Apple Unveils New iPad Mini with A17 Pro Chip and Intelligence
Apple has unveiled a significant refresh of its beloved iPad mini series, introducing the seventh generation of the compact tablet, now powered by the robust A17 Pro chip. This new iteration marks a substantial upgrade in performance, features, and capabilities, positioning the iPad mini as a powerhouse in its class.
Performance and Hardware Upgrades
At the heart of the new iPad mini is the A17 Pro chip, the same powerful processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro. This chip delivers a remarkable 30% boost in CPU performance and a 25% increase in GPU performance compared to the previous generation.
The A17 Pro chip is designed to handle demanding tasks such as video editing, high-end gaming, and augmented reality experiences with ease. It also supports Apple's new Apple Intelligence features, which require a minimum level of processing power that the previous A15 Bionic chip could not provide.
Apple Pencil Pro Support
The new iPad mini now supports the Apple Pencil Pro, a significant enhancement for creative professionals and note-takers. The Apple Pencil Pro offers improved precision, tilt support, and pressure sensitivity, along with features like haptic feedback, squeeze, barrel roll, and hover capabilities. These advancements make it even more intuitive and effective for various creative and productivity tasks.
Storage and Connectivity
The base model of the new iPad mini starts with 128GB of storage, doubling the minimum storage of the previous generation. Additional storage options include 256GB and 512GB configurations. The device also features enhanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E support and an upgraded USB-C port that supports data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps, which is twice as fast as the previous model.
Camera and Display
The new iPad mini retains its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display but comes with an upgraded 12MP wide rear camera equipped with Smart HDR 4 technology, significantly improving photo quality. The design remains largely unchanged, including the side-button Touch ID from the 2021 model, but is now available in new colors such as blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
Apple Intelligence Features
The new iPad mini will support Apple's Apple Intelligence features, set to debut with the release of iPadOS 18.1 later this month. These features include improved writing tools, image generation techniques, and enhanced task automation. Apple Intelligence utilizes both on-device processing and cloud-based models to balance performance and privacy, initially available for U.S. English users.
Availability and Pricing
The new iPad mini is available for pre-order starting today, with shipments beginning on October 23. The Wi-Fi model starts at $499 for the 128GB configuration, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model begins at $649. A new Smart Folio, available in various colors, is also available for $59.
This refresh underscores Apple's commitment to enhancing its product line with significant performance and feature upgrades, making the iPad mini an even more compelling option for those seeking a powerful yet portable device.