iPad mini 7 is revealed with OLED and A20 Pro chip
It may not be able to fold, but the iPad mini 8 is the smallest tablet available that runs iPadOS. Here’s what’s new.
Apple has finally revealed the updated iPad mini with a new processor. Rumors have been swirling about this device since the seventh-generation model was revealed in 2024.
It is an interesting announcement since it arrives only days after iPhone Duo started shipping to customers. The iPad mini is a tablet with a now slightly larger 8.5-inch display, while the iPhone Duo can unfold into a tablet-like device with a 7.6-inch display.
Clearly, Apple isn’t afraid of cannibalization here. That said, the iPad mini isn’t going to appeal to those that purchased iPhone Duo even if it provides a different experience.
What’s new with iPad mini 8
The A20 Pro chipset ensures the iPad mini 8 will run without any issue for its serviceable life. It remains to be seen if Apple will continue to produce iPad mini or if it could be supplanted by iPhone Duo or a future foldable.
Apple has also included OLED in the iPad mini for the first time. Testing will determine if we’re still going to notice jelly scrolling.
The new iPad mini supports both Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro.
The iPad mini 8 also features the Center Stage selfie camera that is centered on the long horizontal edge. The design change brings it in line with other iPad models, plus it retains compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro.
Another boon in the new model is the water and dust resistance rating of IP67. Apple didn’t assign a rating on previous iPad minis, so this should take some pressure off use near bodies of water.
However, that doesn’t mean iPad mini will survive being in a shower or bathroom with steam. These ingress ratings are for at-rest liquid water, not steam or sprays, so be careful even with this rating.
That said, a quick accidental dunk or spill shouldn’t break the iPad mini.
Networking specs have also seen a slight bump to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, as well as Thread. If you’re working with the latest accessories and routers, these specs will mean faster speeds and improved connectivity.
Cellular connectivity now uses Apple’s C2 modem, with 5G sub-6GHz support and Gigabit LTE.
How to buy iPad mini 8
Apple’s iPad mini 8 starts at $699 for 128GB of storage and can be upgraded to 256GB or 512GB. The 128GB and 256GB models have a five-core CPU with two super cores and three efficiency cores coupled with a 16-core neural engine.
The $999 512GB model has a six-core CPU, with two super cores and four efficiency cores, paired with a dual 16-core neural engine.
Cellular model price increases vary by configuration.
Preorders start on October 28. Shipments are expected to arrive on November 6.
Source: www.appleinsider.com
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