iPad Mini Set for First Update in Over Three Years: What to Expect
Apple is gearing up to unveil a new iPad Mini this month, marking the device’s first update in over three years. The highly anticipated keynote is expected to occur later this month, with a launch date set for November 1st.
The last significant refresh for the iPad Mini happened in September 2021, which introduced the most extensive redesign since the product's initial release in 2012. The sixth generation brought a flat-sided design, transitioned to USB-C, and added compatibility with the Apple Pencil 2.
Modern Enhancements
As the oldest model in the iPad lineup, the iPad Mini lacks several features found in newer models, such as a landscape front-facing camera and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. It’s likely that the seventh generation will incorporate both features. However, there’s a chance Apple may choose not to reposition the camera, considering that the iPad Mini is often used in portrait mode. Still, support for the Apple Pencil Pro seems almost certain.
Upgraded Specifications
We can expect the iPad Mini to be equipped with the latest A18 chipset, which will introduce advanced Apple Intelligence features to this compact tablet for the first time. This means new functionalities like the enhanced Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and more will be available on the device, although not all features may be accessible at launch.
Additionally, the iPad Mini 7 is likely to start with a base storage of 128GB, similar to the new iPad Air, a notable upgrade from the current model’s 64GB. The pricing is expected to remain competitive, starting at $499, the same as the existing model.
Display Improvements
The iPad Mini 6 encountered a display issue referred to as “jelly scrolling,” where one half of the screen refreshes at a different rate than the other, resulting in a jarring scrolling experience. While unconfirmed, there are rumors that Apple may address this issue with the upcoming generation.
Stage Manager Compatibility?
Apple introduced a new windowing system called Stage Manager with iPadOS 16, initially requiring the M1 chip for full functionality. Following some feedback, Apple extended support to the A12X and A12Z iPad Pros, although those models didn’t gain support for external displays. However, no other A-series iPads have received this feature since then.
There’s a strong possibility that the new iPad Mini will support Stage Manager. Given that the A18 chip significantly outperforms the M1 in benchmarks, it’s well-equipped to handle the feature. The decision to implement it may hinge on Apple’s vision for the user experience on a smaller display.
One of my colleagues, Filipe, demonstrated what Stage Manager could look like on the iPad Mini, and I believe it’s a viable feature that Apple should consider for users seeking a more flexible multitasking experience.
Conclusion
Overall, the upcoming iPad Mini refresh may appear minor, but it holds substantial significance. As an iPad Mini enthusiast, I’m eager to see how Apple incorporates these updates and introduces new Apple Intelligence features.
Are you excited about the new iPad Mini? What features do you hope Apple will include? Share your thoughts in the comments!
