iPad mini (A17 Pro): Everything you need to know about the new iPad mini

It’s been a long time since Apple updated the iPad mini. Apple’s smallest iPad was given a substantial facelift at the end of 2021. The 6th-generation iPad mini introduced a complete redesign with a bigger display, Touch ID on the power button, USB C instead of Lightning, and an upgraded front camera. This represented the first major change to the design since the iPad mini was first introduced back in 2012.

Now, for 2024 Apple has introduced a new iPad mini, rather than calling it the iPad mini 7th generation, or iPad mini 7, Apple is referring to it as the iPad mini (A17 Pro) because it is powered by the A17 Pro chip. That’s the lowest-specced Apple chip capable of supporting Apple Intelligence.

Other than the chip, not a lot has changed compared to the previous generation, but what is different is different enough. Read on to find out what’s new.

iPad mini (A17 Pro): When will the new iPad mini be available?

• Pre-Orders: October 15, 2024
• On-Sale: October 23, 2024

It is widely expected that Apple will hold an event in October, but Apple has surprised everyone by quietly announcing a new iPad mini on October 15, rather than unveiling it at an event.

iPad mini (A17 Pro) price: How much will the new iPad mini cost?

The entry-level price of the iPad mini hasn’t changed, but what you get for your money has! The new models start at $499/£499 for 128GB storage, rather than $499/£499 for 64GB storage. Plus the price of the 256GB model is now $150/£150 less than it was.

This means you can get twice as much storage for your money – and there’s a new 512GB option on offer too.

Here’s how the price of the new iPad mini compares to the 6th generation:

iPad mini (A17 Pro) design: What does new iPad mini look like?

As expected, the new iPad mini looks very similar to the 6th-gen model.

One of the most obvious changes to the iPad mini 6th generation was the new palette of colors that Apple made available, including space gray, pink, purple, and starlight. These colors have had a refresh with the new generation.

The new colors are: Space Grey, blue, purple and Starlight.

Here’s how those shades compare to the previous generation. Fans of pink may be lamenting the loss of that option. We think that the pale purple shade of this new generation could pass for pink.

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iPad mini (A17 Pro) display

The dimensions of the iPad mini haven’t changed and neither has the display size: it’s the same 8.3in display with 500 nits, P3, and True Tone.

The only thing that has changed about the display is that it supports the Apple Pencil Hover feature of the Apple Pencil Pro (More on Pencil support below).

iPad mini (A17 Pro) specs

There was an expectation the new iPad mini will feature a more impressive processor than it did. The iPad mini needs a suitable processor to be able to take advantage of Apple’s new Apple Intelligence AI-powered features.

Therefore it is no surprise that the iPad mini has leaped from the A15 in the iPad mini 6 to the A17 Pro, a processor that was used in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The A17 Pro is the lowest-specced processor capable of supporting Apple Intelligence.

Apple claims that the “A17 Pro delivers a 30 percent boost in CPU performance.” It also “brings a boost in graphics performance with a 5-core GPU, delivering a 25 percent jump over the previous generation”.

As mentioned above, the storage options are much better for this generation. Starting at 128GB rather than 64GB is something we have been calling for: 64GB just isn’t sufficient for an iPad. It’s even better that the higher capacities haven’t come with a price hike (although we hear the price is now higher in Euros.)

iPad mini (A17 Pro) camera

You’d be hard pressed to find a difference in the cameras, but there is. The 12MP rear facing camera now supports Smart HDR 4, this offers an increased dynamic range and should go some way to improve snaps. The AI capabilities will come in to play with the ability to identify objects and tweek settings accordingly.

On a more practical note, the iPad mini can also use machine learning to detect and scan documents right in the Camera app.

iPad mini (A17 Pro) battery

There are no changes to battery life. You’ll still get 10 hours of web surfing and video on a charge, according to Apple.

iPad mini (A17 Pro) Ports and connectivity

There are a couple of changes here. Wi-Fi 6 is now up to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 is now Bluetooth 5.3.

The other change is that, if you choose the cellular model, there is no longer a slot for a Nano SIM just eSIM.

iPad mini (A17 Pro) and Apple Pencil

The new iPad mini for 2024 supports the Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C. Previously the Apple Pencil 2nd gen was supported. Apple Pencil Hover is the only change to the display. Support for the Apple Pencil PRo brings the following features:

• Wireless pairing and charging
• Attaches magnetically
• Pixel-perfect precision
• Low latency
• Tilt sensitivity
• Pressure sensitivity
• Double-tap to change tools
• Squeeze
• Barrel roll
• Haptic feedback
• Find My support

Source : Macworld