Apple has introduced the latest version of its popular iPad mini, now powered by the advanced A17 Pro chip. This upgrade significantly boosts speed and performance, making the mini more powerful than ever. Despite these improvements, the price remains unchanged at $499 for the base 128 GB model—now with double the storage compared to the previous version.
Here are some notable things you should expect from the new iPad Mini—upgrades and new features.
Enhanced Processing Power with A17 Pro
The new iPad mini will come with Apple’s A17 Pro chip, which promises a 30 percent faster CPU than the previous A15 Bionic chip. This means noticeably faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. Whether using demanding apps or playing graphics-heavy games, the A17 Pro ensures the device handles everything effortlessly.
New Color Options and Charging the Apple Pencil Magnetically
Though the design remains largely familiar, two new color options—blue and purple—add a fresh look to the iPad mini lineup. A small but useful addition is the magnetic strip on the side, allowing for easy pairing and wireless charging of the Apple Pencil Pro, which enhances convenience for users who rely on the stylus.
Next-Level Connectivity
Apple has enhanced the iPad mini’s connectivity by introducing Wi-Fi 6E, offering quicker and more reliable internet speeds than its predecessor. Improved Bluetooth functionality ensures a better experience with connected accessories, from headphones to keyboards.
USB-C Upgrade: Double the Speed
The inclusion of a faster USB-C port is a notable enhancement. With data transfer speeds reaching up to 10 Gbps, the iPad mini makes file transfers and connections to external devices quicker and more efficient—particularly beneficial for professionals and power users.
Sharper Photography with Smart HDR 4
For photography enthusiasts, the iPad mini has seen a camera upgrade with Smart HDR 4, providing better contrast, color accuracy, and overall image quality. It’s a clear improvement over the previous model’s photography capabilities.
Apple Pencil and New Hover Feature
If you have the older Apple Pencil 2, it’s worth noting that this new iPad does not support it. It works with the standard Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil Pro.
A new “Pencil Hover” feature introduces gesture controls, allowing users to interact with the display by hovering the stylus above it, ideal for creative tasks.
Pre-orders Now Open
The iPad mini is now available for pre-order, with shipments beginning on October 23. The Wi-Fi version costs $499, while the cellular model costs $649. Both versions come with 128 GB of storage, with up to 512 GB configurations. For more information, visit Apple’s official site.
