Adam Kos There are few things where Apple is more inconsistent than when introducing the new generation iPad mini. Although we already have 6 generations of it here, it has been almost 11 years since the very first one arrived. So can we look forward to the fact that Apple is preparing an iPad mini 7 for us?
The iPad mini received its last major update in September 2021, when it switched to a new frameless design, i.e. one that no longer includes the Surface button - the iconic Home Button. The previous 5th generations basically shared the same appearance, which differed only minimally and the internals, i.e. the chip and cameras, were improved in particular. With the 6th generation came USB-C instead of Lightning and support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.
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When did Apple introduce the iPad mini?
- 1st generation: October 23, 2012
- 2st generation: October 22, 2013
- 3st generation: October 16, 2014
- 4th generation: September 9, 2015
- 5th generation: March 18, 2019
- 6th generation: September 14, 2021
September marks two years since the introduction of the 6th generation. Generations 5 and 6 were separated by a long 29 months, but we waited a record long time for the 5th generation, namely 3 and a half years. Therefore, it is actually impossible to say with certainty when we will see the 7th generation. It can happen with the iPhone 15 in September, at a special event in October, but also only in the spring of next year. This is also due to the fact that the rumors about its arrival are very tepid, or that there are no specifications that should concern the new iPad mini. Leaks traditionally herald the arrival of a new model, be it an iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch or iPad.
Ming-Chi Kuo first mentioned the iPad mini 7 in December 2022, in the context that Apple should already be working on this model and should present it in late 2023 or early 2024. Now ShrimpApplePro has confirmed it on his Twitter. In contrast, Bloomberg rather mentions the new generation iPad Air. The mini has a difficult position in that it is a very specific product due to its size. But it certainly has a more successful history than, for example, iPhones with the nickname mini, with which Apple lasted only two generations.
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What will the news actually bring?
Whether the iPad mini 7 comes in the near or distant future, it will certainly be based on the current 6th generation, which is still young in terms of design. Given its target group and the price it has to keep below the iPad Air, one cannot expect any drastic improvements in specifications. We could wish for a better display and chip from the M series, but the only thing we might get is the chip from the iPhone 15/15 Pro, i.e. theoretically the A17 Bionic. If the capabilities of the top Pro series do not penetrate even into the basic Apple tablet series, the company has nowhere to push them.
I think that the new iPad mini will come with a processor that will already be made with a 3nm process and maybe bring a micro LED display, maybe even 120hz, otherwise it doesn't make sense to me. In theory, they could even put an M1 processor there...