Thursday, October 24, 2024

iPad mini 7 review: is Apple’s new small tablet a giant leap forward?

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FAQs

 

When does the iPad mini 7 come out?

The seenth-generation Apple iPad mini has been available since October 23, 2024. 

How much does the new iPad mini cost?

The iPad mini starts at £499, which is for the Wi-Fi only model with 128GB of storage.  

If you want to be able to get online when there is no Wi-Fi available, the model with cellular connectivity starts at £599 with 128GB storage. Bear in mind you will also need a monthly data plan from your mobile phone provider. 

Both the Wi-Fi only and the Wi-Fi and Cellular models come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options.

What are the key features of the iPad mini?

The key feature of the iPad mini (A17 Pro), which is its official name, is that it supports Apple’s version of artificial intelligence, called Apple Intelligence. It also supports Apple Pencil Pro, like the iPad Air (M2) and the iPad Pro (M4), offering a couple of extra functions compared to the previous-generation Apple Pencil which the previous iPad mini supported.

How is the iPad mini 7 different from the iPad mini 6?

There are a couple of differences between the new Apple iPad mini and its predecessor from 2021. The colours options are slightly different, the new model has a processor upgrade that allows for Apple Intelligence, which comes with its own set of features. There’s support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 in the new model too. Both transmit more data, more quickly.

The iPad mini (A17 Pro) also has double the storage compared to the 2021 model, starting at 128GB compared to 64GB. There’s support for the new Apple Pencil Pro, whereas the 2021 model only supports the second-generation Apple Pencil. The dimensions, camera capabilities, battery life and display are the same on both iPad minis. 

What is Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is Apple’s form of artificial intelligence, similar to Google’s Gemini AI and Samsung’s Galaxy AI. It will bring with it a number of features on top of the iPadOS 18 software, including Writing Tools for helping with writing, proofreading and summarising, along with Clean Up for removing unwanted people and objects from your photos. There will also be a more contextualised Siri, though this isn’t expected until early 2025.

What colours is the iPad mini (A17 Pro) available in?

The Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) comes in Purple, Blue, Starlight and Space Grey, like the iPad Air (M2).

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