Rumors strongly suggest that Apple is planning to release the 7th generation iPad mini in November, almost three years after its last refresh. Here’s a rundown of what to expect from the next version of Apple’s small form factor tablet, based on the latest rumors and reports.
design and display
The new iPad mini is likely to retain the compact 8.3-inch display and overall design introduced with the 6th generation. However, one rumor suggests that Apple may address the “jelly scroll” issue by rotating the screen assembly. This change is being made to minimize the noticeable lag when scrolling vertically in portrait orientation that some users have complained about in the current model.
Improved performance
The iPad Pro and iPad Air are currently powered by M-series chips, while the iPad mini 7 is expected to be powered by A-series chips. It is likely to be equipped with either the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro or the A18 chip from the iPhone 16. This upgrade should offer significant performance improvements over the current A15 Bionic and support for Apple Intelligence features.
Improved connectivity
The new iPad mini will almost certainly include support for Wi-Fi 6E, allowing it to connect to the 6GHz band with a compatible router. Bluetooth 5.3 is also expected, bringing the latest wireless connectivity standard to the compact tablet. Cellular models may move completely to eSIM, eliminating the physical nano-SIM slot.
Camera enhancement
Apple might relocate the front-facing camera to the side edge, as seen on the latest iPad Air. This change may improve your video calling experience, especially when using your device in landscape orientation. The camera may also receive upgrades such as HDR 4 support and a wider aperture.
Apple Pencil compatibility
The iPad mini 7 is likely to support Apple Pencil Pro, introducing features like squeeze gestures, haptic feedback, and Find My integration. Apple Pencil Pro hover functionality may also be included.
color options
The current iPad mini comes in space gray, starlight, pink, and purple, but the new model may adopt a similar color palette to the iPad Air. This could mean the introduction of blue and the removal of pink from the lineup.
Release and availability
As the current iPad mini inventory in stores is decreasing, the possibility of a November release seems to be increasing. Indeed, well connected bloomberg Reporter Mark Garman recently said that Apple could release a new iPad mini along with a new M4 Mac in early November. The new model is likely to maintain similar pricing to its predecessor, starting at $499 for the Wi-Fi model.
Future iPad models
Rumor has it that Apple is developing a foldable iPad mini and incorporating OLED display technology into the device, but neither of these updates are expected in 2024. OLED displays and a foldable iPad mini aren’t expected to arrive until 2026 or 2027, or maybe even 2026. later.
summary
By all accounts, Apple’s iPad mini 7 isn’t a dramatic redesign, but rather a modest but meaningful upgrade that brings support for Apple Intelligence and enhancements to performance and usability. As always, we’ll have to wait for Apple’s official announcement to confirm these details.
