Apple has quietly introduced a new iPad Mini. The first update to the smallest tablet in Apple’s lineup since 2021, the new Mini starts at $499 and is available for pre-order now, with sales beginning next Wednesday.
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The new Mini primarily offers performance enhancements. Powered by the A17 Pro chip, the device boasts a 30% faster CPU, 25% faster GPU, and a Neural Engine that is twice as fast as its predecessor. Additionally, the Mini now supports the Apple Pencil Pro and comes with 128GB of storage in the base model. The faster Wi-Fi 6E chip and USB-C port are other notable improvements.
While the design remains largely unchanged, the new Mini is available in new purple and blue colours. Although these colours appear more muted in photos compared to the vibrant hues seen on the iPhone 16, they offer a fresh aesthetic.
The previous generation iPad Mini introduced a significant redesign with a new design, USB-C port, and performance upgrades. Given the substantial changes made in 2021, the current update focuses primarily on performance enhancements. The new Mini’s powerful A17 Pro chip aligns with Apple’s focus on AI and machine learning, enabling hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved gaming graphics.
The iPad Mini has always been a niche product within Apple’s tablet lineup. Similar to the iPhone SE, it appeals to a specific group of users who prefer a smaller form factor. While the Mini has its dedicated fanbase, particularly among pilots, Apple has indicated that this segment is relatively small.
Earlier this year, Apple updated the rest of its iPad lineup. The iPad Air received the powerful M2 chip, the iPad Pro underwent a redesign, and the base model’s price was lowered to $349. In contrast, the iPad Mini’s update has been more focused, suggesting that Apple may have plans to maintain a distinct product positioning for this smaller tablet.
