It has been nearly three years since the 6th generation iPad mini was released in September 2021 and is definitely due for an update. Rumors are suggesting that a new 7th-generation iPad mini is being developed. But when would it be released and how much would it cost? Read through this article to find answers to questions you may have regarding the iPad mini 7.
There’s been a lot of rumors about speculations about the new iPad mini. One thing is true: we likely won’t see significant upgrades like we did when moving from the 5th to the 6th generation. That transition brought several improvements, such as a larger display, the addition of 5G connectivity, Center Stage technology, and a switch to USB-C. Below is what we know so far:
iPad mini 7 Release Date
Hopes were high as many people thought that Apple would announce the release of the iPad mini 7 at the Apple event on September 9, 2024. Unfortunately, the iPad mini 7 wasn’t shown at the Apple event on September 9. But then, when is it going to be launched?
Since the iPad mini 7 didn’t come out at the September event, we are expecting it to be available in October or by the end of 2024. Keeping all possibilities open, some sources believe that it might be delayed until early 2025.
iPad mini 7 Price
The price of the new iPad mini is unlikely to differ from the current price of the 6th generation model. As of May 2024, the 6th generation iPad mini is priced at $499/£499. When the 7th generation model is launched, we expect it to maintain the same price point of $499/£499. This consistency in pricing suggests that Apple aims to keep the iPad mini accessible to its customers, despite any new features or updates.
iPad mini 7 Specs
| Storage Options | 64 GB and 256 GB |
| Operating System | iPadOS 18 |
| Chip | A17 |
| Colour Options | Pink, Starlight, Purple, and Space Gray |
| Display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display |
| Battery | 5124mAh lithium-polymer battery |
| Camera | 12MP Wide / 5x digital zoom |
| Video Recording | 4K, 1080p HD, and 720p HD video recording / cinematic video stabilization |
| FaceTime HD Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide / cinematic video stabilization / lens correction / Retina flash |
| Cellular and Wireless | 5G NR / FDD-LTE / TD-LTE / UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA / Wi-Fi calling |
| SIM Card | Nano-SIM / eSIM |
| Sensors | Touch ID / three-axis gyro/accelerometer / barometer / ambient light sensor |
iPad mini 7 Display
Unfortunately, there are no indications of an upgraded display for the iPad mini 7. The iPad mini 7 will continue to use the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2266 x 1488 pixels. While it would be great to have a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and responsiveness, Apple has consistently maintained a 60Hz refresh rate for all models except the Pro versions. This trend seems likely to continue with the new iPad mini. Rumors suggest that Apple is working on an iPad mini with a larger 8.7-inch OLED display. However, it seems this upgrade will not be part of the 7th generation model. The introduction of the iPad mini with an OLED screen is expected to take place in 2026, meaning the 7th generation will likely stick with the current display specifications.
Regarding display, one positive update we are sure of will address a major issue with the iPad mini 6’s screen: jelly scrolling. When you scroll up and down on the current model, you might see the content wobble because one side of the screen lags behind the other. The upcoming 7th generation iPad mini is expected to resolve this problem by featuring a new display controller that operates more quickly, ensuring everything stays aligned smoothly while scrolling.
iPad mini 7 Colors
We can expect the same color options for the new iPad mini: Pink, Starlight, Purple, and Space Gray. However, Apple could surprise us with additional color choices. Pastel shades like Blue or Yellow would be a wonderful addition, and a sleek Space Black version would be a dream come true for many.
iPad mini 7 Apple Intelligence
A significant focus for Apple moving forward is on AI technology. Using the A16 in the new iPad mini could limit its ability to support these AI features, which seems counterproductive given the importance of AI for the company. As such, the iPad mini 7 is more likely to include the A17 chip. This would essentially be a rebranding of the A17 Pro chip currently found in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which includes Neural Engine capabilities necessary for AI functionalities. This upgrade would align better with Apple’s future plans and enhance the iPad mini’s overall performance.
iPad mini 7 Storage and RAM
Apple has a history of offering lower storage capacities for base models, but it would be a smart decision to increase the entry-level storage of the 7th generation iPad mini to at least 128GB. As file sizes continue to grow due to higher-quality content and software, doubling the current 64GB would be a user-friendly upgrade. Additionally, there is a possibility of increasing the maximum storage option. Currently, the highest available storage for the iPad mini 6th generation is 256GB. Upgrading to 512GB would make sense, especially if the base model moves to 128GB. This would provide users with more flexibility and accommodate the increasing demand for storage.
Should I Wait for iPad mini 7 or Buy iPad mini 6 Now?
Deciding whether the iPad mini 7 is the right choice for you depends on your current device and what you need in the future. If you’re eager for a new compact and upgraded tablet, it might be worth waiting for the iPad mini 7. While it may not have major upgrades like an OLED screen or a 120Hz ProMotion display, the improvements could still be meaningful.
However, if you already have the iPad mini 6 or another tablet that meets your needs, there may not be many compelling reasons to upgrade. Also, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, prices for the current iPad mini 6 are dropping quickly. This makes it a cost-effective choice for those who want to upgrade right now.
