Apple may have just released the excellent iPad Mini 7, but those who aren't interested in a smaller form factor and don't want to shell out for the powerful M4 iPad Pro may be wondering when a new entry-level iPad will be available.

In his latest column, Bloomberg's Mark Garman provides some instant information on the 11th generation entry-level iPad. In an article primarily about the M4-powered MacBook Air, Garman noted that Apple is planning a number of product refreshes in the spring.

That list includes the much-rumored iPhone SE 4, a refreshed iPad Air model, an interesting upgrade to the iPad keyboard, and the iPad 11.

Briefly, the new iPad Air models are interesting because Apple just released the M4-powered iPad Air models this spring along with new iPad Pros. Garman did not provide details on what these new models might get as upgrades.

Apple has been adding its most powerful in-house chips to all of its newest devices so that all new products can take advantage of Apple Intelligence, which requires powerful chips.

The current iPad uses the outdated A14 Bionic chipset, while the just-released iPhone 16 lineup is powered by the A18 processor. Perhaps Apple wants to make Apple Intelligence available on the entry-level iPad.

The 10th generation iPad, released in 2022, eliminated the home button and had thinner bezels. However, the 11th generation model is unlikely to undergo another dramatic design change. Instead, any upgrades will be internal.

There are rumors that Apple is working on an updated, lower-priced Magic Keyboard specifically for the iPad Air and standard iPad models. Presumably, this accessory will be released with the iPad 11.

The iPhone SE 4 is said to launch in early 2025. Since previous SE models have launched in March, we expect Apple to continue this schedule next year; we would not be surprised if the iPad 11 launches at the same time, especially if Apple promotes the new accessory, which may one day shine on its own. Still, March is a safe bet.