Apple has unveiled a significantly upgraded iPad mini, packing the powerful A17 Pro chip and support for the Apple Pencil Pro into its ultraportable design. The new model boasts enhanced performance, faster connectivity, and a range of new features designed to boost productivity and creativity.
The most notable upgrade is the inclusion of the A17 Pro chip, which delivers a substantial performance boost compared to the previous generation’s A15 Bionic chip. With a faster CPU and GPU, and a 2x faster Neural Engine, the new iPad mini can handle demanding tasks such as photo editing, immersive AR applications, and graphics-intensive games with ease.
This performance leap opens up new possibilities for iPad mini users, allowing them to tackle tasks that were previously reserved for larger, more powerful devices. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and support for Dynamic Caching further enhance the gaming experience, making the iPad mini a truly portable gaming machine.
The new iPad mini also features faster connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E for quicker downloads and smoother streaming, and 5G cellular connectivity for staying connected on the go. The USB-C port has also been upgraded, offering faster data transfer speeds for importing large files.
The camera system has been improved with a 12MP wide back camera that supports Smart HDR 4 for capturing detailed and vivid photos. Machine learning algorithms enable the camera to detect and scan documents directly within the Camera app.
With support for the Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad mini transforms into a versatile digital sketchbook. The Apple Pencil Pro offers pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and a customizable side button for quick access to tools and functions. Its haptic engine provides feedback as you write or draw, creating a more natural and intuitive experience.
This addition makes the iPad mini an even more appealing tool for artists, designers, and note-takers, allowing them to express their creativity and capture their ideas wherever they go.
The new iPad mini runs iPadOS 18, which introduces a host of new features and enhancements. These include updates to the Calculator and Notes apps, improved audio recording and transcription capabilities, and new customization options for the Home Screen and Control Center.
The A17 Pro chip also enables the iPad mini to support Apple Intelligence, a set of AI-powered features designed to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks. These features include Writing Tools for refining text, a more integrated and intelligent Siri experience, and enhanced capabilities within the Photos app.
Pricing and Availability
The new iPad mini is available in four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray.
- Customers can pre-order the new iPad mini starting today, October 15, on apple.com/store, and in the Apple Store app in 29 countries and regions, including the UAE. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Resellers, starting Wednesday, October 23.
- Available in blue, purple, starlight, and space gray, the new iPad mini starts at AED 2,099 for the Wi-Fi model, and AED 2,699 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
- The new iPad mini starts with 128GB of storage — double the storage of the previous generation. The new iPad mini is also available in 256GB and 512GB configurations.
- For education, the new iPad mini starts at AED 1,899. Education pricing is available to current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as faculty, staff, and home-school teachers of all grade levels. For more information, visit apple.com/us-hed/shop.
- Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the new iPad mini. It is available for AED 529, and AED 499 for education. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available for AED 319,and AED 279for education.
- The new Smart Folio, available in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage, is AED 249.
With its powerful A17 Pro chip, support for Apple Pencil Pro, and a range of new features, the new iPad mini is a significant upgrade that delivers pro-level performance and versatility in an ultraportable package. It’s an ideal device for anyone who needs a powerful and portable tool for work, creativity, or entertainment.