Apple has finally introduced the seventh-generation iPad Mini, marking its return after three years of waiting. Without the fanfare of a grand product launch, Apple quietly announced the release through its online newsroom.
This tiny tablet, often regarded as one of the most portable in Apple’s lineup, brings a powerful upgrade this time. The key highlight? Apple Intelligence. This suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is something the company has been working on and is set to debut in iOS 18.1 later this month.
Starting at $499, the new iPad Mini might look similar to its predecessor from the outside, but significant changes lie beneath the surface.
Headline: The iPad Mini FINALLY got an update in 2024!
Reality:
– It’s just new colors and the A17 Pro chip
– Apple Pencil Pro support now
– Bumps to 128GB base storage
$499My take: It’s the Apple Intelligence update.https://t.co/CDrHXQi3Qx pic.twitter.com/g038BoxyTt
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) October 15, 2024
It comes with a new processor, increased storage, and support for the latest Apple Pencil Pro, making it a worthy contender in the tablet market. Available for pre-order now, the seventh-gen iPad Mini is set to ship on October 23.
Under the Hood
The iPad Mini’s last major design overhaul was in 2021, so it’s no surprise that Apple retained the same external look this time around. It still sports an 8.3-inch LCD display with slim bezels and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, useful for video calls and selfies. The rear camera also retains a 12-megapixel sensor but now includes support for Smart HDR 4.
This upgraded image-processing algorithm can also detect and scan documents directly from the Camera app, a feature borrowed from the iPad Pro lineup. Additionally, it offers improved data transfer speeds with its USB-C port, now clocking at 10 Gbps.
While the outside may remain familiar, the real changes come from its internal components. Apple has replaced the A15 chip (used in the iPhone 13) with the A17 Pro processor, the same powerful chipset found in the iPhone 15 Pro. This six-core CPU promises a 30 percent increase in performance over the previous model, while the five-core GPU is said to deliver a 25 percent improvement in graphics processing. The neural engine is also twice as fast, enabling smoother and more efficient operations, especially when running AI-based applications.
Apple Intelligence and Features
The most significant update to the iPad Mini is its ability to support Apple Intelligence. This suite of AI tools, introduced with iOS 18.1, enhances the overall user experience. It includes Writing Tools that can help with proofreading or even altering the tone of your text.
New iPad Mini just randomly got dropped.
A17 Pro, four new colours, “Apple intelligence”.
I’m a little underwhelmed because I’ve been waiting for this. pic.twitter.com/cyP23fPgzp
— ValisMind (@valismind) October 15, 2024
Apple Photos now has a Clean Up tool, which allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos with ease. Additionally, features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and Siri’s integration with ChatGPT will roll out later this year, broadening the scope of Apple Intelligence.
With the new A17 Pro chip, the iPad Mini becomes the cheapest Apple device to offer these advanced AI features. Other models that support Apple Intelligence include the iPad Air (M1 and M2) and the iPad Pro (M1, M2, and M4 models), but they come at a higher price point.
Compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro
Another major update is compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, Apple’s most advanced stylus. Previously, the Apple Pencil Pro was only supported on the iPad Air and iPad Pro, but now iPad Mini users can access its features. This includes a unique “squeeze” function that reveals a new tool palette, as well as the ability to double-tap and switch tools quickly.
A new iPad Mini came outta no where! What do you guys think of it?
🚀 A17 Pro chip
💻 8.3” Liquid Retina display
🧠 Apple Intelligence
✍️ Apple Pencil Pro support
📸 12MP camera
📶 Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, & USB-C with 10Gbps
💾 128GB storage starting at $499
🎨 Blue, Purple, Starlight,… pic.twitter.com/dTsyQcDGd0— Terren Rule (@TerrenRule) October 15, 2024
The pencil also comes with a built-in gyroscope, allowing more precise control when drawing or editing. Additionally, it is compatible with Apple’s Find My network, making it easier to locate if misplaced.
More Storage, More Colours
Apple has also doubled the base storage in the iPad Mini. The entry-level model now comes with 128 GB, but users can also opt for 256 GB or 512 GB versions for those who need extra space.
In terms of colours, buyers can choose from Space Gray, Starlight, as well as the new blue and purple options, adding a splash of freshness to the range.
