iPad mini Updated With A17 Pro SoC: Ready for Apple Intelligence

Apple has refreshed its smallest tablet, the iPad mini, just in time for the expected release of Apple Intelligence software features. The iPad mini has been updated after three years and the new model offers significantly updated specifications. Most importantly, it is powered by Apple’s in-house A17 Pro SoC, the same as last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which means it meets the minimum hardware requirements to run at least some Apple Intelligence features.

The new iPad mini (7th Gen) is available in Space Grey and Starlight like the previous model, along with Blue (replacing Pink) and a lighter shade of Purple. It is already available for preorder on Apple’s online store in India, and will go on sale starting October 23. Prices start at Rs. 49,900 for 128GB of storage, going up to Rs. 59,900 for 256GB and Rs. 79,900 for 512GB (wi-fi only). 5G cellular-enabled variants cost Rs. 64,900, Rs. 74,900 and Rs. 94,900 respectively. A new Smart Folio protective case is available for Rs. 6,500.

The A17 Pro SoC has one less functioning GPU core than on the iPhone 15 Pro models but is said to be up to 30 percent faster than the A15 Bionic that powered the 6th Gen iPad mini. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing is supported for modern games. While Apple does not announce RAM amounts, it is likely that the new iPad has 8GB, up from 4GB in the previous model, in line with Apple Intelligence requirements. Base storage is now 128GB rather than 64GB, and there’s a new 512GB tier. Other upgrades include a 10Gbps USB 3.1 Type-C port, up from 5Gbps. Connectivity standards have been updated to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. There’s no nano-SIM slot anymore, and cellular models will have to use an eSIM.

Support for the Apple Pencil Pro is also new, so users can take advantage of squeeze controls, hover, rolling, and haptic feedback. It will also charge when magnetically attached to the side of the tablet. The more affordable Apple Pencil (USB-C) is also supported. 

The design of the new iPad mini is unchanged, except for new colour options. Its dimensions and weight are also identical. The display is still the same 8.3-inch Liquid Retina panel, which means no OLED upgrade or ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate. The cameras also have not been upgraded, there’s still a 12-megapixel f/1.8 camera on the rear and a 12-megapixel f/2.4 front camera in portrait orientation. However, Smart HDR 4 is now supported for better contrast and detail. Battery life is rated at the same 10 hours as before. Buyers will still get the same top-mounted fingerprint sensor, landscape stereo speakers, and dual mics.

Apple will continue to include a 20W charger in the box in India, although this is now not standard in some European countries, likely thanks to regulations regarding e-waste. A braided USB cable is still standard in all countries.

The company was expected to hold an event in October to launch the iPad mini as well as refreshed Macs with new M4 processors. The Mac mini is expected to be completely redesigned for the first time in multiple generations, while the iMac and MacBook Pro are likely to receive only internal updates. Apple could announce these products without an event over the coming weeks, or could still hold a more focussed event this month. The updates will emphasise Apple Intelligence which is also expected to release with iOS 18.1 this month.