The iPad Mini is always a favorite when you want a smaller but very powerful tablet. However, the rumors about the iPad Mini 7 are causing many to wonder whether it’s worth waiting for. Will there be fantastic new features or a small update of what we already know?
This article will explore all we know about the iPad Mini 7. We’ll examine expected features, possible release dates, and how it compares with the iPad Mini 6. You’ll know whether to wait for it or get the current model by the end.
The Legacy of the iPad Mini
The iPad Mini was launched in 2012 as a miniature, portable version of the standard iPad. Since then, Apple has refreshed the Mini yearly, introducing better screen resolution and enhanced processors with each generation. In 2021, the iPad Mini reached its sixth generation. It became a powerhouse while still keeping its small, portable size.
This means the iPad Mini 6’s size hit considerably due to its excellent balance between size and power. It arrived with an A15 chip, which was fast, meaning all the multitasking, gaming, and other apps ran perfectly. It also refreshed the port by changing to USB-C instead of being faster for charging and providing more excellent compatibility.
Due to 5G support, users could surf the internet at high speeds and stream content without being connected to Wi-Fi. These attributes made the iPad Mini 6 popular among users who desired a compact yet capable tablet.
iPad Mini 7: What We Know So Far
Release Date: iPad Mini 7 release will likely be in late 2024, though reported to go on until late early 2025, considering the delays.
Price: The iPad Mini 7’s price will be around $499, the same as that of the iPad Mini 6, allowing for easy comparison with its precursor.
Specs:
- Processor: It will likely have the A17 chip, making it faster and better at handling advanced features like AI.
- RAM and Storage: We’ll find more up to 4GB to 8 GB. Storage will start from 128 GB and go up to 512GB, depending on whether they have sufficient space for apps and files.
- Camera: Both front and back cameras will have 12 MP and improvements for better video recording.
- Design: The design will remain the same. It’s still an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, hopefully with new color options.
- Display: “Jelly scrolling” will no longer be a problem in iPad Mini 6. However, don’t expect the ProMotion (120Hz) and OLED screens to be compatible with this model; those will likely wait for future models.
The Drawbacks of Waiting
- Delayed Release: If it gets postponed to early 2025, it could be frustrating for people who need a tablet. Waiting for months might not be ideal if your current device is slow or not working well. Those needing an upgrade soon may not want to hold off for such a long time.
- Marginal Upgrades: A few significant changes are expected compared to the iPad Mini 6. Having upgraded so much with the 6th generation, the 7th generation might only constitute minor upgrades, such as a chip speed. It won’t have an OLED or ProMotion display, so the upgrade might not feel as exciting for some.
- Price Consistency: While it will carry the latest spec, this is expected to cost the same as the Mini 6. For some users, slight upgrades may not warrant waiting if the iPad Mini 6 already does what they require the tablets to do. The exact price will make it hard to justify staying in line with the new model.
Comparing iPad Mini 6 and iPad Mini 7
| Feature | iPad Mini 6 | iPad Mini 7 (Rumored) |
| Release Date | September 2021, | Late 2024 or Early 2025 |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A17 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB (Rumored) |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (Rumored) |
| Display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina, 60Hz | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina, 60Hz (No OLED) |
| Camera | 12MP rear, 12MP front | 12MP rear, 12MP front |
| Connectivity | 5G support, Wi-Fi 6 | 5G support, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Similar to iPad Mini 6 (Rumored) |
| Special Features | Touch ID, 2nd-gen Apple Pencil support | Touch ID, Improved AI features |
| Price | $499 | $499 (Rumored) |
Conclusion
iPad Mini 7 will run on the new A17 processor, with more RAM and enhanced storage. The design and display will remain the same. The jelly scrolling issue could be fixed, which is a much-needed improvement. Upgrades may feel less significant than the iPad Mini 5 and 6th generation. If you’re a power user, you’ll appreciate the performance. The A17 chip with additional RAM will be great for your needs.
For one-time users, the improvements are not worth the wait. The iPad Mini 6 is already performing well and is offered at a discounted price. If you need a tablet today, the iPad Mini 6 remains the best in the market. If you are looking for future-proofing, waiting for the Mini 7 might be the best decision. It will likely receive longer software updates and better AI integration.
FAQs
When is the iPad Mini 7 expected to be released?
The new iPad Mini 7 will be released at the end of 2024, so a delay may appear as early as 2025. This would then raise a precedent for the release of Apple’s previous products.
Will the iPad Mini 7 have a significant design change?
There are no major design updates. It will probably retain the same 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display but come in a new color option.
How much will the iPad Mini 7 cost?
It is expected to cost around $499, similar to the present iPad Mini 6. Uniform pricing would make it easier to compare both models.
What improvements will the iPad Mini 7 have over the iPad Mini 6?
The iPad Mini 7 will probably have a faster A17, more RAM, and even better storage options. It will also try to handle the “jelly scrolling” issue in the iPad Mini 6.
Is it worth waiting for the iPad Mini 7 if I need a tablet now?
If you need it now, the iPad Mini 6 remains a great choice with solid performance. Still, you can wait and want the latest and only the latest. In that case, you may be better off waiting for the iPad Mini 7 if you’re upgrading for its enhanced AI and processing capabilities.
Will the iPad Mini 7 have ProMotion or an OLED display?
No, there is no expectation of ProMotion or an OLED screen. Such upgrades probably fall under later models, perhaps in 2026.