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For years now, the iPad Mini, Apple’s smallest tablet, has been the forgotten child of the iPad family. Except here at Mark Ellis Reviews! We’ve consistently raved about the iPad Mini 6, whether as the perfect iPad for school, or for general users who are on the go.
So naturally we have had our fingers crossed for a while for the iPad Mini 7.
And finally, a star is born! The iPad Mini 7 is here!
From potential design changes to Apple Intelligence and performance upgrades, this article will dive deep into the latest insights and equip you with all the essential information about the iPad Mini 7.
Read my full iPad Mini 7 review
iPad Mini 6 vs iPad Mini 7
Before we really get into it, you may be wondering about the iPad Mini 6 vs the iPad Mini 7. So here’s a quick comparison table for some of the most basic information regarding the new A17 Pro iPad Mini and it’s predecessor :
| Feature | iPad Mini 6 (2021) | iPad Mini 7 (A17 Pro, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A17 Pro |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Camera | 12MP rear, 12MP front | 12MP rear, 12MP front |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 5G (sub-6GHz) | USB-C, 5G (sub-6GHz + mmWave) |
| Apple Pencil | 2nd Generation & Apple Pencil (USB-C) | Apple Pencil Pro & Apple Pencil (USB-C) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Charging | 20W fast charging | 30W or 45W fast charging |
| Colors | Space Grey, Pink, Purple, Starlight | Space Grey, Blue, Purple, Starlight |
| Price | $499 / £499 / AU$749 | $499 / £499 / AU$749) |
Read our long-term iPad Mini 6 Review
Design and Display
The iPad Mini 7 retains the compact and lightweight design that has made its predecessors so popular. With a sleek aluminium body, it’s built for portability without sacrificing style.
Colours
The iPad Mini 7 maintains the Starlight and Space Grey options of its predecessors. But, we have one new colour- Blue and a more muted lighter Purple this time round.
Dimensions and Weight
- Size: The iPad Mini 7 maintains the 195.4 mm height, 134.8 mm width and depth 6.3 mm of the iPad Mini 6, making it easy to hold and carry.
- Weight: Weighs 0.65 pounds, it’s perfect for on-the-go usage.
Display Features
- Screen Size: The Mini 7 features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, providing vibrant colours and sharp images.
- Resolution: Resolution of 2266 x 1488 pixels, ensuring that everything from reading to gaming looks stunning.
- True Tone Technology: This feature adjusts the white balance according to the ambient light, making for a comfortable viewing experience.
New Display Feature: Apple Pencil Hover!
Apple Intelligence
According to Apple, the new iPad Mini 7 was ‘Built for Apple Intelligence.’ However, most users (mainly in the UK) will have to wait to actually see the effect of this, as Apple’s AI won’t be fully released till December.
Here’s how Apple Intelligence will improve the iPad Mini A17 Pro:
- Smarter app recommendations using AI
- Improved multitasking and resource optimization
- Enhanced battery life through AI-driven management
- Siri is set to be more ‘natural, contextually relevant and personal’
- Personalized content suggestions in Notes, Photos, and Messages
- On-device AI learning for better user predictions
- Strengthened privacy with secure, on-device data processing
- Contextual learning for a more intuitive experience across apps
You can read the full details in the Apple article.
Performance and Power
Under the hood, the iPad Mini 7 receives a stunning new chip.
Processor
- A17 Pro chip: The Mini 7 is powered by the A17 Pro chip, a step up from the A15 Bionic found in the iPad Mini 6. This upgrade promises enhanced performance and efficiency. It has a 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores and a 5-core GPU.
- Neural Engine: 16-core Neural Engine. With an improved neural engine, tasks like image processing and machine learning will be faster and more efficient.
Battery Life
- Longevity: Users can expect all-day battery life, allowing for extended usage without frequent recharges.
- Charging Options: With USB-C charging, the iPad Mini 7 will support faster charging speeds and greater versatility.
Camera Capabilities
Apple has always focused on providing excellent camera systems in its devices, and the iPad Mini 7 is no exception.
Rear Camera
- Specifications: The rear camera is expected to feature a 12MP sensor, capable of capturing stunning photos and 4K video.
- Smart HDR: This technology will enhance image quality, ensuring that every shot is vibrant and detailed.
Front Camera
- Ultra-Wide Lens: The front camera will likely feature a 12MP ultra-wide lens, perfect for video calls and selfies.
- Center Stage: This feature allows the camera to pan and zoom during video calls, keeping you centered in the frame.
Software and Features
The iPad Mini 7 runs on the latest version of iPadOS, bringing a host of new features and enhancements.
iPadOS Features
- Multitasking: With improved multitasking capabilities, users can run multiple apps simultaneously, making it easier to be productive.
- Widgets: The introduction of customizable widgets allows for a personalized home screen experience.
Want to learn more about iPadOS? Read our iPadOS 18 insights article.
Apple Pencil Support
- Compatibility: The iPad Mini 7 will support the latest version of the Apple Pencil, enhancing creativity and productivity.
- Features: With low latency and improved pressure sensitivity, drawing and note-taking will feel natural and intuitive.
Connectivity Options
Staying connected is crucial, and the iPad Mini 7 is expected to offer several connectivity options.
Wi-Fi and Cellular
- Wi-Fi 6E: This latest Wi-Fi standard will ensure faster internet speeds and more reliable connections.
- 5G Capabilities: For those opting for the cellular model, 5G support will provide ultra-fast data speeds on the go.
Accessories
- Compatibility: The Mini 7 will support a range of accessories, including keyboards and cases, enhancing its versatility as a productivity tool.
- Apple Pencil Pro: As mentioned, the latest Apple Pencil will be compatible, making it an excellent choice for artists and note-takers alike.
Pricing and Availability
Expected Price Range
- Base Model: Starts around $499/ £499, similar to the iPad Mini 6.
- Higher Storage Options: Models with increased storage will likely see a price increase, offering more flexibility for users.
Release Date
- Launch: The iPad 7 was released on October 15th 2024.
- Availability: Following the announcement, the device is now available for purchase here as of the 23rd of October.
FAQs about the iPad Mini 7
Q: What are the major differences between the iPad Mini 6 and iPad Mini 7?
A: The iPad Mini 7 features the new A17 Pro chip, providing improved performance over the A15 Bionic in the iPad Mini 6. It also offers more RAM (8GB vs. 4GB), larger storage options (up to 512GB), faster charging options (up to 45W), and enhanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and 5G mmWave support.
Q: Does the iPad Mini 7 have a new design?
A: The iPad Mini 7 retains the same compact and sleek design as the iPad Mini 6, with a lightweight aluminum body and an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. The main design difference is the introduction of a new blue color option and a lighter purple shade.
Q: What is the screen size and resolution of the iPad Mini 7?
A: The iPad Mini 7 has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 x 1488 pixels. It also features True Tone technology and Apple Pencil Hover support for an enhanced viewing and interaction experience.
Q: What are the charging options for the iPad Mini 7?
A: The iPad Mini 7 supports USB-C charging, with faster charging speeds of 30W or 45W, depending on the adapter used. This is an improvement over the 20W charging available for the iPad Mini 6.
Q: How does the performance of the A17 Pro chip in the iPad Mini 7 compare to the A15 Bionic in the iPad Mini 6?
A: The A17 Pro chip in the iPad Mini 7 offers a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, providing enhanced performance, better multitasking, and more efficient power consumption compared to the A15 Bionic in the iPad Mini 6. It also features a 16-core Neural Engine for faster machine learning tasks.
Q: Does the iPad Mini 7 have improved connectivity features?
A: Yes, the iPad Mini 7 supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster and more reliable internet connections. For cellular models, it includes 5G support, including sub-6GHz and mmWave, for ultra-fast data speeds.
Q: Is the iPad Mini 7 compatible with the latest Apple Pencil?
A: Yes, the iPad Mini 7 is compatible with the latest Apple Pencil, including the new Apple Pencil Pro, which offers improved pressure sensitivity and low latency for a more natural drawing and note-taking experience.
Q: What is the battery life of the iPad Mini 7?
A: Like the iPad Mini 6, the iPad Mini 7 offers an all-day battery life, providing up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the tasks being performed.
Q: What colours are available for the iPad Mini 7?
A: The iPad Mini 7 comes in four colors: Space Grey, Starlight, Blue, and a lighter Purple shade.
Q: When was the iPad Mini 7 released, and what is the price?
A: The iPad Mini 7 was released on October 15, 2024. The base model is expected to start at $499/£499, similar to the iPad Mini 6, with higher storage options available at increased prices. It is available to buy now.
Images courtesy of Apple.
