iPad mini 7: Specifications, release date

Apple's smallest iPad received a significant update in late 2021. The sixth-generation iPad mini impressed with a complete redesign featuring a larger display, Touch ID on the power button, USB-C instead of Lightning, and an updated front camera. This was the first major design change since the iPad mini's introduction in 2012.

In 2022, the mini marked its 10th anniversary without any updates, and there were no updates in 2023 either. However, rumors suggest that the seventh-generation iPad mini is preparing for release in 2024. It has been more than two years since the sixth-generation iPad mini launched in September 2021. Based on the release dates of other iPad mini models, an update in fall 2023 would have been logical. However, since there was no new iPad mini in 2023, a release in spring 2024 at Apple's March or April event is possible, but we might have to wait even longer.

### Expectations for iPad mini 7

Back in December 2022, respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that a new iPad mini wouldn't arrive until late 2023 or early 2024. As of November 2023, Kuo adjusted his forecast: he now believes the seventh-generation iPad mini won't appear until the second half of 2024. In a year without any iPad updates, it seems Apple is too occupied with its new Vision Pro headset to focus on its tablet.

### Price of iPad mini 7

The arrival of the redesigned sixth-generation iPad mini brought a $100 price increase over the previous model to $499. The price increased even more outside the US, including in the UK, where it rose by £90 a few months after launch. However, considering the price drop of the iPhone 15 worldwide after the price hikes in 2021/2022 outside the US, it's possible that prices may decrease in some markets.

- iPad mini sixth generation: $499/£479 (now £569 in the UK)
- iPad mini fifth generation: $399/£379

Since the iPad mini 7 will be similar to the iPad mini 6, we expect the price to remain the same for the seventh generation, although we hope to see more favorable prices globally.

### Specifications of iPad mini 7

There is anticipation that the new iPad mini will feature a more impressive processor than it currently has. We also hope for some minor internal improvements. The iPad mini 6 offers the A15 Bionic chip, like the iPhone 13, mini, Pro, and Max, although this chip runs at a lower frequency than in the iPhone 13 series.

- iPad Pro: M2. The next generation is expected to feature the M3 chip.
- iPad Air (5th generation): M1. The next generation is expected to feature the M2 chip.
- iPad mini (6th generation): A15 chip, like the iPhone 13 series. The next generation is expected to feature the A16 chip, like the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15.
- iPad (10th generation): A14 chip, like the iPhone 12 series. The next generation is expected to feature the A16 chip, like the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15.
- iPad (9th generation): A13, like the iPhone 11 series.

Kuo reported in December that the main advantage of the iPad mini 7 would be a new processor. He didn't specify which processor at the time, but it is now expected to be the A16 chip, which is in the iPhone 14 Pro and Max and the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.