Apple Announces New iPad Mini: Preorders Open Now, Release Date Set for October 23rd

Apple Announces New iPad Mini: Preorders Open Now, Release Date Set for October 23rd

After a three-year wait, the iPad Mini is finally getting a long-overdue refresh! Apple has just announced the seventh-generation iPad Mini, and if you’re a fan of its compact size and powerful performance, this update is definitely worth checking out. Preorders are now open, and the tablet is set to hit stores on October 23rd. Whether you’ve been waiting for the latest features or just love the iPad Mini’s portability, this is exciting news!

What’s New with the 2024 iPad Mini?

So, what’s new with this year’s iPad Mini? While the overall design might not be a huge departure from the previous model, Apple has packed some impressive upgrades into the seventh-gen iPad Mini, making it faster and more capable than ever.

  • A17 Pro Chip: The biggest highlight of this update is the addition of Apple’s A17 Pro chip, giving the iPad Mini plenty of processing power to handle anything from multitasking to graphics-intensive apps. This chip also boosts the tablet’s neural engine, preparing it to take full advantage of Apple Intelligence when iPadOS 18.1 rolls out later this month.

  • More Storage: This time around, Apple has doubled the starting storage, with the base model coming in at 128GB, starting at $499 for the Wi-Fi-only version. That’s a big upgrade from previous generations, making it even more useful for storing apps, photos, and files without worrying about running out of space.

  • Wi-Fi 6E & Faster USB-C: Connectivity also gets a boost, with Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds and improved USB-C performance that allows for 10-gigabit data transfers. Whether you’re downloading large files or transferring media, the new iPad Mini is ready to keep up.

  • Apple Pencil Pro Support: Another welcome addition is Apple Pencil Pro support. For those who love using the iPad Mini for note-taking, sketching, or even just working with the new powerful calculator app, this added compatibility is a big win.

What’s Staying the Same?

While the upgrades are great, some of the familiar features from the sixth-gen iPad Mini remain. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display stays the same, offering sharp visuals and vibrant colors, making it perfect for streaming, reading, and everything in between. The 12MP rear and front cameras also carry over, though they now support Smart HDR 4 for better photo quality.

And yes, the iPad Mini’s front camera is still centered in portrait orientation, which is something to keep in mind if you’re using it for FaceTime or video calls.

Apple iPad Mini 2024: release date predictions and rumored features - PhoneArena

Pricing and Availability

The new iPad Mini starts at $499 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model and tops out at $799 for the 512GB configuration. If you prefer the cellular model, prices start at $649 for 128GB and go up to $949 for the 512GB version.

While preorders are currently open on Apple’s website, we haven’t seen listings from other retailers or carriers just yet. But no matter where you order, the new iPad Mini will be available in stores on October 23rd.

You can also choose from four stunning colors: space gray, blue, purple, and starlight.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been holding out for a new iPad Mini, now’s the perfect time to upgrade. The combination of the A17 Pro chip, more storage, and improved connectivity makes this a solid refresh, and at the same compact size, it’s still the perfect on-the-go device. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, the iPad Mini continues to offer powerful performance in a small package.

Ready to get yours? Head over to Apple’s website to preorder now, and get ready for the October 23rd release!

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