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The iPad mini has long been a beloved member of Apple’s tablet lineup, especially here at Mark Ellis Reviews. So, whilst we may seem distracted by the recent release of the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air, rest assured, we want the Mini!
It’s known for its compact size, performance, and versatility. But what will the 7th generation model bring to the table? We’ve discussed our assumptions for the device in the past but this article will discuss the most recent rumours for the product.
From potential design refinements to under-the-hood upgrades, here’s what to expect from the new iPad mini 7.
Release Date Rumors: When Will the iPad mini 7 Arrive?
The iPad mini lineup has historically followed a somewhat unpredictable update cycle, with gaps of varying lengths between new releases.
The current iPad mini 6 made its debut in September 2021, marking a significant two-year gap since the previous iteration. Given this pattern, the anticipation for the iPad mini 7 has been building steadily, with many eager to see what Apple has in store for its smallest tablet.
According to the latest industry reports, the iPad mini 7 is likely to arrive sometime in the latter half of 2024, potentially even as late as early 2025. This aligns with the observations of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who suggested in late 2022 that the new iPad mini wouldn’t hit the market until the second half of 2024.
But we still hold out hope for an announcement at the WWDC 2024, no matter how unlikely.
Pricing: How Much Will the iPad mini 7 Cost?
When it comes to pricing, the iPad mini 7 is expected to follow a similar trajectory to its predecessor, the iPad mini 6.
The current model starts at $499/ £499 for the Wi-Fi-only version and $649/ £639 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular configuration.
However, there is a possibility that the iPad mini 7 could see a slight price increase, particularly if Apple decides to incorporate more premium features or components. For example, if the latest OLED display technology makes its way to the iPad mini lineup, it could result in a price hike of around $200/ £200, similar to the price jump seen with the latest iPad Pro 2024 model.
Ultimately, the final pricing for the iPad mini 7 will likely be influenced by a combination of factors, including the specific hardware upgrades, production costs, and Apple’s overall pricing strategy for its tablet lineup.
Savvy consumers would be wise to keep a close eye on the market in the months leading up to the device’s release, as promotional offers and discounts on the current iPad mini 6 may present an opportunity to get a good deal.
Design Changes: What Will the iPad Mini 7 Look Like?
The iPad mini 6 design had an upgrade from its predecessor, ditching the familiar rounded edges in favour of a more modern, squared-off aesthetic that aligns with the rest of Apple’s tablet and smartphone lineup.
Given the relatively recent nature of this change, it’s unlikely that the iPad mini 7 will see a drastic departure from the current design language.
However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any visual updates. Apple may introduce new colour options, drawing inspiration from the more vibrant hues seen in the latest iPhone 15 lineup. Shades like deep blue, forest green, or even bold, wine-inspired red could make an appearance, adding a touch of personality to the compact tablet. This will be a welcome alternative to the more muted professional colours of the new 2024 iPad Air and Pro.
Beyond the colour palette, industry analysts suggest that the iPad mini 7 will retain the same overall form factor and dimensions as its predecessor. This continuity in design is likely to ensure a seamless transition for existing iPad mini users.
Display Enhancements: Will the iPad Mini 7 Finally Fix the “Jelly Scrolling” Issue?
One of the most persistent criticisms of the iPad mini 6 has been the so-called “jelly scrolling” issue, where the display appears to lag or distort when scrolling vertically, particularly in portrait orientation.
This phenomenon, caused by the variable refresh rates of the LCD panel, has been a thorn in the side of many iPad mini users.
Fortunately, it seems that Apple has taken note of this frustration and is actively working to address the problem with the iPad mini 7.
Rumours suggest that the company is exploring design adjustments to the screen assembly that could help mitigate the jelly scrolling effect, potentially by rotating the display or implementing other technical solutions.
However, it’s important to note that the iPad mini 7 is unlikely to feature a major display upgrade, such as the transition to a high-refresh-rate ProMotion panel. According to industry analysts, the compact tablet is expected to retain an LCD screen, with the primary focus being on resolving the jelly scrolling issue rather than introducing cutting-edge display technologies seen in the newer Apple iPad releases.
Processor Upgrades: What Chip Will Power the iPad mini 7?
We’ve had an M4-powered iPad Pro and now an M2 iPad Air. So what will the iPad mini 7’s internal hardware be?
Given Apple’s recent releases, it’s reasonable to expect the iPad mini 7 to receive a significant performance boost.
One of the leading theories suggests that the iPad mini 7 could be outfitted with Apple’s A16 Bionic chip, the same processor that currently powers the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models. This would represent a notable upgrade from the A15 Bionic found in the iPad mini 6, providing a noticeable increase in raw processing power and enhanced capabilities for tasks like gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
Alternatively, there’s also the possibility that Apple could opt for the M1 chip, the same silicon that powers the 2022 iPad Air and various Mac models. This would elevate the iPad mini 7 to a new level of performance, potentially unlocking features like Stage Manager and other productivity-focused capabilities.
Camera Upgrades: What Photographic Improvements Can We Expect?
Let’s face it, people aren’t using their iPad mini for the camera, but it would be nice to get an upgrade.
The Apple iPad mini 7 could see some noteworthy improvements in the photography department.
Rumours suggest that Apple may introduce features like Photonic Engine, the company’s photography technology that enhances image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the 7th generation iPad mini could gain support for ProRes video recording, Audio Zoom, stereo audio capture, and enhanced Portrait mode capabilities.
Furthermore, it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple moved the camera to the centre, just like the new iPad Air and Pro.
It’s unlikely that the iPad mini 7 will see a significant hardware-level camera upgrade, with the device expected to retain a similar camera setup to the current iPad mini 6. This means users can anticipate a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera, established in the previous generation.
Storage and Connectivity
One area where the iPad mini 7 could see a notable improvement is in the storage department.
The current iPad mini 6 starts at a relatively modest 64GB of internal storage, which can quickly become a limitation for users who rely on their tablets for media consumption, app usage, and content creation. Rumours suggest that Apple may address this concern by doubling the base storage to 128GB, bringing the iPad mini 7 in line with the storage options available on other iPad models and the latest iPhones.
This would provide users with more breathing room for their digital files, apps, and media libraries, reducing the need for constant storage management.
Additionally, the iPad mini 7 is expected to feature the latest wireless connectivity standards, including support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, improving data transfer speeds.
Software and Ecosystem Integration: iPadOS
The iPad mini 7 is expected to ship with the latest iteration of iPadOS, likely iPadOS 18.
One area of particular interest is the potential for the iPad mini 7 to support more advanced multitasking capabilities, such as the Stage Manager feature currently exclusive to the iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Additionally, the iPad mini 7 is likely to benefit from Apple’s continued efforts to integrate its hardware and software ecosystems. This could manifest in deeper synergies with the iPhone, Mac, and other Apple devices, enabling improved file sharing, universal control, and cross-device continuity.
Accessory Support
With the iPad mini 7, it’s expected that Apple will continue to support and expand accessories.
The potential addition of a Smart Connector, similar to the ones found on the iPad Pro and iPad Air, could open up new avenues for keyboard accessories and other peripherals that can leverage the tablet’s expanded connectivity options.
It would be nice if the iPad Mini 7 was compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro or if it could get an updated Magic Keyboard, but there hasn’t been much out there to support these ideas.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
The iPad mini 7 is expected to continue Apple’s latest eco trend, with a focus on reducing their product’s carbon footprint and promoting more eco-friendly manufacturing and materials.
Rumours suggest that the iPad mini 7 could feature a higher percentage of recycled components, as well as improved energy efficiency and power management capabilities.
Additionally, Apple may explore innovative packaging solutions that minimize waste and promote responsible disposal or recycling of the device at the end of its lifecycle.
Should You Wait for the iPad mini 7?
For those thinking of buying the iPad Mini 6, the decision to wait for the iPad Mini 7 largely depends on your specific needs.
If you’re satisfied with the performance and features of your existing iPad mini 6, the incremental upgrades in the upcoming model may not justify the wait.
However, if you want the choice or would like to save some money (don’t we all), you should sit tight!
After all, the release of the Apple iPad Mini 7 will surely reduce the price of the Mini 6! And the anticipated improvements in areas like processing power, display quality, camera capabilities, and software integration could make the new iPad mini a compelling option.
Let’s hope we see the Apple iPad Mini 7 soon!
