Apple quietly announced its new iPad mini (2024) through a straightforward press release. The iPad mini (2024) gets a minor update, with the main change being the A17 Pro chip from last year’s iPhone 15 Pro. It replaces the 2021 model and will receive Apple Intelligence with iPadOS 18.1 later this month.
Aside from the upgraded chip, the new iPad mini now starts with 128GB of storage, doubling the previous 64GB base. It also gets better connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a faster USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port. The mini now supports the Apple Pencil Pro and comes in a new Blue color, alongside Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray.
The rest of the specs remain the same, with the familiar 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, offering a 1,488 x 2,266 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The refresh rate stays capped at 60Hz since Apple reserves ProMotion (120Hz) for its Pro models. The 12MP front and rear cameras come from the previous mini, but now take advantage of the improved image signal processor in the A17 Pro chip, adding support for Smart HDR 4.
The new iPad mini sticks with trusty Touch ID for unlocking and app purchases, along with the same 19.3-watt-hour battery, which Apple says will give you up to 10 hours of browsing or video watching over Wi-Fi. In the box, you’ll find a 20W USB-C power adapter.
Apple is also introducing a new Smart Folio case for $59.
The new iPad mini (2024) starts at $499 (around ₱28,400) for the 128GB Wi-Fi only model, while the cellular version is priced at $649 (around ₱36,900). Pre-orders are open today, with shipments and in-store sales beginning on October 23.
