iPad Mini 7 Rumors: What to Expect from Apple’s Next Compact Tablet
Apple is anticipated to unveil a new iPad mini later this month, marking its first update in three years. The keynote event is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with the iPad mini’s official release scheduled for November 1st.
The last major refresh of the iPad mini occurred in September 2021, representing the most significant redesign since the device’s debut in 2012. The 6th generation model introduced a sleek, flat-sided design, transitioned to USB-C for charging and data transfer, and added support for the Apple Pencil 2, further enhancing its appeal to creatives and tech enthusiasts alike.
Anticipated Improvements for the iPad Mini 7
As the oldest model in Apple’s current iPad lineup, the iPad mini has some features missing that are found in newer iPads, such as a landscape front-facing camera and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. With the expected release of the 7th generation, both of these upgrades will probably be included. However, while Apple is likely to add the landscape camera, there’s a possibility it may not be moved due to the iPad mini’s primary use in portrait orientation. Support for the Apple Pencil Pro, on the other hand, seems almost inevitable.
Enhanced Performance and Specs
The iPad mini 7 will likely feature the latest A18 chipset, bringing Apple’s advanced AI and computational features to the device for the first time. This upgrade means users will be able to take advantage of new capabilities such as enhanced Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and more—although some features may be rolled out gradually.
In terms of storage, the iPad mini 7 is expected to start with 128GB, doubling the current base storage of 64GB. It’s also likely to maintain the same starting price of $499, aligning with the current iPad mini’s pricing.
May you also like it:
These Simple Accessories Will Elevate Your Macbook Experience
Use Hrv With Apple Watch And Iphone
Here How To Block Texts On Iphone In A Few Taps
Display Improvements
The iPad mini 6 introduced a stunning display but also faced a notable issue called “jelly scrolling.” This phenomenon, where one side of the screen refreshes faster than the other, caused uneven scrolling for some users. While unconfirmed, there are rumors that Apple will address this issue in the 7th generation model, improving the overall display experience.
Stage Manager Support?
Introduced with iPadOS 16, Stage Manager is Apple’s new multitasking feature that enables windowed apps and more robust multitasking on iPads. Initially, Stage Manager required an M1 chip or newer, but after some user feedback, Apple extended support to the A12X and A12Z chips on iPad Pro models. However, those devices lacked support for external displays.
With the iPad mini 7 expected to feature the A18 chip—significantly more potent than the A12X or A12Z—it’s highly likely that the device could handle Stage Manager, even on a smaller screen. While the feature was initially designed for larger displays, there’s a compelling case for Apple to include it for users who would appreciate the enhanced multitasking experience, even on the mini’s compact form factor. One of my colleagues, Filipe, even demonstrated how Stage Manager could work on the iPad mini, and I believe it would be a valuable addition for those who want it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the iPad Mini 7 be released?
The iPad Mini 7 is expected to be unveiled later this month, with an official release date likely set for November 1st, 2024. This would mark the first refresh of the iPad Mini in three years.
Will the iPad Mini 7 support Stage Manager?
There’s a strong possibility that the iPad Mini 7 will gain support for Stage Manager, Apple’s multitasking feature introduced in iPadOS 16. The A18 chip is more than capable of handling Stage Manager, and while it was originally designed for larger screens, there is a growing expectation that Apple will extend it to the iPad Mini. However, it remains to be seen whether Apple will implement it, given the smaller display size.
Will the jelly scrolling issue be fixed?
The iPad Mini 6 faced a “jelly scrolling” issue, where the display’s left and right halves refreshed at different speeds, causing uneven scrolling. Although unconfirmed, there are rumors that Apple will address this issue in the iPad Mini 7, delivering a smoother, more consistent display experience.
What will the pricing be?
The iPad Mini 7 is expected to start at $499, the same base price as the current iPad Mini 6. This price point will likely include 128GB of storage, a notable increase over the previous base storage of 64GB.
Will the iPad Mini 7 still have the same design?
While major design changes aren’t expected, the iPad Mini 7 will likely retain the flat-sided design introduced with the iPad Mini 6. This design matches the aesthetic of newer iPads, including the iPad Air and iPad Pro. The form factor will likely remain compact and portable, with a screen size around 8.3 inches.
Can we expect a significant camera upgrade?
While the iPad Mini 7 is expected to retain a similar rear camera to its predecessor, improvements in image processing are likely thanks to the new A18 chip. However, no major camera upgrades are expected for the front or rear cameras beyond the repositioning of the front camera for landscape use.
Will the iPad Mini 7 be compatible with existing accessories?
The iPad Mini 7 is expected to maintain compatibility with existing accessories such as the Apple Pencil 2 and the Smart Folio cases. As for new accessories, it’s unclear if Apple will release any new products tailored specifically to the iPad Mini 7.
Conclusion
The iPad Mini 7 is shaping up to be a noteworthy update, offering significant improvements over its predecessor while retaining the compact and portable design that has made the iPad Mini so popular. With the introduction of the A18 chipset, enhanced multitasking capabilities like Stage Manager, and the likely inclusion of features such as Apple Pencil Pro support, the iPad Mini 7 is poised to deliver a more powerful and versatile experience.
In terms of design, the iPad Mini will likely stay true to the sleek, flat-sided look introduced with the iPad Mini 6, with potential tweaks to address the “jelly scrolling” issue that some users experienced with the display. The increase in base storage to 128GB and continued USB-C support are additional signs that Apple is focusing on making the iPad Mini a more robust and capable device for a wider range of users.
