Apple finally announced a new iPad mini — you can preorder it now
PREORDER: The new iPad mini (2024) is available for preorder through the Apple Store as of Oct. 15. The 128GB model starts at $499 and will start shipping on Oct. 23.
You'd think at the frequency Apple debuts iPhones and MacBooks, we wouldn't have to wait three years for a new iPad model, and yet, the iPad mini hasn't seen a refresh since 2021. We'd long speculated that a new iPad mini was coming, but several Apple events passed without any news. So imagine our surprise when Apple quietly dropped the announcement that we're finally getting a new iPad mini next week.
Our favorite iPad for reading is getting an upgrade from the inside out. The 7th generation iPad mini comes with the upgraded A17 chip, giving a 30 percent power boost from the previous generation. However, what that chip really unlocks is Apple Intelligence. The brand has been doubling down on AI in all its latest product drops, and the iPad mini is no different.
Later this month, all users with A17, M1, and later devices will get an update that includes new Apple Intelligence features including a writing assistant, Image Playground and Image Wand to generate images, and ChatGPT integration.
The new iPad mini is now compatible with the latest Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) and supports Bluetooth keyboards (no mention of the iPad mini finally getting its own Magic Keyboard.)
The iPad mini comes in four colors: space gray, blue, purple, and starlight. Models start at 128GB of storage, with 256GB and 512GB options also available. Preorders through the Apple Store are live with models shipping as soon as Oct. 23.