New AI-focused iPad Mini 7 in a nutshell

Three years after the iPad Mini (2021), Apple has finally rejuvenated its smallest tablet by unveiling the new iPad Mini 7, complete with an A17 Pro chip designed for enhanced performance and AI capabilities.

Design and storage options

The new iPad Mini 7 retains its familiar 8.3-inch form factor but introduces fresh upgrades beyond just raw power. Notably, it comes in two new color options—blue and purple—adding to the existing starlight and space gray. Storage has also been expanded, with configurations now ranging from 128GB to 512GB.

Pricing and availability

Pricing for the Mini 7 starts at $499 / £499 / AU$799 for the Wi-Fi model, while the Wi-Fi and Cellular model begins at $649 / £649 / AU$1,049. Pre-orders are available starting today.

The new iPad Mini 7 retains its familiar 8.3-inch form factor Apple Pencil Pro and Performance Enhancements

One of the standout features of the Mini 7 is its support for the Apple Pencil Pro, a nod to the creative crowd who may find the compact tablet ideal as a digital notebook. With the A17 Pro chip, previously seen in the iPhone 15 Pro series, Apple claims the tablet delivers double the Neural Engine’s speed compared to the Mini 6, along with faster CPU and GPU performance.

Camera and connectivity upgrades

The iPad Mini 7 also retains its 12MP rear camera, now enhanced with Smart HDR 4 for improved image quality. Connectivity has been upgraded to include Wi-Fi 6E, promising faster, more stable wireless connections.

With the A17 Pro chip Apple claims the tablet delivers double the Neural Engine’s speed compared to the Mini 6 AI-enhanced Apple Intelligence features

Perhaps the most intriguing update is the addition of Apple’s “Intelligence” features, set to roll out later this month in the US.

The iPad Mini 7 is positioned as an enticing mix of portability and power, particularly for those who value a smaller form factor without sacrificing performance. Beyond its compact design, what stands out is Apple’s clear focus on integrating advanced AI capabilities into the device, suggesting that the Mini 7 may be a pivotal gadget in Apple’s evolving AI strategy.

The inclusion of the A17 Pro chip, which has already demonstrated impressive AI capabilities in the iPhone 15 Pro series, points towards an emphasis on on-device intelligence. Features like the Neural Engine’s doubled speed and the forthcoming Apple Intelligence tools suggest that this tablet is designed to do much more than just serve as a portable media device; it’s a showcase of Apple’s ambitions in embedding machine learning capabilities into everyday tools.

The AI-powered writing tools in apps like Mail and Notes, along with imaging enhancements such as the Clean Up feature, indicate that Apple is actively working to make AI-driven productivity accessible in a seamless way. By enhancing ordinary tasks through intelligent automation, the Mini 7 might serve as a bridge to bring advanced AI tools to a broader audience—those who prefer a compact, versatile device.

This focus on AI also aligns with Apple’s broader trajectory of integrating machine learning and AI across its product lineup, aiming to create a consistent, smarter user experience. The iPad Mini 7 may not only be a creative tool or a convenient tablet but also a device that helps redefine how users interact with technology by incorporating AI in an intuitive, unobtrusive manner.

Image credits: Apple