Apple is set to unveil two new iPad models this fall, possibly at its annual iPhone keynote next month. This includes a new 11th generation entry-level iPad and the 7th generation mini. Both models haven’t been updated in over two years, so a refresh is definitely overdue.
iPad (11th generation)
The iPad’s last update in October 2022 was its biggest redesign since 2017. It introduced a flat-sided design in various colors, switched to USB-C, added landscape stereo speakers, and was the first iPad with a landscape selfie camera. It launched at $449.
iPad mini (7th generation)
The iPad mini last got a refresh in September 2021, which was its biggest redesign since the model was first introduced in 2012. The 6th generation brought in a flat-sided design (though with fewer fun colors than the iPad 10), switched to USB-C, and added support for the Apple Pencil 2.
Being the oldest in the lineup, the iPad mini lacks features like a landscape front-facing camera and Apple Pencil Pro support. The 7th generation refresh will likely include these, although the camera might stay in portrait orientation. Apple Pencil Pro support seems certain.
The iPad mini is also expected to upgrade to the latest A18 chipset, bringing Apple Intelligence features like the new Siri, Genmoji, and Image Playground, though not all features may be available at launch.
The 6th generation mini had a “jelly scrolling” issue with uneven screen refresh rates. Rumors suggest this might be fixed in the next generation.
The 7th generation mini is expected to start with 128GB of storage, up from 64GB, and likely retain the $499 starting price.
Stage Manager?
Apple introduced a new windowing system called Stage Manager in iPadOS 16, initially requiring an M1 chip or newer. After backlash, support was added for A12X and A12Z iPad Pros, but without external display support. Since then, no other A-series iPads have received this feature.
There’s a good chance Stage Manager will come to the new iPads. The A16 chip should support it, and the A17 and A18 chips definitely can. Adding Stage Manager would make the new iPads more appealing, though this is just speculation.
Overall, these devices refreshes might seem minor, but they’re still significant. As an mini fan myself, I’m excited about getting a new version with Apple Intelligence. It would also be great to have Stage Manager on the smaller iPad.
