New iPad mini gets a faster processor and twice the storage

By Alex Choros

Last updated 16 October 2024

Apple has refreshed the iPad mini for the first time since 2021's big redesign, with the new model available to pre-order from today.

The new iPad mini shares its overall aesthetic with the 2021 model, but has a few notable under-the-hood changes. The big one is it's now powered by an A17 Pro chipset - the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

This is important for two reasons. The first is gaming. The A17 Pro means the new iPad mini is fast enough to run AAA games such as Resident Evil and Death Stranding. Secondly, the new iPad mini will support Apple Intelligence features when it launches in December locally.

Other key improvements include 128GB of storage in the base model (up from 64GB), support for the Apple Pencil Pro, and an upgraded 12MP rear camera. The new iPad mini also supports the cheaper USB-C Apple Pencil, but not the first or second-generation Apple Pencils.

Apple is now taking iPad mini pre-orders ahead of an October 23 release date. Pricing starts at $799 for a 128GB model. That's $50 more than the launch price of a 64GB 2021 iPad mini.

Adding 5G connectivity will take the price to $1,049. Much like the new iPad Pro and new iPad Air, the new iPad mini no longer has a physical SIM card. This means you'll need a plan from a provider that has data-only eSIM plans. These include Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, amaysim, Lebara, Tangerine, and More.

You can also get the iPad mini in 256GB or 512GB models, with starting prices of $979 and $1,329, respectively. This marks the first time Apple has offered a 512GB iPad mini.

The new iPad mini is available in space grey, blue, purple, and starlight.

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