My favorite iPad, the iPad Mini 7, has just received a major update, filled with impressive upgrades such as increased storage and RAM, all while keeping the same price point. This is really exciting news! But the big question remains: should you upgrade to this new iPad Mini? Or should you wait a bit longer for something better? Or maybe consider buying a different iPad altogether? In this article, I’ll be breaking down everything that’s new and helping you make the right choice!
Here are New iPad Mini 7: 10 Major Upgrades
1. Apple doubled the storage : 64GB to 128GB
Upgrade number one: I honestly wasn’t expecting this, but Apple doubled the storage from 64GB to 128GB, a feature they usually reserve for their more expensive iPads. What’s even more surprising is that they didn’t raise the price—it’s still $499 with the upgraded storage! I was not expecting that. Bravo to Apple for delivering a solid update without hiking up the price yet again!
2. Doubled the RAM
Upgrade number two: We’ve also actually doubled the RAM from 4 GB previously to 8 GB, and that is a big deal because it’s going to help you with multitasking. Not having apps close down all the time in the background—let’s say you’re browsing Facebook, you switch to something else, you go back to Facebook, and it completely refreshed. That one video you really wanted to see is gone, and you can never find it again. Doubling the RAM to 8 GB is going to be a big deal.
3. A7 Pro into the iPad Mini
That, of course, is related to the RAM because it’s the A7 Pro chip. It seems like Apple had a bunch of extra stock of the A7 Pros from the iPhone 15 Pro models, and since those are already discontinued and there’s no other device with that chip, it makes sense to put the A7 Pro into the iPad Mini. One difference is that you don’t get the full six-core GPU—it’s actually a five-core GPU with the A7 Pro in the new Mini. We’re getting a huge boost in performance, especially from the older iPad Mini 6, in terms of single-core, multi-core, and graphics. So, this is going to be a gaming machine.
4. WiFi 6E : two times faster
Upgrade number four: We now have WiFi 6E, which Apple says is two times faster compared to the previous WiFi 6 on the iPad Mini 6. What that does is basically give you a third band for WiFi, the 6 GHz band, which means you get a lot faster speeds, especially at closer distances. This is going to be a big deal for people struggling with WiFi reliability or speed issues.
5. Bluetooth 5.3
Upgrade number five is the introduction of Bluetooth 5.3 versus the previous 5.0. That’s really nice because 5.3 is a lot more reliable. This is one update that has significantly increased the reliability of my AirPods and other devices. It’s great to see that it fully matches all the new AirPods, including the AirPods 4, so you’re good to go if you want to buy this new iPad Mini.
6. upgraded Neural Engine
Upgrade number six is the upgraded Neural Engine with the A7 Pro chip. While it still has a 16-core structure, just like the previous iPad Mini, it is actually faster due to improvements in architecture. The biggest factor is the new 3-nanometer technology, which leads to enhanced performance and efficiency.
7. Apple Intelligence support
Upgrade number seven is the addition of Apple Intelligence support, which is going to be a major enhancement. Once features like Gen Emojis, advanced writing tools, and more begin rolling out, having a modern iPad that supports all of these capabilities will be a big deal. This ensures that the iPad Mini 7 remains future-proof and in line with Apple’s evolving AI-driven ecosystem.
8. Smart HDR 4
Upgrade number eight is a minor but welcome improvement. While the rear camera on the iPad Mini remains a 12-megapixel sensor with 4K support, it now comes with Smart HDR 4 for photos, an upgrade from Smart HDR 3 on the previous iPad Mini model. This enhancement should result in better photo quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
9. New color options
Upgrade number nine introduces a couple of new color options for the iPad Mini. While this might seem trivial to those who prefer neutral tones like space gray, many users value the aesthetic appeal of color choices. Just like the new iPhone 16, which features vibrant shades like teal and ultramarine, the new colors for the iPad Mini could entice those looking to personalize their device.
10 Fix the jelly scrolling issue.
Upgrade number ten addresses a potential fix for the jelly scrolling issue that plagued the iPad Mini 6. Although this has not been officially confirmed, there are indications that Apple has updated the display technology and adjusted the way it operates. This issue caused a noticeable jelly effect when swiping up and down in portrait mode, particularly with text. Recent leaks and rumors suggest that Apple may have resolved this problem, which would be a significant improvement, as the jelly effect was indeed quite annoying for users.
New iPad Mini 7, 3 major downsides
1. No longer supports the original Apple Pencil
I do want to address a couple of downsides because not everything is perfect with the new iPad Mini 7. The first downside is that it no longer supports the original Apple Pencil; you will need to upgrade to the new Apple Pencil Pro to take advantage of its advanced features, like hover, tilt, and barrel roll. Alternatively, you can opt for the less expensive USB-C version of the Apple Pencil, but if you’re investing in a new iPad, it’s worth considering the Apple Pencil Pro to fully utilize the capabilities of the device.
2. Smart Connector
Downside number two with the iPad Mini is its size, which limits proper keyboard case support with the Smart Connector. This genius connector allows for a keyboard that operates with zero latency, no lag, and no batteries, as it draws power directly from the iPad without significantly draining its battery. Unfortunately, the iPad Mini is too small to support this feature. While you can use a Bluetooth keyboard, the keys tend to be tiny and less comfortable, making typing a less enjoyable experience. This is definitely one of the downsides of the iPad Mini.
3. Nano SIM card tray
Downside number three is that the iPad Mini 7 has eliminated the nano SIM card tray, which means you can no longer use a physical SIM card for 5G connectivity. This change is particularly frustrating for travelers who prefer to insert a foreign SIM card when visiting other countries to access 5G cellular support. Now, users are limited to using only eSIM, which may not be as convenient for those who frequently switch carriers or travel internationally.
Should you upgrade to the new iPad Mini 7?
Should you wait longer or buy a different iPad? In my opinion, the iPad Mini is actually my favorite iPad for typical iPad tasks. If you want a device for productivity, such as using a keyboard and doing work, I would recommend looking at other options, especially the iPad Pro, which has received a fantastic upgrade with its new tandem OLED display. This is the first iPad to feature this technology, and while the others will get it in the coming years, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice for a computer-like experience.
However, if you’re interested in a general-use iPad Mini for everyday tasks, I definitely recommend upgrading. It’s great for gaming and fits perfectly in your hands for on-screen controls, making it ideal for kids and casual use.
For those on budget, the regular iPad is a more affordable option, especially with sales on platforms like Amazon. While it may not have all the features or performance of the iPad Mini, including Apple Intelligence, it’s still a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly device.
In terms of whether you should wait for the next iPad Mini update, I honestly think it will be a while before that happens. If you’re looking to upgrade, now is a great time with the iPad Mini 7.
