Apple is expected to unveil a new iPad mini this month, for the first time in three years. The keynote will likely take place later this month, and the iPad mini is expected to be released on November 1st.
iPad mini last received a refresh back in September 2021, marking the largest redesign since the introduction of the iPad mini back in 2012. The 6th generation model introduced the flat-sided design, switched to USB-C, and added support for Apple Pencil 2.
Modern iPad improvements
Since it’s the oldest iPad in the lineup, the iPad mini lacks certain features from the newer iPads, such as a landscape front facing camera and support for Apple Pencil Pro. It’s quite likely we see both of those features with the 7th generation refresh, although there’s a possibility that they don’t end up moving the camera, since iPad mini is far more likely to be utilized in portrait orientation. Apple Pencil Pro support is likely a given, however.
Better specs
We’ll also likely see iPad mini jump to the latest generation A18 chipset, which will bring Apple Intelligence features to Apple’s smallest iPad for the first time. This means you’ll be able to utilize the new Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and more on your new iPad – although you won’t have everything at launch.
In addition, the iPad mini 7 is likely to start with 128GB of storage, similar to the new iPad Air. This is up from 64GB on the current model. It’ll also likely start at the same $499 starting price as the current model.
Improved display
The iPad mini 6 also faced a display issue known as “jelly scrolling”, where some users could notice that one half of the display refreshed faster than the other half, resulting in an inconsistent scrolling experience. Although unconfirmed, some rumors point to Apple fixing this issue with the next generation model.
Stage Manager?
Apple introduced an all new windowing system called Stage Manager in iPadOS 16, initially requiring an M1 chip or newer for the full feature set. After some backlash, Apple added support to the A12X and A12Z iPad Pros, although those iPads didn’t get support for external displays. However, we’ve yet to see this feature expand to any other A-series iPads since that initial move in 2022.
There’s a decent chance we see Stage Manager come to the new iPad mini. The A18 chip would most definitely be capable of handling the feature set, given the fact that it outperforms the M1 chip in Geekbench, and would most definitely be miles ahead of the A12X and A12Z chips that currently support the features. It’s mostly a matter of if Apple wants the feature to run on a smaller display.
One of my colleagues, Filipe, showcased what Stage Manager would look like on the iPad mini. Personally, I think it’s usable, and that Apple should add the feature for the users who want it.
Wrap up
Overall, the iPad mini refresh is shaping up to be quite small, although it is an important one. As an iPad mini fan myself, I’m looking forward to seeing a new version of the tablet with Apple Intelligence.
Are you looking forward to the new iPad mini? Is there anything you wish Apple would add? Let us know in the comments below.
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