Apple Launches New, Next-Gen iPad Mini with A17 Pro Chip

Michael Kay

New iPad Mini 7

Apple has finally updated its new update to the beloved iPad mini series – and it’s a pretty significant upgrade. The new iPad mini 7 boasts the powerful A17 Pro chip, making it a performance powerhouse. The new iPad Mini is available to order now and will be in stores on October 23, 2024. Creative professionals and note-takers will be thrilled with the addition of Apple Pencil Pro support. With double the starting storage and the introduction of Apple Intelligence features, the new iPad mini is more capable than ever. If you’re looking for a compact tablet that doesn’t compromise on power or features, the new iPad mini is definitely worth considering.

Pocket-Sized Powerhouse: Exploring the New iPad Mini

A17 Pro Chip: Performance Boost

The new iPad mini is powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro. This means you can expect a significant performance boost compared to the previous iPad mini. It’s perfect for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and augmented reality experiences.

Apple Pencil Pro Support: Unleash Creativity

Finally! The iPad mini now supports the Apple Pencil Pro. This is great news for artists, designers, and note-takers. The Apple Pencil Pro offers improved precision, tilt support, and pressure sensitivity, making it even easier to create and work on the go.

Apple Intelligence: Smarter Than Ever

With iOS 18.1, coming later this month, the new iPad mini will support Apple Intelligence features. This means you’ll get a smarter Siri experience, improved writing tools, and other AI-powered enhancements.

Storage Upgrade: More Room for Everything

The base model of the new iPad mini now starts with 128GB of storage, double the previous generation, and for the same price. This gives you plenty of space for your apps, photos, videos, and documents.

Pricing and Availability

The new iPad mini starts at $499 and is available for pre-order now. It will be in stores on October 23rd.

FeatureDescription
ProcessorA17 Pro chip
Display8.3-inch Liquid Retina display
Apple PencilSupports Apple Pencil Pro (2nd generation)
Storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
PriceStarting at $499

Short Summary:

  • New iPad mini introduced with A17 Pro chip and starts at $499.
  • Apple Intelligence features set to debut with iPadOS 18.1.
  • Expanded storage options, upgraded camera, and Pencil Pro compatibility included.

In an announcement that has excited tech enthusiasts, Apple introduced the seventh generation of its iPad mini, boasting significant upgrades that position it as a powerhouse in a compact form. At the helm of these improvements is the new A17 Pro chip, a significant leap forward in performance, borrowed from the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. This latest release not only enhances hardware capabilities but also integrates advanced AI features under Apple’s upcoming Apple Intelligence initiative.

The iPad mini is set to be available for pre-order starting today, with a retail price beginning at $499. Customers can expect their devices to ship as early as October 23. With the new model, Apple aims to not only cater to loyal users but also attract new customers who seek a powerful yet portable device.

“There is no other device in the world like iPad mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultraportable design,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of worldwide product marketing.

One of the standout features of the new iPad mini is its powerful A17 Pro chip which delivers a remarkable 30% increase in CPU performance. Additionally, the integrated five-core GPU improves graphic capabilities by 25% compared to the previous iteration, making it suitable for demanding tasks, from professional design work to high-end gaming.

The hardware improvements align with Apple’s initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into its devices. Users can anticipate the rollout of the first batch of Apple Intelligence features later this month with a software update through iPadOS 18.1. This update brings functionality such as improved text editing tools for refining written content and new image generation techniques.

Apple has emphasized that the iPad mini will serve as a leading device for accessing AI functionalities, which will cater to U.S. English users initially. There are ongoing discussions regarding the feature’s availability in the European Union, primarily due to competition law conflicts.

The design of the iPad mini remains largely unchanged, retaining its beloved 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and side-button Touch ID from the 2021 model. However, substantial upgrades lie beneath the surface:

  • Support for Wi-Fi 6E, allowing faster internet connectivity.
  • An upgraded USB-C port that supports data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
  • A top-notch 12MP rear camera equipped with Smart HDR 4 for outstanding photo quality.
  • Compatibility with the new Apple Pencil Pro, which enhances creative capabilities.

“The A17 Pro brings entirely new experiences, including pro apps used by designers, pilots, and doctors, and it makes it faster than ever for users to edit photos and engage in more immersive AR applications,” Apple stated in their release.

The new iPad mini comes with a minimum storage capacity of 128GB, which is double that of the previous model. It also offers enhanced options of 256GB and 512GB, priced at $599 and $799 respectively. The device is available in a variety of colors, including new options like blue and purple, as well as the traditional space gray and starlight. The new iPad mini also introduces Apple Intelligence features, such as a revamped Photos app and new intelligent task management capabilities, focusing on privacy and performance.

This move aligns with the trend of AI-powered features in technology, similar to what competitors like Google and Samsung are incorporating into their devices. The iPad mini aims to provide a lightweight yet powerful option for those in need of advanced tech capabilities in a portable form-factor. Additionally, the updated Pencil Pro, priced at $129, offers significant enhancements such as pressure sensitivity and haptic feedback, allowing users to interact with their devices in innovative ways.

The device is designed to cater to mobile professionals and is ideal for on-the-go tasks. The new iPad mini is a response to the increasing demand for advanced user-friendly technology, offering a balance between power, portability, and innovative features. The release of iPadOS 18.1 is also anticipated, promising a plethora of new features. Pre-orders for the new iPad mini are now open, allowing customers to secure their devices ahead of the official launch. Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking release.