Apple has refreshed the iPad mini, releasing it as a more capable and versatile device with a better chip designed for Apple Intelligence and Apple Pencil Pro. Today, Apple announced the latest version of the iPad Mini. First released in 2012 and last updated in 2021, this new update brings notable improvements. Let’s dive into what’s changed.
Apple has retained the same sleek design, featuring an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display with glass on both the front and back. The only visible updates are the new color options – blue and purple – while keeping the familiar starlight and space gray finishes. Apple also highlights the iPad mini’s sustainability, with the aluminum enclosure made from 100% recycled aluminum, aligning with the company’s ongoing mission to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030.
One of the more significant upgrades is the 12MP rear camera. It now supports Smart HDR 4 for more natural-looking shots with improved dynamic range and machine learning capabilities for detecting and scanning documents directly from the camera app. This enhancement makes the iPad mini even more useful for mobile workflows.
Under the hood, the iPad mini is powered by the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This new chip provides a substantial performance boost, offering a 30% faster CPU, a 25% faster GPU, and a Neural Engine that’s twice as fast as the previous model. These advancements are crucial as Apple continues to integrate AI-driven Apple Intelligence into its devices, allowing the mini to handle more demanding tasks, from gaming to productivity apps, with ease.
Connectivity has also seen improvements. The iPad mini now supports Wi-Fi 6E, which Apple claims delivers twice the speed of its predecessor. Cellular models are equipped with eSIM technology, allowing users in over 190 countries to connect without the need for a physical SIM card. The USB-C port has also been upgraded, now supporting data transfers of up to 10Gbps, ideal for faster file transfers and external device connectivity.
One of the most exciting additions is support for Apple Pencil Pro, first introduced with the M4 iPad Pro. The Pencil Pro features squeeze capabilities to bring up a tool panel, enabling a smoother, more intuitive experience for creators and professionals. This is a significant improvement over the first-generation Apple Pencil, which is now outdated. However, it’s surprising that the M2 iPads don’t support the Apple Pencil Pro, but the mini does. Apple explains that magnet positioning was key to making this work, and it will be interesting to see what hardware changes were made to accommodate this feature.
The refreshed iPad mini will also benefit from Apple Intelligence, the AI-focused system introduced with the iPhone 16 series. This includes features like Math Notes, enhanced transcription in the Notes app, and advanced photo editing tools. However, these features won’t be available immediately but will arrive with an iOS 18 update in early 2024.
In Apple’s newsroom post, they stated, “There is no other device in the world like the iPad mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultra-portable design. iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private.” The iPad mini continues to have a dedicated following, especially among professionals like pilots, and with these performance boosts, many are expected to upgrade.
Additionally, base storage has been increased to 128GB – double the previous generation – while maintaining the starting price of $499. Pre-orders are open now on the Apple website, with availability beginning on October 23.
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