In a surprise announcement, Apple has announced the new iPad Mini. This is the first update to the company’s smallest tablet since 2021. The new model starts at $499, is available for pre-order now, and will hit U.S. stores next Wednesday. A release date in Israel has not yet been announced.
The main upgrade of this new model is improved technical specifications. It’s powered by Apple’s new A17 Pro chip, which the company says offers a 30% faster processor, 25% faster graphics, and a twice faster Neural Engine compared to previous models. Additionally, the new chip supports Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI model that will first be available in the US with the iOS 18.1 update.
The device also supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, which should excite artists who use iPad Mini. Base storage increased from 64GB to 128GB. The Wi-Fi 6E chip will be faster, and so will the USB-C connection. That means everything you had on the previous iPad Mini is now faster.
When it comes to photography, the rear camera is equipped with a 12-megapixel sensor that delivers amazing photo quality, along with Smart HDR 4 support for natural-looking images with enhanced dynamic range. Design-wise, the device still features an 8.3-inch display, with the only real design change being the addition of new colors. Apple is introducing a variety of new colors to its products this year, including new purple and blue models of the iPad Mini.
Up until now, the iPad has always been a bit of an oddity in Apple’s tablet lineup, much like the iPhone SE. There are die-hard fans who appreciate the smaller size, but Apple has always hinted that there aren’t many of them.
