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iPad Mini 6 vs. iPad Mini 7 Buyer's Guide: 20 Upgrades Compared
Apple today revealed the seventh-generation iPad mini, introducing several significant upgrades that make it a standout from its predecessor. Here's everything that's new.
At the core of the new device is the A17 Pro chip, first introduced last year in the iPhone 15 Pro, which delivers faster CPU and GPU performance along with advanced graphics features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing. One of the most important additions is support for Apple Intelligence, unlocking new AI-driven features that could dramatically improve user experience. It's also worth noting that the device now starts with 128GB of storage, double the previous base capacity, with no increase in price.
Apple Pencil Pro with hover functionality for greater precision. A new Blue color also replaces Pink in the lineup. All of the differences between the sixth- and seventh-generation iPad mini models are listed below:
iPad mini
iPad mini
A15 Bionic chip (introduced with iPhone 13 in 2021, made with TSMC's 5nm N5P process)
A17 Pro chip (introduced with iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, made with TSMC's 3nm N3 process)
6-core CPU
6-core CPU (30% faster)
5-core GPU
5-core GPU (25% faster)
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
Hardware-accelerated mesh shading
4GB memory
8GB memory (unconfirmed, but likely)
Dynamic Caching
16-core Neural Engine
16-core Neural Engine (2x faster)
Apple Intelligence support
Smart HDR 3 for photos
Smart HDR 4 for photos
True Tone flash
New True Tone flash
Identify documents with AI
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
Nano-SIM or eSIM
eSIM only
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port (data transfers up to 5Gbps)
USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (2x faster with data transfers up to 10Gbps)
Supports Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Apple Pencil (second generation)
Supports Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Apple Pencil Pro
Apple Pencil hover
64GB or 256GB storage
128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Pink
Available in Space Gray, Starlight, lighter Purple, and Blue
iPad for demanding tasks such as creative work or intensive multitasking. The addition of hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading also enhances graphics performance, which is ideal for mobile gamers.
Siri that integrates ChatGPT and on-screen awareness and the ability to take action. This could be transformative for those who use their iPad for productivity.
The seventh-generation iPad mini also gains Apple Pencil hover and Apple Pencil Pro support, offering more precise control for drawing, writing, and graphic design. These upgrades make the new iPad mini particularly attractive for artists and professionals who use the Apple Pencil extensively. The new USB-C 3.0 port offers twice the data transfer speed of the sixth-generation iPad mini, making it a meaningful upgrade for users who frequently transfer large files between devices.
The improved Smart HDR 4 for photos and new True Tone flash enhances camera performance. While not revolutionary, it's a good improvement for those who use their iPad mini for photography and document scanning. Finally, the fresh Blue color adds a subtle aesthetic update, but of course, this is a matter of personal preference.
If you're a power user—someone who relies on their iPad for heavy multitasking, professional work with the Apple Pencil, or intensive graphics and gaming—the seventh-generation iPad mini's improvements in speed, Apple Intelligence support, and Pencil support could make a noticeable difference to your workflow and justify an upgrade.
For users intending to use their iPad mini for browsing, light productivity, streaming, and casual gaming, the improvements in the seventh generation may not feel as impactful. The core experience of iPadOS and apps will remain largely the same, with only moderate gains in speed and efficiency. If the sixth-generation iPad mini still handles all your needs—especially if you don't push it to its performance limits—the improvements in the seventh generation might not feel essential.
Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad
This article, "iPad Mini 6 vs. iPad Mini 7 Buyer's Guide: 20 Upgrades Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ipad-mini-6-vs-7/
Apple today revealed the seventh-generation iPad mini, introducing several significant upgrades that make it a standout from its predecessor. Here's everything that's new.
At the core of the new device is the A17 Pro chip, first introduced last year in the iPhone 15 Pro, which delivers faster CPU and GPU performance along with advanced graphics features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing. One of the most important additions is support for Apple Intelligence, unlocking new AI-driven features that could dramatically improve user experience. It's also worth noting that the device now starts with 128GB of storage, double the previous base capacity, with no increase in price.
Apple Pencil Pro with hover functionality for greater precision. A new Blue color also replaces Pink in the lineup. All of the differences between the sixth- and seventh-generation iPad mini models are listed below:
iPad mini
iPad mini
A15 Bionic chip (introduced with iPhone 13 in 2021, made with TSMC's 5nm N5P process)
A17 Pro chip (introduced with iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, made with TSMC's 3nm N3 process)
6-core CPU
6-core CPU (30% faster)
5-core GPU
5-core GPU (25% faster)
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing
Hardware-accelerated mesh shading
4GB memory
8GB memory (unconfirmed, but likely)
Dynamic Caching
16-core Neural Engine
16-core Neural Engine (2x faster)
Apple Intelligence support
Smart HDR 3 for photos
Smart HDR 4 for photos
True Tone flash
New True Tone flash
Identify documents with AI
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
Nano-SIM or eSIM
eSIM only
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port (data transfers up to 5Gbps)
USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (2x faster with data transfers up to 10Gbps)
Supports Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Apple Pencil (second generation)
Supports Apple Pencil (USB‑C) and Apple Pencil Pro
Apple Pencil hover
64GB or 256GB storage
128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage
Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Purple, and Pink
Available in Space Gray, Starlight, lighter Purple, and Blue
iPad for demanding tasks such as creative work or intensive multitasking. The addition of hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading also enhances graphics performance, which is ideal for mobile gamers.
Siri that integrates ChatGPT and on-screen awareness and the ability to take action. This could be transformative for those who use their iPad for productivity.
The seventh-generation iPad mini also gains Apple Pencil hover and Apple Pencil Pro support, offering more precise control for drawing, writing, and graphic design. These upgrades make the new iPad mini particularly attractive for artists and professionals who use the Apple Pencil extensively. The new USB-C 3.0 port offers twice the data transfer speed of the sixth-generation iPad mini, making it a meaningful upgrade for users who frequently transfer large files between devices.
The improved Smart HDR 4 for photos and new True Tone flash enhances camera performance. While not revolutionary, it's a good improvement for those who use their iPad mini for photography and document scanning. Finally, the fresh Blue color adds a subtle aesthetic update, but of course, this is a matter of personal preference.
If you're a power user—someone who relies on their iPad for heavy multitasking, professional work with the Apple Pencil, or intensive graphics and gaming—the seventh-generation iPad mini's improvements in speed, Apple Intelligence support, and Pencil support could make a noticeable difference to your workflow and justify an upgrade.
For users intending to use their iPad mini for browsing, light productivity, streaming, and casual gaming, the improvements in the seventh generation may not feel as impactful. The core experience of iPadOS and apps will remain largely the same, with only moderate gains in speed and efficiency. If the sixth-generation iPad mini still handles all your needs—especially if you don't push it to its performance limits—the improvements in the seventh generation might not feel essential.
Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad
This article, "iPad Mini 6 vs. iPad Mini 7 Buyer's Guide: 20 Upgrades Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ipad-mini-6-vs-7/