple decided to do something about it.

First, I waited longer than usual to give my base iPad an update. And when that update arrived it had little changed, most notably pulling the iPad back from Apple Intelligence support.

And now I fully understand why.

What is your takeaway from this iPad sales chart? Please let us know in the comments.

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