Today, Apple unveiled two new iPads: the M3 iPad Air and the A16 base iPad. In a surprising move, the entry-level iPad lacks support for Apple Intelligence, which may be acceptable for a budget-friendly device, but raises questions about the recent discontinuation of the iPhone SE.
A16 iPad puts cost over all else, including AI features
Throughout the past year, Apple has consistently enhanced various products with Apple Intelligence capabilities.
- The entire iPhone 16 series includes AI functionalities, notably the new iPhone 16e.
- Macs have been equipped with the specifications needed for Apple Intelligence, recently boosted with the addition of 16GB of RAM as standard in new models.
- Significant AI-focused updates to the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini from the previous year were also notable.
However, the latest entry-level iPad arrives devoid of Apple Intelligence. It operates on an A16 chip, just one generation older than the A17 Pro, which does support AI features.
It seems Apple determined that its entry-level $349 iPad didn’t require AI features. Perhaps internal insights revealed that the intended audience would be content without these functionalities.
Given that the price point is the iPad’s most critical feature, I can respect this choice.
However, it raises the question: why didn’t a similar approach apply to the iPhone SE?
iPhone SE could have survived without AI, coexisting with the iPhone 16e
With the launch of the iPhone 16e priced at $599, Apple seemingly left the budget smartphone segment behind.
The reasoning, based on the company’s marketing, was evident: support for Apple Intelligence was deemed essential for the device.
Consequently, Apple equipped its new iPhone with a modern A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, and enabled AI capabilities—even at the cost of higher prices brought by these enhancements.
Introducing an iPhone 16 ‘Lite’ model like the 16e is an intriguing idea, and I’m supportive of such innovations.
Nonetheless, Apple could have retained the previous iPhone SE without eliminating the budget option.
While it’s true that the iPhone SE might have required a USB-C port instead of Lightning, and possibly a few other minor adjustments, it could largely have remained unchanged, with a slight price reduction to $399, maintaining an alternative for budget-conscious consumers.
Until now, I had assumed that the rationale for not continuing the iPhone SE would stem from the need for Apple Intelligence in all new devices.
If Apple is continuously launching new AI functionalities, it makes sense for the company to transition its customers to AI-equipped products swiftly.
However, the A16 iPad seems to contradict that reasoning.
AI product inconsistencies within Apple’s product lineup
For reasons unknown, Apple has chosen to apply different standards to the entry-level iPad compared to its decision regarding the iPhone SE. Personally, I find this puzzling.
In fact, integrating Apple Intelligence into the entry-level iPad seems more crucial, especially since it’s widely used in educational settings that would greatly benefit from features like Writing Tools and ChatGPT integration.
Perhaps Apple has concluded that $400 is too low for an iPhone by 2025, which is understandable, particularly if price increases are on the horizon for the iPhone 17 series.
Ultimately, we may never know. Apple isn’t obligated to clarify its product decisions, and the reasons behind why one device necessitates AI while another does not are not always clear.
What are your thoughts on Apple discontinuing the iPhone SE while keeping its budget iPad without AI? Share your opinions in the comments.
