Apple unveils new iPad mini with A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence

The first set of Apple Intelligence features will be available later this month

Image:

Apple unveils new iPad mini with A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence. Source: Apple

Apple on Tuesday unveiled the next generation of the iPad Mini, with new AI features aimed at boosting productivity and simplifying workflows.

Powered by the advanced A17 Pro chip, the new iPad Mini is the first in its series to support Apple's upcoming Apple Intelligence suite.

Originally introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro, the A17 Pro chip brings a significant performance upgrade to the iPad Mini, offering faster processing speeds, enhanced graphics performance and greater efficiency for handling demanding applications.

Apple has said that advanced processors are essential to run Apple Intelligence. The first set of Apple Intelligence features will be available later this month with the US English version of iPadOS 18.1, for iPads equipped with the A17 Pro, M1 chip or newer models.

According to the company, Apple Intelligence delivers context-aware suggestions while ensuring user privacy.

This personalised intelligence system offers a variety of features, including:

Writing tools for rewriting, proofreading and summarising text across apps like Mail, Notes, Pages, and supported third-party applications.
Enhanced Siri to enable users enjoy more natural, flexible interactions with Siri, featuring improved language comprehension, context awareness, and the option to type commands.
Improved Memories to easily create custom movie memories by typing a description, and using the new Clean Up tool to remove unwanted objects from photos.

Apple plans to roll out more AI-powered features in the coming months, including Image Playground, Image Wand, Genmoji, Personalised Siri and integration with ChatGPT.

New iPad Mini

With a 30% faster CPU and a 25% faster GPU compared to its predecessor, the new iPad Mini should allow faster photo editing, gaming and augmented reality use cases.

It also features faster Wi-Fi 6E and 5G connectivity, for faster downloads and streaming. And its upgraded USB-C port supports data transfers of up to 10Gbps.

The 12MP wide rear camera captures photos with Smart HDR 4, while AI-powered features automatically detect and scan documents within the Camera app. For video calls, there’s a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and the Center Stage tracking feature.

The Apple Pencil Pro features pressure sensitivity and roll gestures for precise control.

"There is no other device in the world like iPad mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultraportable design," said Bob Borchers, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

"iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private. With the powerful A17 Pro chip, faster connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad mini delivers the full iPad experience in our most portable design at an incredible value."

With a UK starting price of £499, the iPad Mini will begin shipping to customers and will be available in Apple Stores and through Apple Authorised Resellers starting 23rd October.