The iPad mini 7, the first new version released in three years, offers support for the AI features dubbed Apple Intelligence. Plus, the tablet comes with a significant jump in storage capacity and supports the new Apple Pencil Pro. Otherwise, it is very similar to its predecessor. That includes sticking with the same prices.

“There is no other device in the world like iPad mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultraportable design. iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

The long wait is over

The last update to iPad mini came in September 2021, so an update was long overdue. Still, that previous model included a significant redesign, dumping the Home button to make room for an 8.3-inch screen, up from the old 7.8-inch one. It also dropped Lightning in favor of a USB-C connector, and added support for Apple Pencil 2.

Today’s iPad mini 7 keeps the same design, including a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP Ultra Wide Front Camera with support for Center Stage. The tablet has Touch ID in a side button, two speakers, and Wi-Fi 6E.

But the supported stylus is now the Apple Pencil Pro that debuted with the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air earlier this year. It adds a squeeze gesture to open a tool palette that lets users quickly switch settings for colors, brush shapes, line weights, and more.

iPad mini 7 becomes the latest with Apple Intelligence

One of the major changes in iPad mini 7 is a faster processor. It moves up to an Apple A17 Pro — the earlier model uses an A15. Apple promises a 30% boost in CPU performance and a 25% increase in graphics performance, plus a 2x faster Neural Engine than the previous-generation iPad mini.

Among the reasons for the new processor is so the tablet can offer Apple Intelligence. This is an upcoming suite of AI-powered tools that fix users’ grammar and images, as well as generate pictures based on user instructions. The capabilities will grow over time.

“Apple Intelligence harnesses the power of Apple silicon and Apple-built generative models to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks,” says Cupertino.

The storage capacity of the base model doubled to 128GB. There are two more options: 256GB and 512GB.

Preorder iPad mini 7 today
iPad mini 7 comes in a range of colors.Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

“With the powerful A17 Pro chip, faster connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad mini delivers the full iPad experience in our most portable design at an incredible value,” said Borchers.

There’s no delay between today’s announcement and the iPad mini 7 going on sale: the tablet is available for pre-order now. The cost starts at $499, just like its predecessor. A version with built-in 5G as well as Wi-Fi starts at $649.

Buy it from: Apple

The actual iPad mini 7 release date is Wednesday, October 23. That’s when it’ll reach stores and starts arriving on the doorsteps of those who place pre-orders.

iPad mini 6 dropped from Apple’s product lineup with Tuesday’s announcement of its replacement.