Apple has officially launched the much-anticipated seventh-generation iPad mini. While the design remains largely the same as its predecessor, the real excitement lies beneath the surface with some key performance upgrades.
At the heart of the new iPad mini is the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro series. This 6-core CPU offers a 30% performance boost compared to the previous model, while its 5-core GPU enhances graphics capabilities, making the device perfect for both everyday tasks and more demanding applications.
Alongside the A17 Pro chip, the iPad mini 7 boasts an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP primary camera, and compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, offering users a versatile experience.
According to Bob Borchers, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, the iPad mini remains unique due to its compact form factor paired with robust performance. “The iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private,” Borchers said. He added that the A17 Pro chip, along with faster connectivity and Apple Pencil Pro support, ensures that this latest iPad mini offers tremendous value in Apple’s most portable design yet.
Starting at $499, the new iPad mini 7 is available for preorder in blue, Space Gray, purple, and Starlight, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Consumers can choose between Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models, with the official release set for October 23 in 29 countries and regions. Notably, the base storage capacity has doubled from 64GB to 128GB, offering even more value to users.
Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI-powered feature set, is expected to roll out via a software update before the end of the month. The iPad mini 7 will join other iPads with M1 chips or later in supporting these advanced features.