Apple iPad 11-inch A16 (2025) review

Design, build quality, handling

The original iPad’s design was modernized in 2022 and three years later there is no need for change. The new iPad is the same as the previous one – it uses a flat glass on top of the screen and an aluminum unibody elsewhere.

Oddly, Apple did not introduce any new colorways either – you can opt for yellow, pink, blue or silver – the same as the iPad (2022)’s. Considering the tablet is of equal size and weight, it seems Apple has recycled the older shells.

Anyway, the iPad still looks amazingly fresh and colorful, and its matte aluminum unbody makes it smudge resistant. The sharp edges across the “frame” part are a nice touch, too, which can improve the overall handling.

The iPad (2025) has an 11-inch IPS LCD screen at the front that’s protected by a flat scratch-resistant glass. The bezels are reasonably thin and there are no cutouts.

The only thing of interest on the bezel is the 12MP front camera capable of Center Stage video calls.

There is another 12MP camera on the flat back, which is slightly jutting out of the flat aluminum sheet. Oh, and let’s not forget the giant Apple logo.

The iPad has two speakers – one on each of its shorter sides. So you will find one at the bottom where there are also the microphones and the USB-C port.

Across the iPad, on the opposite side, you will find the second speaker and the power/lock key that also contains the always-on fingerprint scanner a.k.a. Touch ID. There is no FaceID here; it's reserved for the Pro models.

You can also spot the Magic Keyboard Folio pogo pins on the side of the iPad. The Magic Keyboard Folio does not have a sturdy hinge like the Magic Keyboard which is offered only for the Air and Pro models. It's also only available in white.

When you attach it to the tablet, you can prop it upright via the kickstand built into the back. It's less laptop-like, but it's also much lighter.

It's only available in white and the keys lack any backlighting. The keyboard is powered via the pogo pins and also communicates with the iPad via those, as it's not wireless. There is no Bluetooth connection so you can't use it detached from the tablet.

You can attach the Apple Pencil magnetically to the iPad's edge but it won't charge there, there is no wireless charging here.

Overall, the iPad has always been of a reasonable size and weight for an 11-inch tablet and we think that most people will love it just as we did. That tablet looks and feels fresh, seems quite powerful and promises a lot of cool features. Both looks and build are wonderful, and we think most of our readers will love it, too.