The new iPad Mini was expected to arrive by the end of the year, but as we predictedApple delivered one on Tuesday. While there aren’t any major changes in terms of design, the new Mini is equipped with an A17 Pro chip that can handle generative AI-based Apple Intelligence features and Pencil Pro compatibility.
The A17 Pro chip was last year’s iPhone15 proNot the latest iPhone 16 model. It’s not even an M series chip. This makes this iPad better at compatibility with Apple Intelligence, but it’s unclear how powerful this Mini will be compared to the recent iPad Air and Pro models launched in May.
Prices for the Mini start from $499 (£499, AU$799). Thankfully, Apple has doubled the base storage to 128GB this time around, which feels like the bare minimum in 2024. The new Mini arrives on October 23rd and is available for pre-order now. The Pencil Pro is an additional $129, but it’s currently on sale. $90 on Amazon.
of 2021 iPad MiniThe , with the same design, 8.3-inch display, and Touch ID on the side button, was a welcome upgrade to the smaller iPad. This time it comes as a much improved and larger product that replaces the old one. 10th generation iPaddoes not have an Apple Intelligence compatible chip and will not work with the latest Apple Pencil 2 or Pro stylus.
Apple Intelligence is not yet available outside of public beta, but the first features (still in beta) are expected to be released by the end of the month.
The iPad Mini line has always been more niche than the big-screen iPad, but it has a role in on-the-go work scenarios (pilots, point of sale). The Mini has a cellular option for an additional $150, but it also feels like an iPhone with a larger screen on a budget without the phone part.
There are some additional benefits and differences between the new iPad Mini and the older 2021 model.
- A17 pro chip
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Upgraded 10Gbps USB-C port
- The 12MP camera on the back has Smart HDR 4
- Pencil Pro support means your Pencil can use hover functionality on your display
- New blue and purple colors (in addition to space gray and starlight colors)
- 256GB and 512GB upgrade options (priced at $599 and $799)
