Apple has recently announced the 7th generation iPad Mini, set to launch on October 23, 2024. There was considerable speculation regarding its hardware, but some were disappointed to learn that the device will feature a downgraded or “binned” version of the chip found in the 2023 iPhone 15 Pro lineup. The new iPad Mini will use an A17 Pro chip, which is a significant upgrade from the A15 Bionic previously used in the iPad Mini series. However, it is important to note that this A17 Pro chip is not as powerful as the one featured in the iPhone 15 Pro.
The A17 Pro chip in the iPad Mini includes a 6-core CPU, comprising two performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with a 5-core GPU. Apple claims that this CPU provides a 30 percent performance boost, while the GPU delivers a 25 percent improvement over the previous generation. However, observers noted that while the CPU core count matches that of the iPhone 15 Pro series, the GPU has one fewer core. The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU. This discrepancy has led to speculation that Apple may be using old chips with one core disabled or chips that did not pass quality assurance for the iPhone 15 Pro series.
Regardless, the new iPad Mini will still offer significant power improvements for users who have been using the 6th generation model beyond the typical upgrade cycle. The A17 Pro chip introduces entirely new experiences, enabling the use of professional applications for designers, pilots, doctors, and more. It enhances tasks such as photo editing and immersive AR applications. Additionally, the new iPad Mini supports true-to-life gaming with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which is four times faster than software-based ray tracing, and includes features like Dynamic Caching and hardware-accelerated mesh shading. Whether creating engaging content in Affinity Designer or playing high-demand AAA games like Zenless Zone Zero, users can enjoy powerful performance in an ultraportable form factor.
The new iPad Mini 7th gen will also be able to support Apple Intelligence so we can expect full integration with that right out of the gate.
A Deeper Dive into the iPad Mini A17 Pro Chip and Beyond
The new iPad mini is generating a lot of buzz, especially with its adoption of the A17 Pro chip. But what does this really mean for users? Let’s take a closer look at the chip’s capabilities, the potential impact of the “downgraded” GPU, and other key aspects of this new release.
A17 Pro: Power and Performance in Perspective
Even with one fewer GPU core than its iPhone 15 Pro counterpart, the A17 Pro chip in the iPad mini is a performance powerhouse. The 6-core CPU, with its mix of performance and efficiency cores, delivers a noticeable boost in speed and responsiveness. Everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and video calls will feel snappier. Multitasking is also smoother, thanks to the increased RAM.
The GPU Question: One Core Less, What’s the Impact?
The 5-core GPU in the iPad mini’s A17 Pro chip has raised some eyebrows. While it’s still a capable graphics processor, the missing core might have a slight impact on demanding games or graphics-intensive apps. However, for most users, the difference will likely be negligible. The iPad mini still handles graphically rich games and creative apps with ease. Apple’s optimization of its hardware and software ensures a smooth user experience.
Short Summary:
- The new iPad Mini is powered by a downgraded Apple A17 Pro chip
- The new iPad Mini will support enhanced AI features and boasts 8GB of RAM.
- Apple continues to enhance its product offerings while focusing on user experience and innovative technology.
iPad Mini: Carrying AI in Your Pocket
Apple announced an updated iPad Mini (7th gen) now powered with the Apple A17 Pro chip and equipped with a whopping 8GB of RAM. The refreshing of this product comes after a notable hiatus. Three years since the last model, the newest iPad Mini is poised to cater to a market that increasingly craves both portability and power.
The iPad Mini’s prominent features include:
- 8GB of RAM for efficient multitasking
- Support for Apple Intelligence, enabling more sophisticated AI-driven functionalities
- Enhanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E
The significant RAM upgrade allows users to run multiple apps seamlessly and provides the power necessary for demanding tasks such as gaming and professional applications. One satisfied user pointed out,
“The iPad Mini stands alone in the mini flagship tablet space with its unmatched performance at its size.”
iPad Mini (7th Gen) At A Glance
- New Chip: It’s powered by the A17 Pro chip, which is a slightly downgraded version of the chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro. This should still provide a decent performance boost over the previous A15 Bionic chip.
- More Storage: The base storage has been doubled to 128GB, with a 256GB option also available. This is great news for those who need more space for apps, photos, and videos.
- Wi-Fi 6E: It now supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- “Jelly Scrolling” Fix: While not officially confirmed by Apple, early reports suggest that the new iPad mini might have addressed the “jelly scrolling” issue that some users experienced with the previous model. This refers to a wobbly scrolling effect that was noticeable when holding the tablet in portrait mode.
However, there are also some things that haven’t changed:
- Design: It retains the same design as the 6th generation iPad mini, including the 8.3-inch display and USB-C port.
- Cameras: The cameras appear to be the same as the previous model.
- Price: The starting price remains at $499.
Beyond the Chip: Other Noteworthy Features
While the A17 Pro chip is a major highlight, the new iPad mini offers other improvements worth considering:
- Double the Storage: Starting with 128GB of storage provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The 256GB option caters to users with even greater storage needs.
- Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity: This latest Wi-Fi standard offers faster speeds and improved reliability, especially in congested network environments.
- “Jelly Scrolling” Fix: Early reports suggest that the annoying “jelly scrolling” issue might be a thing of the past with this new model.
The Upgrade Dilemma: Is it Worth It?
If you’re using an older iPad mini, the 7th generation model is a compelling upgrade. The performance boost, increased storage, and other enhancements provide a significantly improved user experience. However, if you have the 6th generation iPad mini, the upgrade might not be as essential unless you need the extra storage or are particularly bothered by “jelly scrolling.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of iPad mini
With its powerful chip and focus on Apple Intelligence, the iPad mini is poised to become an even more versatile and capable device. We can expect further integration of AI features and advancements in areas like augmented reality. The iPad mini continues to be a compelling choice for users who value portability and power in a compact package.
Overall, the 7th generation iPad mini seems like a decent upgrade for those who need more storage and processing power. However, if you already have the 6th generation model, it might not be worth upgrading unless the “jelly scrolling” fix is a major concern for you.
