Apple Unveils iPad Mini with Enhanced Apple Intelligence

Apple has quietly unveiled a new iPad Mini, the first update to their smallest tablet since 2021. The company recently announced the latest model in a press release. The updated iPad Mini is available for pre-order and will be on sale next Wednesday. The starting price for the new model is $499.

The new iPad Mini is primarily an upgrade in terms of its internal specifications. It features a faster A17 Pro chip, which Apple claims offers a 30% boost in CPU performance, a 25% improvement in GPU performance, and a Neural Engine twice as fast as the previous generation.

Additionally, the gadget also supports the new Apple Pencil Pro, making it more enticing to iPad Mini artists. The standard storage capacity has been doubled from 64GB to 128GB, which is very useful for running AI models. The Wi-Fi 6E chip is quicker, and the USB-C connection has been modified to increase data transmission rates. Aside from these updates, the iPad Mini’s general design and functions need to be more balanced.

Apple new iPad Mini — Image Source Apple Newsroom

The color options are the only significant design change on the new iPad Mini. In line with Apple’s trend of offering more vibrant colors for its products this year, the Mini is available in new purple and blue hues. However, in photos, these colors appear more muted and subdued than the eye-catching colors seen on the iPhone 16.

The previous iPad Mini had a considerable revamp, including a new design, USB-C connector, and speed improvements. Given that this was the first makeover since the original Mini in 2012, it’s unsurprising that the current model is similar to its predecessor. The huge speed jump is consistent with Apple’s growing emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

To support these AI-intensive tasks, Apple has equipped the new Mini with powerful hardware, including the ability to perform hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which enhances the visual quality of certain high-end games. However, it’s clear that this upgrade is primarily driven by Apple’s AI-centric goals.

Similar to the iPhone SE, the iPad Mini has always had a distinct position in Apple’s tablet portfolio. It has a devoted following of customers who like its small size, although Apple has intimated that this niche market is quite modest. While the iPad Mini is popular with some groups, such as pilots, most consumers prefer larger screens than smaller ones.

If you’re considering upgrading to a smaller tablet, the iPad Mini is worth a look. With its powerful performance and compact design, it could be the perfect fit for your needs. Be sure to check out our full review for more details.