Jessica Heygate
Apple has unveiled its latest iteration of the iPad mini, promising to deliver a powerful compact tablet experience. The 2024 iPad mini features significant upgrades, particularly with its processing power, which brings it in line with newer Apple technology.
What’s New in the iPad Mini (2024)?
At first glance, the changes to the iPad mini might seem subtle, but they pack a punch, especially for users looking for performance and functionality.
- A17 Pro Chip: The heart of the new iPad mini is the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro models. This chip enhances performance by 30% faster CPU speeds and 25% faster graphics processing. It also has a newly improved Neural Engine, making it much more capable of handling demanding applications.
- Increased Storage: Apple has doubled the base storage from 64GB to 128GB, giving users more space for apps, photos, and videos right out of the box.
- Connectivity Upgrades: The new mini supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling faster internet connections. It also features Bluetooth 5.3 and a USB Type-C 3.1 Gen2 port, ensuring excellent compatibility with other devices and accessories.
- Apple Pencil Pro Support: Creative users will appreciate the addition of support for the Apple Pencil Pro stylus, opening up opportunities for drawing and note-taking.
Design and Display
The iPad mini retains its compact design with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, featuring a resolution of 1,488 x 2,266 pixels. The screen offers a rich visual experience despite keeping the 60Hz refresh rate, as Apple continues to reserve higher refresh rates for its Pro models.
Colors for the new iPad mini include:
- Blue
- Purple
- Starlight
- Space Gray
This palette adds a fresh touch to the beloved device, allowing users to express their style.
Camera and Battery Performance
While the camera specifications remain largely unchanged, the 12MP cameras benefit from enhancements due to the new chip. Users can now enjoy improved imaging capabilities thanks to the Smart HDR 4 support, resulting in better photos and videos.
Battery life is another highlight of the new iPad mini, which boasts up to 10 hours of usage for browsing or video playback. This sustained performance ensures that users can rely on the device throughout their day without frequent recharging.
Pricing and Availability
The iPad mini (2024) starts at $499 for the Wi-Fi only model and $649 for the cellular version. Pre-orders opened recently, while shipments are set to commence on October 23. For those interested, Apple also introduces a new Smart Folio case priced at $59, providing an added layer of protection and functionality for the device.
Conclusion
The 2024 iPad mini is a step forward for Apple, continuing to blend portability with power. By including the A17 Pro chip and improved storage, the latest mini is well-equipped to manage everything from creative tasks to everyday browsing. While the changes may seem incremental, they reflect Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a small tablet can achieve. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or someone who’s starting to explore tablets, the new iPad mini is set to impress with its performance, design, and functionality.
With its blend of cutting-edge features and classic appeal, the iPad mini remains a compelling choice in the tablet market, inviting both loyal and new users to experience its advancements
