The iPad mini 7 is not coming next month: Apple announced it on October 15, 2024, and it became available on October 23, 2024. Apple’s official name is iPad mini (A17 Pro). Its key changes over the previous mini are the A17 Pro chip, a 128GB starting storage tier, Apple Pencil Pro support, and Wi-Fi 6E. The display remains 8.3 inches. Launch prices and software details below are dated 2024 information, not current offers or a present-day availability check.
When did the iPad mini 7 come out?
Apple announced the iPad mini (A17 Pro) on October 15, 2024, with preorders opening that day and availability beginning October 23, 2024. Apple’s UK update confirmed availability on October 23. The “coming next month” wording is therefore outdated as of October 8, 2026. Apple’s October 15, 2024 announcement and its UK availability update document the release.
What changed from the previous iPad mini?
The most consequential announced change is the move from the sixth-generation mini’s A15 Bionic to A17 Pro. Storage now starts at 128GB rather than the previous generation’s lower starting capacity; Apple said the new base capacity doubled the previous starting storage. The screen size and type remain an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, so this release is not a larger-screen redesign.
- Chip: A17 Pro replaces A15 Bionic.
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.
- Display: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, and eSIM for cellular configurations.
- Accessory compatibility: Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) are supported; Apple also introduced a new Smart Folio.
How fast is the A17 Pro in the iPad mini?
Apple said A17 Pro delivers a 30 percent CPU performance boost and a 25 percent graphics performance jump compared with A15 Bionic in the previous mini. Apple also described the Neural Engine as twice as fast as the prior generation’s. These are Apple’s claims, not independent benchmark findings. Apple says its September 2024 performance testing used preproduction iPad mini (A17 Pro) units and production sixth-generation units, including a specified Affinity Photo benchmark. See the testing context in Apple’s launch announcement.
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#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
For a buyer, those figures indicate Apple’s stated generational improvement, but they do not establish how a particular app or workload will perform. Consider the actual tasks you expect to run rather than treating the percentages as a universal real-world speed guarantee.
What are the connectivity and camera features?
The tablet has Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, and cellular models with eSIM. Apple’s UK launch update said USB-C data transfers can reach up to 10Gbps and described that as twice the wired connection speed of the prior generation. That is a maximum stated capability; transfer rates depend on the connected device, cable, and data involved.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
The rear camera is a 12MP wide camera with Smart HDR 4. Apple also highlighted machine-learning document detection and scanning in the Camera app, a useful capability for capturing paper documents without relying on a separate scanner app.
Does the iPad mini (A17 Pro) support Apple Intelligence?
Apple announced Apple Intelligence support with iPadOS 18. Its launch-era schedule said the first feature set would arrive through a free iPadOS 18.1 update in U.S. English, with additional features rolling out over time. That was the 2024 plan, not a current rollout timetable.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Apple’s September 2025 iPadOS 26 feature document lists iPad mini (A17 Pro) among devices supporting specified features. Apple notes that support and availability vary by feature, region, and language, and described Apple Intelligence as in beta in that document. Check Apple’s current support information and the feature requirements for your language and location before buying for a particular capability.
What did it cost at launch?
These are historical launch prices announced in 2024, not verified prices or offers for October 2026.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
| Market and configuration | Launch price | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| United States, 128GB starting configuration | $499 | Apple announcement, October 15, 2024 |
| United Kingdom, Wi-Fi | £499 | Apple UK availability update, October 23, 2024 |
| United Kingdom, Wi-Fi + Cellular | £649 | Apple UK availability update, October 23, 2024 |
Apple’s U.S. launch list prices for accessories were $129 for Apple Pencil Pro, $79 for Apple Pencil (USB-C), and $59 for the Smart Folio. Those figures are also dated 2024 prices, and accessories are separate purchases; check current pricing and compatibility before ordering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which iPad mini should you choose?
The iPad mini (A17 Pro) is a compact option to consider if portability matters more than having a larger screen. Compare it with an older mini or another tablet against your own needs rather than assuming a newer chip alone settles the choice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data—not even Apple.*
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
- Size: Decide whether an 8.3-inch display is comfortable for reading, travel, and handheld use, or whether you need more screen area.
- Workload: A17 Pro is the principal chip upgrade, but Apple’s percentages are vendor comparisons rather than independent results for your apps.
- Storage: Choose among 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB based on downloaded media, games, and files you keep on the device.
- Connectivity: Compare Wi-Fi-only with cellular if you need internet access away from Wi-Fi; cellular capability is tied to the cellular configuration and eSIM.
- Accessories: Check Apple Pencil compatibility and add the separate accessory cost if drawing or handwriting is central to your use.
- Current ownership cost: Verify today’s local price, stock, and software feature availability rather than relying on 2024 launch figures.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
