The new iPad mini went on sale worldwide earlier this week, so let’s check out the price and some alternatives.
The Apple iPad mini (2024) comes with 128 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM in its base configuration. The latter is paired with a downgraded A17 Pro chipset to support Apple Intelligence. These AI features will be available soon as part of the iPadOS 18.1 update (initially limited to the US). There are a few other upgrades from the old mini, including faster Wi-Fi 6E and USB-C connectivity (from 5Gbps to 10Gbps). However, even if this chip successfully runs a 120Hz display on the iPhone 15 Pro, you still get an 8.3-inch 60Hz IPS LCD.
The older iPad mini (2021) is still available and cheaper. It’s hard to recommend 64GB of base storage, as it’s pretty tight between iPadOS and app updates, not to mention file storage. You could consider the 256GB model, but for that price you could buy a 2024 tablet instead.
Apple Intelligence is available on devices with Apple A Pro chipsets and M-series chips, such as the new iPad Pro. These are still the only devices powered by the Apple M4 chip, offering significant performance improvements over the older M2-based iPad Pro.
I’ve linked the 256GB (512GB storage also available) and 1TB (and 2TB) versions of the iPad Pro (2024), but they’re different. The smaller capacity model has 8GB of RAM and a 9-core CPU, while the larger capacity model has 16GB of RAM and a 10-core CPU. Note that only larger tablets have the option of nano-textured glass, but it’s an expensive upgrade.
Following the tablet, the new Apple AirPods 4 also come in two versions: without ANC and with ANC. Active noise cancellation comes at an additional cost, but you’ll realize the benefits when you’re traveling or working in a noisy office. ANC-enabled models also feature wireless charging (you can use an Apple Watch charger or a MagSafe charger), and a small speaker helps you find your case.
Apple Watch Series 10 is thinner and lighter than previous models and has the largest display of any Apple smartwatch. It’s like a mini-ultra with a depth finder that can track your dives up to 20 feet deep (there’s also a water temperature sensor). Apple has also upgraded the speakers so you can listen to music and podcasts directly from your watch without the need for headphones.
The older Apple Watch Series 9 is still available. watchOS 11 has added sleep apnea tracking as an update. Although it has an ECG sensor and heart rate tracking, Series 9 and 10 watches (and Ultra 2) disable the blood oxygen sensor in the US.
Finally, the 2023 Apple Mac mini is available at great discounts with coupons. It’s powered by the Apple M2 chip (a more expensive version with the M2 Pro is also available) and has two Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6E compatibility. It’s not fanless, but it’s quiet. Apple Intelligence is also coming to macOS.
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