It’s been quite a while since Apple updated its most compact iPad lineup. The iPad Mini 6 was released back in September 2021, and since then, Apple has introduced two generations of the iPad Air and iPad Pro, as well as a new iPad. With three years passing since the last iPad Mini, it’s clearly time for an update. Apple is set to refresh its smallest tablet in 2024, with the new iPad Mini potentially featuring AI enhancements, marking a significant upgrade from the current iPad Mini 6. Here’s all the things we know about the iPad Mini 7 so far.
Unchanged Design
If you’re hoping for significant design changes in the upcoming iPad Mini 7, you might be disappointed. Currently, there are no rumors or leaks suggesting a redesign for the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini 6 underwent a significant redesign compared to the iPad Mini 5, aligning its look with the design language of the iPad Pro and iPad Air. For the iPad Mini 7, expect it to retain the same 8.3-inch size, all-screen appearance, and squared-off edges. Unless there are major design updates in the Air and Pro models, the iPad Mini is likely to maintain its current look. The new model will probably continue to feature a Touch ID Power Button and a USB-C charging port, just like the iPad Mini 6.
Display Improvements
While the design of the iPad Mini 7 is likely to stay the same, we can expect some display improvements. Although specific details are not yet available, it would be disappointing if there were no enhancements after a three-year wait. In December 2023, ET News reported that an OLED display is in development for the iPad Mini and iPad Air, but it’s not expected to be available until 2026. If the rumored release date for the iPad Mini 7 is accurate, the OLED panel will likely make its debut with the 8th-generation iPad Mini.
That said, Apple is likely to address the iPad Mini’s notorious “jelly scrolling” issue with the new model. Jelly scrolling is a display problem where one side of the screen appears to respond more slowly than the other, causing noticeable lag when scrolling through a webpage in Portrait mode. While Apple has stated that this behavior is typical for LCD screens, they are committed to minimizing the effect and making improvements to the display with the new iPad Mini.
There are rumors that Apple might include ProMotion technology in the iPad Mini to offer an exceptionally smooth scrolling experience. Currently, ProMotion is available only on high-end models like the iPad Pro, iPhone Pro, and MacBook Pro. While the exact details are still uncertain, Apple is likely to make design adjustments, such as rotating the display assembly, to address the jelly scrolling issue. As a result, the iPad Mini 7 should see significant improvements in this area.
New Chipset with Apple Intelligence support
The iPad Mini 7 will certainly come with a processor upgrade. The current iPad Mini 6 is equipped with the A15 Bionic chipset, which is also used in the iPhone 13 series. While there were rumors last year suggesting that the new iPad Mini would include the A16 Bionic chip, as seen in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 models, it appears this may not be the case. However, there’s no need to be disappointed, as the latest rumors about the iPad Mini 7 are even more intriguing.
With new iPads, Macs, and iPhones supporting Apple Intelligence, the upcoming iPad Mini is expected to follow suit. Currently, the iPad and iPad Mini do not support these AI features. If the iPad Mini 7 were to feature an A16 Bionic chip, it wouldn’t be compatible with Apple Intelligence, as only the A17 Pro and M-series processors have the computational power needed for Apple Intelligence features. Therefore, the choice likely comes down to an M-series chip, as seen in iPads and Macs, or an A17 Pro (or newer) chipset, like those in iPhones. It’s unlikely that the iPad Mini will use a Mac chip this year; instead, Apple is expected to opt for the A17 Pro or another upgraded chipset that supports Apple Intelligence.
Since the iPad Mini is positioned as a more advanced device, similar to the iPad Air rather than the entry-level iPad, it’s reasonable to expect that Apple will incorporate AI features into the new model. The iPad Mini 7 might feature the A18 chipset, which is set to debut with the iPhone 16 models. With an A17 Pro or newer chipset, the iPad Mini 7 would be comparable in performance to the iPhone 15 Pro or the iPhone 16 models. While it may not match the power of the latest iPad Air or Pro models, users can still expect a significant performance boost.
Camera Upgrades
The camera hasn’t been a major highlight of the iPad Mini series, but after several years without updates, Apple may introduce some modest improvements. The 12 MP rear camera is expected to stay the same.
For the iPad Air 2024, Apple repositioned the front camera to the landscape orientation of the tablet, improving video conferencing and aligning with the higher-end iPad Pro models. It’s possible that the iPad Mini 7 will also feature a 12 MP ultrawide front camera. If this is the case, the iPad Mini 7 would benefit from a wider aperture and HDR 4 support, enhancing its front camera capabilities.
Improved Connectivity
Apple is adopting the Wi-Fi 6E standard across its various product lines. Currently, the M2 iPad Air, M2 and M4 iPad Pro, iPad Pro 4th and 6th generations, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max all support the faster Wi-Fi 6E standard. Macs released in 2023 and 2024 also support Wi-Fi 6E, and the iPad Mini lineup is expected to adopt this standard as well.
The upcoming iPad Mini 7 is likely to support the 6GHz Wi-Fi band, allowing users to take advantage of faster speeds with compatible routers. Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 support is anticipated. Apple may also phase out the physical SIM slot in favor of eSIM-only variants in some regions.
Apple Pencil Pro support
Apple introduced the new Apple Pencil Pro in May, alongside the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro models. This updated stylus features new capabilities, including a squeeze gesture, barrel roll gesture, and Find My integration. Currently, only the new Air and Pro models are compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro. The iPad Mini 6 supports the Apple Pencil 2, but the upcoming iPad Mini 7 is expected to be compatible with the new Apple Pencil Pro as well. This will provide users with a more precise writing and drawing experience, closely resembling the feel of pen on paper.
Possible Color Options
The current iPad Mini 6 is available in Space Gray, Pink, Purple, and Starlight. Apple often refreshes color options with new models, so we can anticipate new color choices for the iPad Mini 7. Given that Apple discontinued the Pink option with the M2 iPad Air released in May 2024, it’s possible that the iPad Mini 7 will follow suit and introduce new colors.
If the iPad Mini 7 mirrors the iPad Air’s color lineup, it might be available in Space Gray, Purple, Starlight, and Blue. While pastel shades are appealing, a Space Black iPad Mini would be a dream come true for many.
iPad Mini 7 Potential Release Date
Apple typically releases new iPad Mini models toward the end of the year, often in September or October. The company sometimes hosts a special October event to unveil its latest iPads and Macs. This year, however, there is a possibility that Apple might introduce the iPad Mini 7 during its iPhone 16 launch event on September 9, starting at 10 a.m. PT. According to Mark Gurman, current iPad Mini 6 stock levels are running low in stores, which could indicate that Apple is preparing to make room for the new model.
The iPad Mini 7 is expected to make its debut on September 9, 2024. If it doesn’t make an appearance at the event, Apple may announce it through a press release in October.
iPad mini 7 Expected Price
Regarding the iPad Mini 7’s price, current rumors suggest it will be priced at $499 for the Wi-Fi model, the same as the existing iPad Mini 6. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version is anticipated to start at $649. While earlier rumors suggested that Apple might reduce the price to $399 to align with the previous iPad Mini 7 model, recent reports indicate this is unlikely. Given that the new iPad Mini is expected to feature a better display, a more powerful processor, and support for Apple Intelligence, a price drop seems unlikely.
These are the latest rumors about the iPad Mini 7. We’ll update this article with any new information as it becomes available. Stay tuned!
What features are you hoping to see in the upcoming iPad Mini? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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