Apple's iPad Mini returns with Apple Intelligence after 3 years
It is currently available for pre-order and in-store availability and customer deliveries are scheduled for Wednesday, October 23.
Apple has taken the wraps off the anticipated iPad Mini 7 through a blog post rather than waiting for the rumoured October event, previously speculated to spotlight both the MacBook Pro and the iPad Mini.
This new release follows a gap of over three years since the 2021 iPad Mini, creating excitement among users, like me, who’ve eagerly awaited updates to the compact tablet.
Kelechi Edeh
One of the most significant changes is the addition of the A17 Pro chip, a powerhouse also featured in Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro models. Apple claims this new chip boosts CPU performance by 30% and enhances graphics by 25% compared to the iPad Mini 6.
Furthermore, the chip powers advanced features like Apple Intelligence, which supports on-device AI processing for tasks such as language and image handling while maintaining user privacy. However, the tech giant clarified that Apple Intelligence will not fully roll out until later in the month for U.S. users.
The new model doubles the starting storage to 128GB—an upgrade from the previous 64GB base. This expansion makes the device more viable for professional or creative use, especially when paired with the Apple Pencil Pro.
This upgraded stylus offers features like haptic feedback and a barrel sensor, which enhance its responsiveness, particularly valuable for digital artists and creative professionals.
Despite the significant additions, the Apple Pencil Pro is sold separately at a premium price of $129, adding to the overall investment for users who want to take full advantage of its capabilities.
Connectivity upgrades also include Wi-Fi 6E and faster data transfers via USB-C, while 5G compatibility with eSIM enables seamless internet access in more than 190 regions without a physical SIM card.
The 12MP rear camera also got an upgrade, featuring Smart HDR 4 to improve image quality and document scanning capabilities. Meanwhile, the tablet’s “all-day battery life” is noted but remains unspecified and given Apple’s previous struggles with this feature, real-world tests will have to confirm any battery improvements over previous models.
Starting at $499, the iPad Mini 7 is available in four colors—blue, purple, starlight, and space gray—and offers configurations for both Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions.
It's available for pre-order starting October 15 on Apple’s website and via the Apple Store app across 29 countries and regions, including Singapore. The official in-store availability and customer deliveries are scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, as Apple broadens its reach with this global rollout.
This early announcement raises anticipation for Apple’s rumoured October event, which may focus on other Mac-related updates. With the iPad Mini 7 release, Apple not only meets the demand for a compact yet powerful device but also expands its ecosystem, providing users with options that enhance both creativity and productivity.
Kelechi Edeh
Image Credit: Apple
