Apple Introduces New iPad Mini with A17 Pro chip, Faster Connectivity, an upgraded camera, and More

By Tyler, 15 October, 2024

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Apple today introduced the new 7th generation iPad Mini, refreshing the tablet with the A17 Pro chip, (the same chip that powers the iPhone 15 Pro) as well as faster USB-C data transfer, Wi-Fi 6E support, support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and an upgraded camera.

With the A17 Pro chip, the new iPad Mini features a 30% increase in CPU performance, a 25% increase in GPU performance, and a 2X faster neural engine in comparison to the previous generation iPad Mini with A15 Bionic, according to Apple's press release. The upgraded chip also means that the new iPad Mini will support Apple Intelligence, Apple's suite of AI tools coming to iPadOS and other Apple platforms later this month.

Besides the upgraded chip, the new iPad Mini features an upgraded 12 MP wide camera with smart HDR 4 support, USB-C transfer speeds of up to 10 GBPS, Wi-Fi 6E support, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. The device retains its 8.3 inch display, but increases the base storage to 128 GB, double the base storage for the previous generation.

The new iPad Mini can be preordered from Apple starting today for a starting price of US $499, and will start shipping on October 23. In addition to the previous color options of Midnight and Space Gray, the new iPad Mini is also available in Blue and Purple.

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By TheBllindGuy07 on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

Ever since I got my mac I've been very interesting in getting an ipad too to have the full primary collection of iphone ipad mac watch... :)

By TheBllindGuy07 on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

Some would argue why we don't have the a18 in it but honestly the m4 is so overkilled for ipad os according to like every review... Especially for VIP users I think that this ipad specifically with the chip is the best value best size we can ever get. I know that ipad is more popular than what we tend to think among blind users so those who already have an ipad mini or another ipad please let me know via dm your use case and things like that!

By Joe on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

I don't currently have an iPad, but have in the past. I've been debating about picking one up again. Currently I am using my phone and then Jaws with picture smart. I think for me I am going to wait and see how useful screen OCR becomes with Apple intelligence. Jaws and NVDA are ahead at this moment and its hard not having that capability on the mobile side. One reason I like an iPad is for split screen. If I am watching sports I can monitor scores and switch game feeds all on one screen instead of having to jump back and forth between apps. As advanced as the iPhone is it amazes me you can't split screen in 2024.

By SeasonKing on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

So, is this the new kind of build, with flat edges? Or, is this with curvy edges?
I don't really like some of iPads with rounded edges, even though I know they would be nice to hold in hand.

By Ollie on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

Flat edges. I've got the 6th generation and love it, especially with the new BSI in IOS 18.

I'll not be upgrading, not worth it, but I do suggest that, out of all the iPads, the mini is the best for us. I'm currently using mine as a mobile router whilst on holiday too, so they have multiple uses. Just wish the pencil had more accessibility to it. I'd like to scribble down ideas but, as far as I know, they've not let us run voiceover and use apple pencil at the same time in a complimentary way.

By mantanini on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

Does the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Keyboard fit the iPad mini 7 or are they for the larger ones

By Charlotte Joanne on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

I've traded in my 2020 Air for a new Mini in Purple! I didn't bother with iPhone this year, so this will finally scratch an itch. I start to feel a bit weird if I haven't given Apple a large chunk of cash in a while!

The Air was mostly my TV, but as it was always connected to a soundbar, I don't have to worry about speakers.

I had a Mini or two back in the day and it was always a book reader, maybe it will be again.

By Michael Hansen on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Hi @Ollie,

I am interested in the iPad Mini 7, especially now that Braille Screen Input has Command Mode in iOS 18. I would love to hear your experiences. Has it changed how you use the iPad? Are there any things you can't do with Command Mode? Are there any dealbreakers?

By TheBllindGuy07 on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

Me too I am interested in the mini. Can it complement the mac for students?

By Bingo Little on Monday, October 21, 2024 - 12:50

Tell you what, folks, I've not used an iPad in a while. I do have an ancient 9.7 inches iPad Pro from the early Roman era. What I enjoyed about that one was the four speakers - tremendous audio quality. On the question of whether I let an iPad back into my life, I wonder how the sound is on the mini? that four speakers effect really was rather special.