# IPad Mini
**iPad mini** is a line of compact tablet computers designed and sold by [Apple Inc.](https://www.edgepedia.org/apple-inc) as the smallest member of the iPad family. The first model, introduced on October 23, 2012, offered a 7.9-inch display in a body Apple described as 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third-generation iPad[1](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2012/10/23Apple-Introduces-iPad-mini/). The current model, announced October 15, 2024 and sold as the iPad mini (A17 Pro), pairs an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with the A17 Pro chip and support for [Apple Intelligence](https://www.edgepedia.org/apple-intelligence)[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/).
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First model | Introduced October 23, 2012; 7.9-inch display, dual-core A5 chip, 7.2 mm thin, 0.68 pounds, up to 10 hours of battery life[1](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2012/10/23Apple-Introduces-iPad-mini/) |
| Current model | iPad mini (A17 Pro), announced October 15, 2024, on sale October 23, 2024, from $499 (US) with 128 GB[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/) |
| Display | 8.3-inch Liquid Retina, LED-backlit IPS, 2266 x 1488 at 326 ppi, 500 nits, P3 wide color, True Tone, 60 Hz[3](https://support.apple.com/en-nz/121456) • [4](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-mini-7-2024-review-This-compact-tablet-continues-to-be-nearly-unrivaled.930558.0.html) |
| Chip | A17 Pro: 6-core CPU (2 performance, 4 efficiency), 5-core GPU, hardware-accelerated ray tracing; Apple claims 30 percent more CPU and 25 percent more GPU performance than the 2021 model[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/) • [3](https://support.apple.com/en-nz/121456) |
| Size and weight | 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm; 293 g (Wi-Fi) or 297 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular)[5](https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/ipad-generations) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C with USB 3 speeds up to 10 Gb/s, optional 5G via eSIM only (no physical SIM)[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/) • [3](https://support.apple.com/en-nz/121456) |
| Accessories | Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) with hover; magnetic Pencil connector[3](https://support.apple.com/en-nz/121456) |
## History of the line
**2012 to 2015.** The original iPad mini ran the dual-core A5 chip on a 7.9-inch Multi-Touch display with the same pixel count as the first two full-size iPads, FaceTime HD and 5-megapixel iSight cameras, and up to 10 hours of battery life[1](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2012/10/23Apple-Introduces-iPad-mini/). A [Retina display](https://www.edgepedia.org/retina-display) version with the 64-bit A7 chip went on sale November 12, 2013, priced from $399 for 16 GB[6](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2013/11/12iPad-mini-with-Retina-Display-Available-Starting-Today/). The iPad mini 3, announced October 16, 2014, added the [Touch ID](https://www.edgepedia.org/touch-id) fingerprint sensor but retained the A7 chip[7](https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/16/the-new-ipad-mini-3-gets-a-speed-boost-and-touch-id/). The iPad mini 4 followed on September 9, 2015 at $399, while the mini 2's price dropped to $269[8](https://www.macrumors.com/2015/09/09/apple-announces-ipad-mini-4-for-399/).
**2019 revival.** After a gap with no new models, Apple announced a fifth-generation iPad mini on March 18, 2019, bringing the A12 Bionic chip, [Apple Pencil](https://www.edgepedia.org/apple-pencil) (1st generation) support, and a 7.9-inch Retina display to the older design, starting at $399 for Wi-Fi and $529 for Wi-Fi + Cellular[9](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/03/all-new-ipad-air-and-ipad-mini-deliver-dramatic-power-and-capability/).
## The 2021 redesign
The sixth-generation iPad mini, announced September 14, 2021, was the largest redesign in the line's history. It moved to an 8.3-inch all-screen Liquid Retina display with narrow borders while keeping a similar footprint, relocated Touch ID to the top button, and adopted USB-C for data transfer up to 5 Gb/s, which Apple described as 10 times faster than the previous generation[10](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/09/apple-unveils-new-ipad-mini-with-breakthrough-performance-in-stunning-new-design/). The A15 Bionic chip delivered a 40 percent CPU and 80 percent GPU jump over its predecessor, and cellular models gained 5G with peak speeds up to 3.5 Gb/s in ideal conditions[10](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/09/apple-unveils-new-ipad-mini-with-breakthrough-performance-in-stunning-new-design/). It supported the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which attaches magnetically for pairing and charging[10](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/09/apple-unveils-new-ipad-mini-with-breakthrough-performance-in-stunning-new-design/).
## The 2024 model: iPad mini (A17 Pro)
Apple announced the current model on October 15, 2024, referring to it as the iPad mini (A17 Pro) after its chip rather than as a numbered seventh generation[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/) • [11](https://www.macworld.com/article/678361/ipad-mini-7-specs-design-processor-release.html). It went on sale October 23, 2024, starting at $499 with 128 GB, double the base storage of the 2021 model at the same starting price[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/).
**Performance.** The A17 Pro brings a 6-core CPU with two performance and four efficiency cores, a 5-core GPU, and a Neural Engine twice as fast as the previous iPad mini's[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/). The chip enables hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which Apple rates 4 times faster than software-based ray tracing, along with Dynamic Caching and hardware-accelerated mesh shading[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/).
**Apple Intelligence and connectivity.** The A17 Pro qualifies the device for Apple Intelligence, Apple's personal intelligence system integrated into iPadOS 18[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/). Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 6E, which Apple says delivers up to twice the performance of the previous generation, [Bluetooth 5](https://www.edgepedia.org/bluetooth-5).3, and a USB-C port running at USB 3 speeds up to 10 Gb/s[2](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/) • [3](https://support.apple.com/en-nz/121456). Cellular models use eSIM exclusively and cannot take a physical [SIM card](https://www.edgepedia.org/sim-card)[3](https://support.apple.com/en-nz/121456).
## Reception and criticism
Reviewers consistently treat the mini as the strongest small tablet available but note how little changed from 2021. TechRadar's review called the device's similarity to the three-year-old sixth-generation model its biggest problem, with the cameras, speakers, display, and design essentially unchanged[12](https://www.techradar.com/best/the-best-tablet-in-australia-for-2023-the-top-tablets-you-can-buy-right-now). Notebookcheck measured the same 8.3-inch [IPS panel](https://www.edgepedia.org/ips-panel) as the predecessor, now with an anti-reflective coating, and found the 60 Hz refresh rate hard to justify at the price, though the jelly scrolling distortion seen on earlier minis was reduced to a level the reviewers did not find annoying[4](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-mini-7-2024-review-This-compact-tablet-continues-to-be-nearly-unrivaled.930558.0.html). The display tops out at 500 nits, which comparisons with Android tablets offering brighter OLED panels have highlighted[13](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/tablets/i-ditched-the-ipad-mini-for-an-android-alternative-and-this-one-feature-means-i-might-not-go-back).
The device remains well regarded for its form factor. Digital Camera World's review described it as one of the best-built small tablets, rigid with no flex, usable one-handed for long stretches, and sharp and bright enough for photo culling and editing on the go[14](https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/tech/tablets/apple-ipad-mini-a17-pro-2024-review). TechRadar's buying guide names it the best iPad for kids available new from Apple directly[15](https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/best-ipad-2016-how-to-choose-the-right-one-for-you-1322489).
## Position in Apple's lineup and software support
The mini occupies a compact niche above the base iPad in price: Digital Camera World's buying guide notes it is smaller than the basic iPad but more expensive, because it carries a more powerful processor and a more sophisticated display[5](https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/ipad-generations). It is the smallest and most portable iPad Apple sells[14](https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/tech/tablets/apple-ipad-mini-a17-pro-2024-review).
Software support continues: the iPad mini (A17 Pro) is on Apple's compatibility list for iPadOS 26, alongside the sixth-generation mini[16](https://support.apple.com/en-au/123706). The 2024 model carries model identifiers A2993, A2995, and A2996[17](https://viveroo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REV20250515_EN-identify-iPad-Generation.pdf).
## References
1. [Apple Introduces iPad mini, Apple Newsroom (October 23, 2012)](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2012/10/23Apple-Introduces-iPad-mini/)
2. [Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence, Apple Newsroom (October 15, 2024)](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/10/apple-introduces-powerful-new-ipad-mini-built-for-apple-intelligence/)
3. [iPad mini (A17 Pro) - Tech Specs, Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-nz/121456)
4. [Apple iPad mini 7 (2024) review, Notebookcheck](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-iPad-mini-7-2024-review-This-compact-tablet-continues-to-be-nearly-unrivaled.930558.0.html)
5. [iPad generations: which Apple tablet should you buy, Digital Camera World](https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/ipad-generations)
6. [iPad mini with Retina Display Available Starting Today, Apple Newsroom (November 12, 2013)](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2013/11/12iPad-mini-with-Retina-Display-Available-Starting-Today/)
7. [The New iPad Mini 3 Gets Touch ID, Keeps Last Year's A7, TechCrunch (October 16, 2014)](https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/16/the-new-ipad-mini-3-gets-a-speed-boost-and-touch-id/)
8. [Apple Announces iPad Mini 4 for $399, Lowers iPad Mini 2 Price to $269, MacRumors (September 9, 2015)](https://www.macrumors.com/2015/09/09/apple-announces-ipad-mini-4-for-399/)
9. [All-new iPad Air and iPad mini deliver dramatic power and capability, Apple Newsroom (March 18, 2019)](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/03/all-new-ipad-air-and-ipad-mini-deliver-dramatic-power-and-capability/)
10. [Apple unveils new iPad mini with breakthrough performance in stunning new design, Apple Newsroom (September 14, 2021)](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/09/apple-unveils-new-ipad-mini-with-breakthrough-performance-in-stunning-new-design/)
11. [New iPad mini (A17 Pro) 2024 release date, price, specs, Macworld](https://www.macworld.com/article/678361/ipad-mini-7-specs-design-processor-release.html)
12. [The best tablet in Australia for 2026, TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/best/the-best-tablet-in-australia-for-2023-the-top-tablets-you-can-buy-right-now)
13. [I ditched the iPad mini for an Android alternative, Tom's Guide](https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/tablets/i-ditched-the-ipad-mini-for-an-android-alternative-and-this-one-feature-means-i-might-not-go-back)
14. [Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 2024) review, Digital Camera World](https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/tech/tablets/apple-ipad-mini-a17-pro-2024-review)
15. [The best iPad, TechRadar](https://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/best-ipad-2016-how-to-choose-the-right-one-for-you-1322489)
16. [How to download iPadOS 26, Apple Support](https://support.apple.com/en-au/123706)
17. [Identify iPad Generation reference chart, Viveroo](https://viveroo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/REV20250515_EN-identify-iPad-Generation.pdf)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Computing and digital systems › Computer hardware › Boards, peripherals & form factors › Motherboards & form factors*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license