Apple isn’t done with hardware announcements in 2024. The company has just unveiled a new iPad mini with a faster processor, Apple Intelligence compatibility, and more.
A Cheap Way to Get Apple Intelligence
The new, seventh-generation model features the same 8.3-inch screen but with some substantial improvements inside. The tablet is powered by the A17 Pro, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
According to Apple, the processor provides a 30 percent increase in CPU performance and a 25 percent bump in GPU performance compared to the previous generation iPad mini.
The chip will also bring Apple Intelligence to the iPad mini. The first wave of AI-powered features, like Notification Summaries, Writing Tools, and Clean Up for Photos,will reportedly arrive on Monday, October 28. Other features will arrive in later releases of iPadOS 18.
Another improvement to the iPad mini is support for Wi-Fi 6E for significantly faster wireless speeds with a compatible router. The USB-C port is also up to twice as fast as the previous generation.
Apple has added Smart HDR 4 to the 12MP wide rear camera for more detailed and vivid images. It still has the same 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera in portrait orientation with Center Stage that always keeps the speaker in view during a video call.
You can also use the optional Apple Pencil Pro with the new iPad mini. It’s also compatible with the Apple Pencil (USB-C).
The new iPad mini starts at $499with 128GB of storage, twice as much as the previous generation. you’re able to select from a blue, purple, starlight, or space gray version. The Wi-Fi + Cellular model starts at $649. Pre-orders open today with the tablet officially arriving on Tuesday, October 23.
An Actually Impressive Upgrade
The iPad mini is often forgotten in Apple’s wide-ranging, and sometimes confusing, tablet lineup. But the seventh-generation model looks to be a nice upgrade for anyone interested in an Pad.
It’s the most inexpensive device available on the market to tap Apple Intelligence, and the faster processor should make a breeze of most tasks you’ll want to do on the smaller screen.
