A new iPad Mini was expected by the end of the year and, much like we predicted, on Tuesday Apple delivered one. Not a lot has changed in terms of design, but the new Mini has an A17 Pro chip that will be able to handle generative AI-based Apple Intelligence features, as well as Pencil Pro compatibility.
The A17 Pro chip is what powered last year's iPhone 15 Pro, not the most recent iPhone 16 models. It's not an M-series chip, either. While that gets this iPad in the door on Apple Intelligence compatibility, it's unclear how powerful this Mini will feel compared to the recent iPad Air and Pro models that were released in May.
The Mini starts at $499 (£499, AU$799). Thankfully, Apple doubled the base storage to 128GB this time, although in 2024 that feels like a bare minimum. The new Mini arrives Oct. 23 and can be preordered now. The Pencil Pro is an extra $129, although it's on sale right now for $90 at Amazon.
The 2021 iPad Mini, which has the same design, 8.3-inch display and side-button Touch ID, was a welcome upgrade to the tinier iPad. This time around, it arrives as a much improved alternative to the aging, larger 10th-gen iPad, which doesn't have an Apple Intelligence-compatible chip, and doesn't work with the latest Apple Pencil 2 or Pro styluses.
Apple Intelligence still isn't available outside of a public beta, but is expected to launch its first features -- still in beta form -- by the end of the month.
The iPad Mini line has always been more niche than the larger-screened iPads, but they have their place in on-the-go work scenarios (pilots, point of sales). They can feel like larger-screened iPhones on a budget, too, minus the phone part -- although the Mini does come in a cellular option for $150 more.
There are few extra advantages and differences between the new iPad Mini and the older 2021 model:
- A17 Pro chip
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Upgraded 10Gbps USB-C port
- Rear 12MP camera has Smart HDR 4
- Pencil Pro support means the Pencil can work with hover features over the display
- New blue and purple colors (plus space gray and starlight colors)
- 256GB and 512GB upgrade options, which cost $599 and $799