Apple has officially announced the 2024 version of its iPad Mini – not with a bang but rather a whisper in the form of a press release – revealing some significant upgrades under its familiar small form factor. The newest iteration of the compact tablet is powered by the A17 Bionic chip — Apple’s latest, which is designed to bring AI-powered performance and efficiency to a device already known for its portability.
“There is no other device in the world like iPad mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultraportable design. iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With the powerful A17 Pro chip, faster connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad mini delivers the full iPad experience in our most portable design at an incredible value.”
The A17 Bionic chip stands out as the most notable upgrade in this year’s iPad Mini. While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, the internals get a major boost. This processor is expected to improve everything from app performance to multitasking, making it more efficient than ever for everyday use. The chip is also equipped with machine learning capabilities that adapt to user behaviour, making the tablet smarter and faster in how it responds to commands and runs applications.
Apple has also made subtle but meaningful changes to other areas. The camera system has been upgraded with a 12MP Ultra Wide front-facing camera, which now features Center Stage. This technology automatically adjusts during video calls, keeping you in the frame even if you’re on the move — an ideal feature for people who rely on video conferencing or content creators who need a more dynamic setup. The rear camera also delivers 12MP with 4K video recording capabilities.
Connectivity has been improved as well. The new iPad Mini supports Wi-Fi 6E and 5G, ensuring faster internet speeds, while Apple continues its shift towards USB-C for charging and data transfer. These are welcome upgrades, especially for users who need a fast and reliable connection on the go.
What hasn’t been confirmed yet, however, is the pricing for South Africa. Given that the iPhone 16 series launched at a lower price than the iPhone 15 series in South Africa, there’s a glimmer of hope that the iPad Mini might follow a similar trend. If it does, that could make it an even more attractive option for those eyeing an upgrade.
While the new iPad Mini doesn’t revolutionise the tablet world, it offers a series of key improvements that maintain its status as one of the most powerful small tablets on the market. The real test will come when users can get their hands on it and see how well the A17 chip’s AI features translate to real-world performance.
