Apple Unveils New iPad mini with A17 Pro Chip
The new iPad mini comes with A17 Pro Chip, Increased Storage, and Wi-Fi 6E
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Image: Apple |
Apple has quietly unveiled a new iPad mini, marking a subtle update to its compact tablet lineup. The most significant change is the inclusion of the Apple A17 Pro chip, which previously debuted in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. This powerful processor brings improved performance and efficiency to the iPad mini, ensuring it remains a capable device for various tasks.
Key Enhancements in the New iPad mini:
- A17 Pro Chip: The new iPad mini boasts the same powerful A17 Pro chip found in Apple's flagship smartphones, delivering faster performance and improved energy efficiency.
- Increased Storage: The base storage has been doubled to 128GB, providing ample space for your apps, files, and media.
- Wi-Fi 6E Support: Enjoy faster and more reliable wireless connectivity with the addition of Wi-Fi 6E support.
- Updated Connectivity: The iPad mini now features Bluetooth 5.3 and a faster USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2 port for enhanced connectivity options.
- New Color: A fresh Blue color joins the existing Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray options, allowing you to choose the perfect hue for your style.
Unchanged Design and Features
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Apple's new iPad Mini in variety of colors. Image: Apple |
While the iPad mini receives these notable upgrades, the overall design and many features remain unchanged. It still sports an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a 1,488 x 2,266px resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The refresh rate remains at 60Hz, as Apple continues to reserve ProMotion technology for its higher-end models.
The dual 12MP cameras are carried over from the previous generation, but benefit from the improved image signal processor (ISP) in the A17 Pro chip, enabling better low-light photography and enhanced features like Smart HDR 4.
Battery Life and Accessories
The iPad mini maintains its 19.3-watt-hour battery, which Apple claims can provide up to 10 hours of browsing or watching videos over Wi-Fi. The retail package includes a 20W USB-C power adapter for convenient charging.
Apple has also introduced a new Smart Folio case specifically designed for the iPad mini, offering protection and a comfortable typing experience.
Pricing and Availability
The iPad mini (2024) starts at $499 for the 128GB Wi-Fi only model and $649 for the version with cellular connectivity. Pre-orders are now open, with shipments and open sales scheduled to begin on October 23.
Apple's latest iPad mini update is a minor one, focusing primarily on internal improvements. The A17 Pro chip, increased storage, and updated connectivity options make it a more powerful and versatile device. However, those seeking a significant redesign or new features may find the updates less substantial.