Apple’s latest iPad mini, the 7th generation, was announced on October 15, 2024, and released on October 23, 2024, starting at $499. It combines classic design with modern technology, featuring the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence for enhanced usability. The device is highly portable and aims to foster creativity and productivity, appealing to both longtime fans and new users. This iteration reaffirms Apple’s commitment to delivering powerful tools in a compact form, maintaining its position in the competitive tablet market.
A Closer Look at the iPad Mini (7th Generation)
Performance and Design
The 7th generation iPad Mini, released in October 2024, brings a significant performance upgrade thanks to the A17 Pro chip. This chip, also found in the iPhone 15 Pro, offers a notable jump in CPU and GPU performance compared to the previous generation. Early benchmarks suggest performance increases of up to 30% in some tasks. This means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved graphics for gaming and other demanding applications. The design remains largely unchanged, keeping the compact 8.3-inch form factor. This makes it highly portable and easy to hold in one hand, weighing in at just under 0.7 pounds.
Display and Features
The iPad Mini retains the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 x 1488 pixels. This gives it a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch, resulting in sharp text and vibrant images. The display also supports True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature to match the ambient lighting. A key new feature is support for Apple Intelligence and the new Apple Pencil Pro. Apple Intelligence enhances many core features of the iPad Mini, while the Apple Pencil Pro adds new creative possibilities with features like barrel roll, haptic feedback, and a hover feature. The front camera remains a 12MP ultrawide with Center Stage, but it’s still located on the short edge, which can be awkward for landscape video calls.
Comparing iPad Mini Models
Here’s a quick comparison of the last two iPad Mini models:
| Feature | iPad Mini (6th Gen) | iPad Mini (7th Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A17 Pro |
| Apple Pencil Support | Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) | Apple Pencil Pro |
| Apple Intelligence | No | Yes |
| Starting Price (USD) | $499 | $599 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Significant performance boost with the A17 Pro chip.
- Compact and portable design.
- Excellent display quality.
- Support for Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Intelligence.
Cons:
- Front camera placement is not ideal for landscape use.
- Only compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, which is an additional cost.
- Starting price is higher than the previous generation.
Who is it for?
The iPad Mini (7th generation) is ideal for users who prioritize portability and want a powerful device for on-the-go tasks. This includes students, travelers, and anyone who needs a compact device for reading, browsing, and light productivity work. The added performance also makes it suitable for mobile gaming and creative tasks with the Apple Pencil Pro.
Alternatives
If the iPad Mini’s price or size doesn’t suit your needs, consider these alternatives:
- iPad (10th Generation): A larger 10.9-inch display and a slightly lower price point.
- iPad Air (5th Generation): Offers a balance of size and performance with the M1 chip.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: For those who prioritize a phone and want a large screen for media consumption.
Understanding iPadOS and its Benefits
The iPad Mini runs on iPadOS, Apple’s operating system designed specifically for iPads. iPadOS brings features like multitasking with Stage Manager, allowing users to run multiple apps side by side or in floating windows. It also includes support for external keyboards and trackpads, making it a more versatile device for productivity. The Files app provides a centralized location for managing files, and Safari offers a desktop-class browsing experience. These features, combined with the iPad Mini’s powerful hardware, make it a capable device for a wide range of tasks.
iPad Mini Generations List
Here’s a list of all iPad mini generations, from oldest to newest:
- 1st Generation: Released in November 2012
- 2nd Generation: Released in November 2013
- 3rd Generation: Released in October 2014
- 4th Generation: Released in September 2015
- 5th Generation: Released in March 2019
- 6th Generation: Released in September 2021
- 7th Generation: Released in October 2024
Short Summary:
- Powered by the A17 Pro chip, enhancing performance for a variety of applications.
- Introduces Apple Intelligence, improving user experience with enhanced capabilities.
- Available in multiple colors with increased storage options at competitive pricing.
Apple’s New iPad Mini (7th Generation)
The 7th generation iPad Mini, released in October 2024, features significant upgrades including the A17 Pro chip, which enhances performance with a 30% increase in CPU and 25% increase in GPU capabilities. Starting at $499, it combines portability with the ability to run advanced pro apps.
The new model also introduces Apple Intelligence, a personal assistant integrated into iPadOS 18, aimed at improving user experience while maintaining privacy. Key features include Notification Summaries and Writing Tools, with a software update launching on October 28 to roll out these functionalities.
Connectivity and Camera Enhancements
Connectivity is another area where the iPad mini shines. The new model is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring faster download speeds for streaming movies, playing online games, or multitasking on the go. Additionally, the USB-C port now facilitates data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, doubling the speed of its predecessor. This improvement promises to enhance productivity, especially for users regularly transferring substantial amounts of data.
The camera has also received noteworthy upgrades. The 12MP wide back camera now includes Smart HDR 4, utilizing machine learning to sharply detect and scan documents effortlessly via the Camera app. This enhancement allows users to capture images more vividly and details more accurately.
Design and Display Features
While the overall design of the iPad mini remains familiar, featuring the same compact 8.3-inch screen size, there are subtle refinements aimed at improving the user experience. The new model is designed to fit comfortably in one hand, making it perfect for reading e-books or browsing the internet on the go.
Apple has also addressed previous concerns related to the display. The much-discussed “jelly scrolling” issue from the 2021 model has reportedly been optimized. Though Apple hasn’t clarified specific adjustments made, early users have noted smoother performance, eliminating visual inconsistencies during scrolling.
Importantly, the screen retains a 60Hz refresh rate. Although this doesn’t match the higher refresh rates offered by competitors, Apple’s focus has historically been on balancing performance with battery efficiency, a testament to its engineering prowess.
New Features With iPadOS 18
With the new macOS version comes a suite of powerful features uniquely tailored for the iPad mini experience. The introduction of Math Notes allows users to input equations either digitally or by handwriting, which the device then converts into various mathematical forms. The ability to see equations solved in real time adds a delightful educational tool for students and enthusiasts alike.
Users can enjoy a refined Notes app experience, where Smart Script capabilities allow for easy editing of handwritten text, enhancing legibility and ensuring that notes are neat and clean, regardless of the user’s handwriting style. Audio recording and transcription functionalities also cater to professionals and students, providing an easy method to capture lectures and meetings while offering searchable text to locate key moments.
Customization options come to life with iPadOS 18, granting users more freedom to personalize their Home Screen with app icons and widgets. The redesigned Control Center offers unprecedented access to desired features, making daily tasks even simpler and more intuitive.
The Photos app has also received a significant update, incorporating sophisticated tools to ease the search for images, promoting an organized yet effortless browsing experience. Users can now navigate their media libraries more fluidly, embodying a modern multimedia experience that aligns with user expectations in 2023.
Price and Configuration Options
The new iPad mini is available in multiple colors—blue, purple, starlight, and space gray—which adds a splash of personality to its design. Users can choose between several storage options: starting with 128GB—double what was offered in the previous generation. Additional configurations include 256GB and 512GB available for users who need more space for apps and media.
The pricing structure begins at $499 for the Wi-Fi model and rises to $649 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version, positioning it as the most affordable entry point into Apple’s AI-powered ecosystem.
For full details and purchasing options, visit apple.com/shop/buy-ipad.
