Apple has recently announced the launch of its latest iPad Mini, featuring a faster A17 Pro processor and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. The A17 Pro chip, previously exclusive to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro, significantly enhances the device’s speed. According to Apple’s press release on Tuesday, the A17 Pro processor offers a faster CPU and GPU, a 2x faster Neural Engine compared to the previous-generation iPad Mini, and supports Apple’s in-house AI technology, Apple Intelligence.
The 7th-generation iPad Mini, running on iPadOS 18, closely resembles its 2021 predecessor, boasting an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and a USB-C port. However, the new model is available in various color variants, including blue, purple, Starlight, and Space Gray. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which enhances productivity and creativity for users. Additionally, the device’s 12MP wide back camera incorporates Smart HDR 4 and utilizes machine learning to detect and scan documents directly within the Camera app.
Apple has deeply integrated Siri into the system experience, providing richer language-understanding capabilities. Users now have the option to type to Siri, and the virtual assistant possesses extensive product knowledge to answer questions about features on the iPad and other Apple devices. Furthermore, the base storage of the iPad Mini has been doubled to 128GB, offering users more space for files and applications. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E ensures seamless and lightning-fast internet connectivity.
The introduction of the new iPad Mini comes as Apple’s iPad segment experienced a 24% year-over-year growth in the fiscal third quarter. This growth can be attributed to the release of fresh iPad models, marking the company’s significant updates since 2022. NBC reports that the device’s screen is particularly appealing to bookworms and note-takers. However, CNN suggests that while the 2024 iPad Mini refresh brings improved specifications and Apple Intelligence, it may not justify an upgrade from the 6th-generation model for existing users.
Apple has stated that the new suite of artificial intelligence features will gradually roll out to users throughout this month. The cellular models of the iPad Mini are activated with eSIM, allowing customers to easily connect to wireless data plans in over 190 countries and regions worldwide without requiring a physical SIM card from a local carrier.
Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, expressed his enthusiasm for the new iPad Mini, stating, “There is no other device in the world like iPad Mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultraportable design. iPad Mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private.” Borchers added, “With the powerful A17 Pro chip, faster connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad Mini delivers the full iPad experience in our most portable design at an incredible value.”