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Despite a number of Apple events this year, the iPad mini 7 remains an elusive but expected addition to Apple’s lineup.
The compact 8″ tablet range — still frozen with the 6th gen iPad mini from 2021 — makes a brilliant addition to a home. It is bigger than a smartphone yet easier to take out and about than its big brothers.
We hoped to see the iPad mini 7 launch alongside the iPhone 16 range in September 2024, but Apple did not grace us with a small-sized package.
Neither did the mini launch alongside the latest iPad models like the iPad Pro 2024 and iPad Air 6. But rest assured, a refresh is expected soon — perhaps in time for Apple Intelligence.
Techopedia brings together everything we know about the iPad mini 7 release date, features, colors, and price — let’s hope Apple doesn’t leave fans of the smaller size hanging too much longer.
When Will the Apple iPad Mini 7 Be Released?
Expected Release Date: October 2024
The iPad Mini 2024 release date is expected in October. While Apple keeps its cards close to its chest, signs point to another incoming Apple event.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who is normally close to the truth, expects an October event featuring the 7th gen iPad Mini — along with potentially a Mac Mini and an M4 MacBook Pro.
There are also new iPads in the works, including an upgraded mini. They’re on deck for Apple’s October event alongside the M4 Macs. https://t.co/F0iRgsxMOS
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 6, 2024
An iPad Mini 7 launch in October is supported by reports that say that the 2021 iPad mini model — the last mini model released — has limited stock left.
Many Apple stores are low on stock of the iPad mini in several configs, while the device is considered “constrained” internally within Apple, I’m told. That *could* be a sign a new one is coming. It hasn’t been updated since 2021. Wouldn’t be surprised to see it updated for AI.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) August 26, 2024
Trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that mass production of the iPad mini is due to start in the second half of 2024.
It is not impossible that shipment will be delayed until November or nearer Christmas 2024. But production troubles usually get noticed, and it seems quiet on the supply chain side at the moment. We give a tentative nod to October.
Apple iPad Mini 7: Design and Build
Processor Upgrade
The iPad mini 6 was released in September 2021 with a fresh new design, an A15 Bionic chip, and 5G connectivity. But in a world where iPad Pros have M4 chips and more RAM than MacBooks, the specs of the iPad mini have not aged well.
Apple has added its M1, M2, and M4 chips across its iPad range, whereas the iPad mini 6 currently uses the A15 Bionic, which many will remember from the iPhone 13.
So, a processor upgrade is long overdue, and the iPad mini 7 specs need a boost.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPad mini 7 will feature a processor upgrade, potentially the A16 or A17 Pro chip. However, as an eternal optimist, I am hopeful it will include at least an M1 or M2 chip to align it with everything else in the iPad family.
If an A17 Pro comes inside, it opens the door for Apple Intelligence. A mini with artificial intelligence? Count us in.
Display Improvements
The new mini iPad 2024 edition is expected to retain its LCD screen rather than upgrading to a 120Hz ProMotion or OLED screen, which are reserved for Apple’s high-end tablets like the iPad Pro.
Instead, Apple plans to address the “jelly scrolling” issue, a notable flaw in the current iPad mini 6, through design tweaks such as rotating the display assembly. This issue, particularly evident when scrolling through text in portrait mode, gives the illusion of one side of the screen refreshing faster than the other.
By implementing these changes, Apple aims to improve visual stability without significantly overhauling the display technology.
Camera Enhancements
Although not a focus for the iPad mini, it will likely see updates to its camera after several years without an upgrade.
Rumored improvements include a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front-facing camera. It’s too early to know for sure, but early iPad mini 7 rumors suggest that it might incorporate features like Photonic Engine and ProRes video recording.
Unchanged Design
Following the iPad mini 6 design overhaul, the iPad mini 7 is expected to retain the same design. This includes the all-screen look with squared-off edges, which aligns with Apple’s current design language across its devices.
Storage Options
Apple is expected to continue offering a base model with 64GB of internal storage, with a higher-end 256GB option also available, aligning with its typical storage offerings.
Battery Life
While the iPad mini’s compact size limits battery capacity, Apple is expected to optimize battery life, potentially matching or slightly exceeding the 8-hour usage seen in the current model.
New Colors
While the design remains the same, new color options may be introduced. Speculated shades include those similar to the latest iPad models, such as cool colors like yellow or a deep, wine-like red.
2H24 iPhone 16系列機殼顏色預測
iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max：黑色、白色 (或銀色)、灰色 (應該是原色鈦金屬)、玫瑰
iPhone 16 & 16 Plus：黑色、綠色、粉紅、藍色、白色Apple可能對顏色會有不同的稱呼 (如先前稱呼白色為星光色)。此外，即便顏色名稱與既有機種相同，但看起來可能會不一樣。
–…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 19, 2024
iPad Mini 1-7: All Models Compared
Apple iPad Mini 7 Price
Expected Price: $499
Price rumors for the Apple iPad mini 7 predictably point to a $499 entry point for the Wi-Fi model, similar to the iPad mini 6.
The Wi-Fi + Cellular version is expected to begin at $649. Apple is unlikely to raise the price significantly for an iterative release, keeping the iPad mini 7 within a familiar and accessible price range.
Should I Wait For the iPad Mini 7?
Whether it’s worth the wait for a new iPad mini 2024 edition depends on how desperate you are to get a new compact tablet.
While the iPad mini 7 won’t feature major upgrades like an OLED screen or 120Hz ProMotion, the enhancements could still be significant if you’re using an older model or considering a switch from a larger iPad.
But if you already own the iPad mini 6 or another tablet you’re satisfied with, you won’t find many reasons to upgrade.
However, if you are looking for an affordable entry point, the current iPad mini 6 prices are dropping fast, offering a cost-effective alternative for those eager to upgrade now.
The Bottom Line
Whether the iPad mini 7 is the right purchase for you depends on your current devices and future needs. For example, if you buy a 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max later this year, you will get little value from an 8.3-inch iPad mini 7. So the big question is, who is the core audience for the mini iPad?
The Apple product range is beginning to look crowded with four different iPads, five iPhones, and a long list of MacBooks. But ultimately, it’s all about giving users options, and as Steve Jobs once said, “If you don’t cannibalize yourself, someone else will.”
With Apple, it is always a mystery box until launch. So chances are we won’t know the full specs until the iPad mini 7 release date is upon us.
But those of us who like compact tablets will find the wait worthwhile.
