New iPad Mini vs iPad Mini 2021: 5 big upgrades

Apple has unveiled the iPad Mini 7th generation, bringing substantial upgrades like the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence, expanded storage options and more over the 2021 model.

In Short

• Apple has launched its iPad Mini 7th generation with A17 Pro chip
• The new gen iPad Mini also supports Apple Pencil Pro
• Apple is also offering iPad Mini with up to 512GB storage option

Apple’s iPad Mini series has always been a favourite for users who want to experience Apple’s iPadOS but at an affordable price range. The iPad Mini 6th generation was one of the top sellers but launched in 2021, there was a big gap of upgrades users were seeking for. However, Apple has finally launched its new iPad Mini 7th generation and this iPad continues to promise users a balance between portability and performance, bringing significant upgrades over the 2021 iPad Mini.

From the faster A17 Pro Chip, to support for Apple Intelligence and USB C port for charging, here is a breakdown of the five biggest upgrades in the new iPad Mini compared to its 2021 counterpart.

Performance boost with A17 Pro chip

One of the most significant changes in the iPad Mini 7 is the performance boost with the A17 Pro chip. The A17 Pro promises to deliver up to 30 per cent faster performance than the A15 Bionic found in the 2021 iPad Mini. This chip not only offers a performance upgrade but also brings upgraded graphics capabilities with ray tracing, a feature previously found only in more premium Apple devices.

Apple Intelligence

Another notable upgrade is the iPad Mini 7's support for Apple Intelligence through iPadOS 18. Though the iPad Mini 2021 will receive iPadOS 18 update, the new gen iPad Mini will get Apple’s new AI-driven suite. The Apple Intelligence features will allow new iPad Mini users to experience features like notification summary, clean up photo-editing tool and more.

Improved camera

The camera setup on the iPad Mini 7 has also got some upgrades, even though both models come equipped with 12 megapixel wide rear cameras. This upgraded difference lies in the software enhancements, as the new iPad Mini benefits from Smart HDR 4 and machine learning-powered improvements. These upgrades will allow 2024 launched iPad Mini offer better low-light performance, sharper details, and more vibrant colours, particularly when taking photos or scanning documents.

On the front, the iPad Mini 7 continues to feature a 12 megapixel ultra-wide camera with Centre Stage, but again, Apple has improved the Camera with machine learning upgrades. The camera software has also been optimised for video calls, allowing the camera to adjust and keep the user centred in the frame during movement.

Apple Pencil Pro with Hover support

The iPad Mini 7 is also compatible with Apple’s latest Apple Pencil Pro, offering more advanced stylus features than the standard Apple Pencil (USB-C) support on the iPad Mini 2021. With the Apple Pencil Pro, users will also get Hover Support, allowing the stylus to detect its position above the display.

Expanded storage

Apple has also expanded the storage options in the iPad Mini 7, offering a choice between 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, compared to the more limited 64GB and 256GB options in the iPad Mini 2021.