View on Amazon

iPad Mini 7th Generation: A Year Later, Unlocked by iPadOS 26

The iPad Mini 7th generation, launched about a year ago, initially felt like an incremental update. Its powerful hardware, featuring the A17 Pro chip, wasn’t fully utilized by the software at the time. Fast forward to today, iPadOS 26 has arrived, transforming this compact tablet into a powerhouse that feels like a brand-new device. With a sleek design, enhanced multitasking, and Apple Intelligence support, the iPad Mini 7th generation is now a compelling choice for those seeking portability without sacrificing performance.

View on Amazon

A Familiar Design, Perfect for Portability

The iPad Mini 7th generation retains its ultra-portable form factor, measuring just 0.25 inches thick and 7.69 inches tall. This makes it the ideal iPad for one-handed use, whether for reading, gaming, or on-the-go tasks. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, with a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch, is fully laminated and offers excellent performance with the Apple Pencil, delivering a crisp and vibrant viewing experience. Compared to the iPad A16, the Mini’s display boasts a higher pixel density, making it a premium choice for visual clarity.

The compact size shines for activities like reading e-books, jotting notes, or watching videos as a secondary device alongside a laptop or desktop. While larger iPads, like the 11-inch or 13-inch models, may be better suited for heavy multitasking, the iPad Mini’s form factor is unmatched for portability and one-handed use in both portrait and landscape modes.

View on Amazon

iPadOS 26: A Multitasking Revolution

The standout feature of the iPad Mini 7th generation in 2025 is iPadOS 26, which introduces flexible windowing and a revamped multitasking system. Users can now freely move and resize app windows, with a window control bar at the top of each app allowing for closing, minimizing, or maximizing. A menu bar provides quick access to additional functions, streamlining workflows. When paired with an external keyboard, iPadOS 26 displays available shortcuts, enhancing productivity.

While the 8.3-inch screen may feel slightly cramped for extensive multitasking, it excels in scenarios like keeping a notes app in one corner while watching a video or having a messaging app float to the side for quick communication. This makes the iPad Mini surprisingly capable for real work, earning it the nickname of the closest thing to an “iPad Mini Pro.”

View on Amazon

Powered by the A17 Pro and Apple Intelligence

The iPad Mini 7th generation is equipped with the A17 Pro chip, featuring a six-core CPU, a five-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine, paired with 8GB of RAM. This hardware ensures smooth performance for demanding tasks and multitasking, even a year after its release. Unlike the iPad A16, which lacks Apple Intelligence support, the A17 Pro enables the full suite of Apple Intelligence features, positioning the Mini as a future-proof device.

Apple Intelligence, while still evolving, brings tools like advanced writing assistance for drafting emails, rewriting reports, or summarizing articles. Siri is slated to become smarter and more conversational, and features like live translation in Messages and FaceTime, along with image generation via Image Playground and Genmoji, are supported. These capabilities make the iPad Mini a forward-looking device ready for Apple’s AI advancements.

Camera and Apple Pencil Support

The iPad Mini 7th generation features a single rear camera and a front-facing Center Stage camera that follows users during FaceTime calls for a dynamic video experience. It supports both the Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Apple Pencil, with the Pro being the recommended choice due to its convenient magnetic pairing and charging. This enhances the Mini’s utility for note-taking, sketching, and creative tasks.

Is the iPad Mini 7th Generation Still Worth It?

Priced at $500, the iPad Mini 7th generation may seem expensive for a device with an A-series chip rather than an M-series chip, especially given its smaller display compared to the iPad Air or iPad A16. However, its value lies in its premium display, compact size, and robust feature set. The iPad A16, while more budget-friendly, lacks Apple Intelligence and has a lower pixel density. The iPad Mini’s portability and top-tier features make it a standout for users prioritizing convenience over screen size.

For tasks like browsing the web, staying active on social media, or finding recipes, the iPad Mini handles everything with ease, enhanced by the multitasking capabilities of iPadOS 26. It’s not designed to replace a MacBook for heavy productivity but excels as a companion device for quick tasks, note-taking, or media consumption on the go.

Final Thoughts

A year after its launch, the iPad Mini 7th generation has been transformed by iPadOS 26 into a versatile, pro-level tablet in a compact package. Its powerful A17 Pro chip, high-quality display, and Apple Intelligence support ensure it remains relevant for years to come. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, the iPad Mini offers a unique blend of portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for those who value convenience without compromise.

If you have questions about the iPad Mini 7th generation or want to explore accessories, check out the links below for more details.

View on Amazon