In a surprise move,Apple has announcedthe long-awaited refresh to its popular iPad mini tablet. This seventh-generation mini is equipped with the new A17 Pro chipset, which makes itApple Intelligence-ready from day one. Other notable changes includeApple Pencil Prosupport, a new base storage configuration of 128GB, a faster USB-C port, and Wi-Fi 6E support.
iPad mini (7th generation)
Apple’s 7th generation miniature-sized iPad, complete with an A17 Pro chip for full-fledged Apple Intelligence support.
The iPad mini 7 isavailable now for pre-ordernow and will officially release on October 23 for a starting price of $500. This base configuration ships with 128GB of internal storage. Colorways include a choice of blue, purple, starlight, and space grey, with the blue color replacing the outgoing pink from the iPad mini 6.
I miss when Apple only launched products when they were 100% done
It’s not just about practicality and getting features out – it’s about excitement.
The design remains the same, with only the internals receiving a refresh
Externally speaking, Apple’s new iPad mini 7 looks just about identical to the outgoingiPad mini 6, which was released in 2021 and represented a major overhaul of the iPad mini design language.
The general size and dimensions remain unchanged, with the only physical difference being the new blue colorway and the updated purple hue on offer. Rather, it’s what’s on the inside that counts: a fairly substantial spec bump that brings Apple’s mini-sized tablet up to par with the rest of its portable lineup.
We first saw the A17 Pro chip debut in last year’siPhone 15 ProandiPhone 15 Pro Max, and it holds the distinction of supporting the Apple Intelligence suite of AI features. Of course, we’re still waiting for the first of these AI tools to land in customers' hands, but iOS 18.1 is expected to land before the end of October.
The new 128GB of base storage is long overdue, as is the ability to spec the device up to a higher 512GB configuration.
The new 128GB of base storage is long overdue, as is the ability to spec the device up to a higher 512GB configuration.Wi-Fi 6Eand a new 10GBps USB-C port are also welcome upgrades, as is the support for Apple’s Pencil Pro stylus.
For better or worse, the iPad mini 7 appears to ship with the same display as its predecessor – an 8.3-inch 2266 x 1488 pixel resolution LCD panel. The lack of an upgraded 120Hz fast refresh rate is expected, given the newiPhone 16 seriesalso lacks the feature. It’s unclear whether Apple has addressedthe ‘jelly scroll’ issueof the iPad Mini 6, which sometimes causes a strange wobbling effect to occur while scrolling.
Apple’s potential smart home strategy is the opposite of what I want
Screens in every room isn’t home automation at all.
The prospect of a dedicated Apple hardware event to cap off 2024 now seems less likely
We might see the company stealthily drop some M4-based MacBooks before the end of the calendar year
The majority of rumors and leaksindicated that Apple was preparing a dedicated hardware keynote to launch the iPad mini 7, alongside new M4-powered MacBooks, a new M4 iMac, and possibly evena redesigned Mac mini.
However, given Apple’s modus operandi with regard to the iPad mini 7, it seems more likely that we’ll instead receive additional surprise product announcements from the company.
Apple Intelligence could arrive on iPhone on October 28 – here’s what to expect
According to reports, the first AI features will be released in iOS 18.1 at the end of October.
