iFixit Teardown of the iPad Mini 7: What’s New, and Did Apple Fix Jelly Scrolling?

After a three-year wait, the iPad Mini 7 is finally here, and iFixit has wasted no time getting its hands on it for a full teardown. While this update didn’t make the cut for a major announcement video from Apple, iFixit’s teardown reveals some interesting upgrades and answers a burning question that many iPad Mini fans have been wondering about.

What’s Inside the New iPad Mini 7?

The big news for the iPad Mini 7 is its new A17 Pro chip, a powerful System on Chip (SoC) that brings a serious boost in performance. This upgrade is part of Apple’s effort to support Apple Intelligence across all its devices, giving users access to more advanced AI-driven features. For a compact tablet like the Mini, this chip upgrade brings it closer to the performance seen in larger iPads, making it a powerhouse in a small package.

Did Apple Fix the Jelly Scrolling?

One of the most common complaints with the iPad Mini 6 was the infamous jelly scrolling effect – a visual quirk where text and images appear to shift unevenly when scrolling. iFixit’s teardown digs into this question, and while the full answer is still in the works, early testing suggests that Apple has taken steps to address the issue. The results seem promising, which is good news for those who found the effect distracting on the previous model.

iPad Mini 7 Repairability: Still a Challenge

In terms of repairability, iFixit has given the new iPad Mini 7 a provisional score of 3 out of 10, which means it’s still challenging to repair. Apple’s design choices, such as the use of strong adhesives, make replacing internal components like the battery or screen tricky, and the repair process remains complex for the average user. For those who prioritize easy DIY repairs, this may be a downside, but for others, the power and portability of the device may be well worth it.

Curious to Learn More?

If you’re thinking about upgrading or just want to see what the new iPad Mini 7 can do, check out some early reviews in this roundup video. And if you’re already sold on the latest Mini, it’s currently available for $484 (a $15 discount).

Stay tuned for more updates, and keep an eye on iFixit’s teardown as they dig even deeper into Apple’s latest compact powerhouse. Whether you’re looking for portability, performance, or just a great screen, the new iPad Mini 7 seems ready to deliver on all fronts!