Apple has unveiled its latest iPad mini, and it’s not a small update. This tablet is jam-packed with the powerful A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro. It’s not just speed, though: Apple adds support for the Apple Pencil Pro and its forthcoming Apple Intelligence features. Starting at $499, the iPad mini is available to preorder, with deliveries starting on October 23.
The new iPad mini is faster. The A17 Pro chip is 30% faster than the A15 Bionic, and the GPU is 25% faster. The power supply is split into two black bricks. Each brick has eleven ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB-C, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C Power Delivery 2.0. There is also a fabric port for RJ45 connectivity.
Specifications of iPad Mini with A17 Pro chip
The highlight of the release has to be the A17 Pro chip. It can handle the most demanding tasks, from gaming and multitasking to streaming. The A17 Pro is 30 percent faster at processing and 25 percent faster at graphics than the A15 Bionic chip. This also means apps load faster, graphics-heavy games run smoother, and the whole system is much faster.
The new chip speeds up the iPad mini’s USB-C port, which supports USB 3 speeds up to 10 Gbps. It simplifies file transfer quicker, which is a big improvement for anyone who relies on speed.
However, Wi-Fi 6E allows faster wireless connectivity in your home or on the go. This means your iPad mini will stay connected with fewer interruptions. Here is a simple table for you:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina, 2266×1488 resolution, True Tone, P3 wide color, 500 nits brightness |
| Chip | A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide, ƒ/1.8, 4K video recording, Smart HDR 4, Digital zoom up to 5x |
| Front Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, ƒ/2.4, Center Stage, 1080p HD video recording, Smart HDR 4 |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi, up to 9 hours using cellular data |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (sub-6 GHz), USB-C |
| Dimensions | 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches (195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm), Weight: 0.65 lbs (Wi-Fi), 0.66 lbs (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
| Other Features | Touch ID, Apple Pencil (2nd generation) support, Stereo speakers, Dual microphones |
Apple Pencil Pro and more design tweaks
The Apple Pencil Pro is magnetically charged in a magnetic charging area on the new iPad mini, and there are a few other design updates. The Pencil Pro pairs without wires with the iPad mini and can wirelessly charge it, keeping your stylus charged and waiting. While the pencil isn’t used when not attached, the magnetic design keeps the pencil attached to the tablet.
Don’t worry if you still have the old Apple Pencil. You can charge it with USB-C on the iPad mini as well. Either use the new magnetic charging cable or the classic cable, which comes in blue and purple for the new iPad mini.
But Apple support will follow for the iPad mini later. The device is running iOS 18. With iOS 18.1, expected later this month, you can use it with Writing Tools and Reduce Interruptions focus mode. These tools help you work better by increasing your writing while minimizing distractions.
The iPad mini will work with its normal devices till iOS 18.1 is available. If you want to try Apple’s new features, you’ll have to wait. The A17 Pro chip could overcome them with the new iPad mini.
Price and release date of iPad Mini with A17 Pro chip
The newest iPad mini has 128 GB of storage, and it is priced at $499 for the Wi-Fi model, which is double the space of the prior iPad mini for the same price. Configurations cap out at 512 GB for those who need the space. However, the starting price is $649 if you prefer a cellular model. You can pre-order your iPad mini and begin receiving it starting October 23.
This iPad mini is noticeably smaller than its predecessors. It’s also built with an upgraded chip, supports the Apple Pencil Pro, and has a future-proofed design for future Apple Intelligence features.
Image credit: Apple
