What are the differences between the iPad A16 (11th Gen, 2025) models?

There are three iPad A16 models -- the iPad A16 - 11th Gen (Wi-Fi Only), iPad A16 - 11th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cell), and iPad A16 - 11th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cell, China).

You may also see these iPad models, released in 2025, referred to as the iPad (11th Gen), but EveryiPad.com definitely prefers to leave Apple's awkward generational naming system behind in favor of the company's new focus on processor type (A16 is the processor).

These three tablets vary by location sold, network connectivity, battery life, identifiers, and price. There are a variety of similarities that are worthwhile to understand, too.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad A16)

Device Similarities

All iPad A16 models use the same general design with rounded corners and flat sides, a black glass front and a choice of silver, yellow, pink, or blue aluminum back. All models weigh around a pound, with the cellular-equipped configurations slightly heavier than the Wi-Fi one.

All iPad A16 tablets share the same screen, which is a glossy 10.86" LED-backlit 2360x1640 "Liquid Retina" display (264 ppi, 500 nits brightness) that Apple optimistically describes as 11-Inch. It supports True Tone technology and has an "oleophobic" (oil repellent) coating, but does not have an antireflective coating (1.8% reflectivity), Wide-color (P3) capability, or ProMotion technology.

All iPad A16 models are intended for use with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) (A3085, MUWA3AM/A), but also will work with the original Apple Pencil (A1603, MK0C2AM/A) with an adapter.

The iPad A16 models also are compatible with the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio (MQDP3LL/A), which includes a 14-key function row and a trackpad and essentially converts the tablet into a basic notebook computer.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad A16 & Apple Magic Keyboard Folio)

The iPad A16 models are all powered by the same 3.4 GHz five-core Apple A16 CPU with a four-core GPU, a 16-core "Neural Engine" and 6 GB of RAM. They can be configured with 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of storage.

Likewise, all iPad A16 models use the same cameras -- a rear 12 megapixel camera capable of shooting stills, Live Photos, and 4K video and a front, landscape oriented (horizontal) 12 megapixel camera that supports "Center Stage" to automatically pan and zoom and shoots up to 1080p video.

Other features that all of the iPad A16 models share include a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, a USB-C port for power and connectivity, support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.3. They each also have the same accelerometer, three-axis gyroscope, ambient light sensor, digital compass, barometer, and iBeacon microlocation.

iPadOS Support Similarities

The iPad A16 models all ship with iPadOS 18.3 (22D2067), but unusually for a new product, they do not support every feature. Specifically, they do not support Apple Intelligence (AI).

Identification Differences

Just like numerous other iPad tablets, if they're sitting side-by-side, it's easy to differentiate between the Wi-Fi Only and cellular-capable iPad A16 models because the cellular models have a subtle antenna line at the top of the back of each device.

However, it is not possible to visually distinguish the two cellular-capable iPad A16 models and it is easy to mix up all of these tablets with any number of other iPad models, too.

Accordingly, one of the best ways to identify these models externally is via Model Number. Model numbers are listed in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad:

iPad A16 Model	Model No
iPad A16 - 11th Gen (Wi-Fi Only)	A3354
iPad A16 - 11th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cell)	A3355
iPad A16 - 11th Gen (Wi-Fi/Cell, China)	A3356

Initially, iPad A16 models with cellular are unlikely to be found in the same location, but they inevitably will find their way around the world on the used market.

The iPad A16 models also can be uniquely identified by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number. The Order Number can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the Wi-Fi + Cellular configuration of the iPad A16 in yellow with 512 GB of storage sold in the United States is MD7R4LL/A.

To track down a particular iPad A16 by a variety of different identifiers, please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

As mentioned above, the iPad A16 tablets primarily are differentiated by connectivity and battery life. While using Wi-Fi, all models provide up to of ten hours of runtime whereas cellular configurations just provide up to nine hours of runtime when connected to a cellular network.

All cellular iPad A16 models support A-GPS, UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA, FDD-LTE and TD-LTE 4G bands, and 5G NR bands, with only slight variation in support among FDD-LTE bands between the worldwide and mainland China models:

iPad	Model	4G/5G Bands
A16 (Wi-Fi Only)	A3354	None
A16 (Wi-Fi/Cell)	A3355	5G NR (n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79) FDD-LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71) TD-LTE ( 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48)
A16 (Wi-Fi/Cell, China)	A3356	5G NR (n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n14, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79) FDD-LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71) TD-LTE ( 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48)

Each cellular iPad A16 ships unlocked and both models use eSIM (they do not support a physical Nano SIM, even in China). In the United States, the default tablet works with just about all carriers, but some carriers in some locations may still require activation or configuration before it will work properly -- or at all -- on their network.

Pricing Comparison Chart

iPad A16 original pricing is the same regardless of color and differentiated by capacity and connectivity.

United States	128 GB	256 GB	512 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$349	US$449	US$649
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$499	US$599	US$799

Canada:	128 GB	256 GB	512 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	C$499	C$649	C$929
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	C$699	C$849	C$1129

United Kingdom:	128 GB	256 GB	512 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	£329	£429	£629
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	£479	£579	£779

Australia:	128 GB	256 GB	512 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	A$599	A$799	A$1149
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	A$849	A$1049	A$1399

Singapore:	128 GB	256 GB	512 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	S$499	S$649	S$949
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	S$729	S$879	S$1179

Mainland China:	128 GB	256 GB	512 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	RMB 2,999	RMB 3,499	RMB 5,199
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	RMB 4,299	RMB 4,799	RMB 5,499

For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.

Comparison Summary

The iPad A16 definitely is the slowest and least capable new iPad that Apple offers -- and the only one to not support Apple Intelligence (AI) at all -- but it is also the cheapest and remains well worth consideration for that reason alone.

The iPad A16 still provides a modern design with a relatively large and bright display, respectable cameras, and the option of 5G support as well as support for the optional, convenient Apple Magic Keyboard Folio and awkward, but functional Apple Pencil (USB-C). It provides a lot of capability for the low price tag.

Of course, for those on a tight budget, any number of used iPad models are similar, even faster and more capable, and can be found at the same or lower prices.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).