has once again raised the bar for compact tablets with the announcement of its latest iPad Mini, quietly revealed through a press release earlier this year on October 15, 2024. Now available to the public as of October 23, 2024, the seventh-generation iPad Mini—referred to by Apple as the “iPad Mini (A17 Pro)”—brings a suite of subtle yet impactful upgrades, positioning it as the smallest device in Apple’s lineup to harness the power of Apple Intelligence. Here’s a closer look at what this ultraportable tablet has in store for 2025.
A17 Pro Chip: Power Meets Efficiency
At the heart of the new iPad Mini is the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro models. This upgrade delivers a significant performance boost over its predecessor’s A15 Bionic chip, with Apple touting a 30% faster CPU, a 25% jump in GPU performance, and a Neural Engine that’s twice as fast. Whether you’re editing high-resolution photos, diving into immersive augmented reality apps, or playing graphics-intensive games, the A17 Pro ensures a smooth and responsive experience. Notably, the chip supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing—four times faster than software-based alternatives—promising richer visuals for gamers and creators alike.
Apple Intelligence: AI in Your Pocket
The headline feature for this iPad Mini is its compatibility with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new suite of AI-driven tools integrated into iPadOS 18. Available via a free software update with iPadOS 18.1 (rolled out in late 2024), these features leverage the A17 Pro’s capabilities to enhance everyday tasks. Users can look forward to Writing Tools for proofreading and tone adjustment, a Clean Up tool in Photos to remove unwanted objects from images, and advanced document scanning powered by machine learning. While features like Image Playground and Genmoji are slated for future updates, the iPad Mini stands as the most affordable entry point into Apple’s AI ecosystem—starting at just $499 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model.
Apple Pencil Pro Support: Creativity Unleashed
For artists, note-takers, and professionals, the new iPad Mini introduces compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro, a first for the Mini lineup. This advanced stylus brings a host of intuitive features: a squeeze gesture to summon a tool palette, barrel roll for precise tool orientation, and haptic feedback for a more natural feel. Paired with the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display—unchanged in size but now supporting Apple Pencil Hover for previewing tool placement—this combo transforms the iPad Mini into a portable sketchbook or productivity powerhouse. The Pencil Pro magnetically attaches to the device for pairing, charging, and storage, adding seamless convenience.
Double the Storage, New Colors
Apple has doubled the base storage from 64GB to 128GB, addressing a long-standing request from users and providing ample space for apps, media, and AI models. Higher-tier options include 256GB and 512GB configurations, catering to power users. Alongside the spec bump, the iPad Mini sports refreshed aesthetics with two new colors—blue and purple—joining the classic Space Gray and Starlight finishes. While the design retains the flat-edged, all-display look introduced in 2021, these muted yet elegant hues add a touch of personality.
Camera and Connectivity Upgrades
The iPad Mini’s 12MP wide rear camera now supports Smart HDR 4, delivering more vivid and detailed photos with enhanced dynamic range. It also uses machine learning to scan documents directly in the Camera app—a boon for students and professionals. The front-facing 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage remains unchanged, keeping video calls dynamic and engaging. On the connectivity front, Wi-Fi 6E offers faster wireless speeds, while the USB-C port now supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 for data transfers up to 10Gb/s—perfect for moving large files quickly.
Sustainability and Availability
In line with Apple’s environmental goals, the new iPad Mini features 100% recycled aluminum in its enclosure, along with recycled rare earth elements and gold plating in its components. Its packaging is fully fiber-based, inching Apple closer to its target of eliminating plastic packaging by the end of 2025. Priced at $499 for the Wi-Fi model and $649 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, the iPad Mini is available now through Apple’s online store and authorized retailers in 29 countries.
What’s Next for the Mini?
While this update keeps the iPad Mini’s beloved form factor intact, it’s clear Apple is betting on performance and AI to keep it relevant in 2025. Critics might note the lack of a display upgrade—rumors of an OLED panel didn’t materialize—but the focus on power and versatility ensures it remains a compelling choice for those seeking a compact yet capable tablet. As Apple Intelligence continues to evolve, the iPad Mini could become even more indispensable. For now, it’s a small device with big potential, ready to tackle everything from casual browsing to professional workflows.
Stay tuned for hands-on reviews and deeper dives into how Apple Intelligence transforms the iPad Mini experience as 2025 unfolds!
