Introducing the All-New iPad Mini 7

iPad mini 7 – UNBOXING and REVIEW – My FAV iPad!

New iPad mini (7th Generation) Unboxing and Review. This is compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and has the A17 Pro Chip.

Introducing the All-New iPad Mini 7

The iPad Mini is here with its seventh generation, and it’s no surprise why it’s often considered a fan favorite. Its compact size is a refreshing alternative in a market where iPads have only grown larger. With the release of this latest model, Apple has finally brought updates to the Mini, which hasn’t seen changes since 2021. While the exterior design and box art remain familiar, there are some notable updates packed inside. Let’s go through an unboxing to see what’s new.

Inside, the iPad Mini 7 comes in the maximum storage option of 512GB, an increase from the previous base storage of 64GB in the iPad Mini 6. This time, the base storage starts at 128GB. The new Mini also sports the A17 Pro chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This chip upgrade brings Apple Intelligence to the device, with more exciting functionalities on the way. Moving to the box contents, you’ll find the iPad Mini wrapped up, along with Apple’s traditional design documentation. However, you might notice the absence of Apple stickers. The Mini also comes with a 20W charging brick and a braided USB-C cable, though it’s not color-matched.

Taking the iPad Mini out of the box, the new color options add a nice touch. You can choose from shades like purple, blue, space gray, and starlight. The purple is particularly pleasing with a pastel finish, unlike the more saturated tones on the latest iPhones. In terms of physical design, the Mini features USB-C connectivity, speaker grills, and the connector for the Apple Pencil on the side, while the volume rockers and Touch ID remain as physical buttons, preserving ease of use.

The setup process is seamless, and once on the home screen, it’s clear why the iPad Mini is beloved. Its small, portable form factor allows you to comfortably hold it with one hand, perfect for sketching or note-taking with the Apple Pencil. The device now supports the Apple Pencil Pro, which magnetically snaps to the side and charges. Artists will enjoy using features like barrel roll and squeeze options, making the Mini a fantastic choice for on-the-go creative work.

One limitation is the 60Hz refresh rate on the 8.3-inch liquid retina display. For an iPad priced at $499, this is a drawback in late 2024. Faster refresh rates are now available in budget Android tablets and phones, and the 60Hz panel can introduce a slight delay when interacting with the Apple Pencil or navigating the device. A 120Hz refresh rate would greatly improve fluidity, especially for those frequently using touch and pencil input.

Despite the refresh rate, the iPad Mini 7 is an easy device to love for everyday use. Its lightweight build is ideal for watching content on the go or for quick gaming sessions. The 12MP rear and front-facing cameras are decent, although most users might only use them occasionally. Unlike other iPads, the camera on the Mini remains on the top side, which may seem off-center in landscape mode but doesn’t pose a major inconvenience.

For protection, Apple offers a matching smart folio in purple, which secures the display and offers viewing angles when using the device. However, if Apple ever introduced a mini keyboard hybrid, it could transform the iPad Mini into the ultimate portable device.

Overall, the iPad Mini 7, or iPad Mini (7th gen), is a solid option for fans of the form factor. Despite the absence of some upgrades like a higher refresh rate, it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a powerful, compact device and don’t need a full-size iPad. With its support for the Apple Pencil Pro, boosted RAM, and ample storage, it’s the ideal upgrade for those coming from the older Mini or on the three- to four-year refresh cycle. Whether you’re eyeing it for Apple Intelligence features rolling out soon or simply because of its compact design, the Mini remains a great choice in the iPad lineup.

What do you think of the iPad Mini? Which color would you choose? After a three-year wait, it’s exciting to see the Mini refreshed once again!

The iPad Mini 7 brings a lot to the table, especially for those who appreciate its unique blend of portability and power. Many fans who’ve used previous models have a strong attachment to the Mini because it delivers the core iPad experience in a pocket-sized form. Whether for travel, casual browsing, reading, or even light productivity, the iPad Mini carves out its niche in Apple’s lineup, and this refresh is a solid continuation of its legacy.

For those looking to use the iPad Mini for professional or creative work, it pairs nicely with the new Apple Pencil Pro. This updated accessory snaps to the side of the device to charge and offers enhanced features like barrel rolling and squeeze options, which allow you to customize actions with ease. Artists and note-takers can especially benefit, as the compact size means you can hold the device in one hand and work with the pencil in the other. This experience feels much like using a traditional sketchbook, giving the Mini a distinct advantage over larger iPad models that require two-handed support or a case to hold them steady.

Still, while the new Mini checks many boxes, its 60Hz display has drawn some mixed feedback. For daily tasks, casual users may not mind the difference, but for artists, gamers, and tech enthusiasts accustomed to higher refresh rates, the delay in screen response can be noticeable. In comparison, many modern devices now feature 90Hz or 120Hz displays, which create a more fluid and responsive experience. Given that the iPad Mini only receives a refresh every few years, a faster display would have been a valuable upgrade. That said, the 8.3-inch liquid retina screen remains bright, clear, and color-accurate, making it well-suited for streaming, browsing, and reading.

When it comes to productivity, the iPad Mini offers just enough versatility to support a variety of tasks. Paired with Bluetooth keyboards and Apple’s smart folio, the Mini transforms into a compact productivity station. While it lacks a dedicated keyboard accessory from Apple, third-party options do a solid job of extending its functionality for those who need to type on the go. And because of its small size, the Mini easily fits into backpacks, handbags, or even larger coat pockets, making it a great option for mobile professionals and students.

Another noteworthy feature of the iPad Mini 7 is its camera setup. It maintains a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP front-facing camera, which, while not groundbreaking, provides quality for FaceTime calls, quick snapshots, and even some video conferencing. The front-facing camera is positioned at the top in portrait mode rather than in landscape orientation as seen in larger iPad models, which may seem slightly off-center during landscape video calls but is generally unobtrusive.

Finally, Apple’s inclusion of the A17 Pro chip, paired with an upgraded 8GB of RAM, makes the Mini a powerful device for multitasking and running Apple Intelligence features set to launch in December. This feature, expected to bring more advanced machine learning and AI capabilities, has raised interest among users who look forward to enhancing their productivity or creative workflows. The Mini’s compact powerhouse profile will likely perform exceptionally well with these AI-driven functions, making it even more appealing for early adopters and tech enthusiasts.

In summary, the iPad Mini 7 appeals to a range of users. Its small form factor, powerful processor, increased storage options, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro make it a robust device that’s easy to carry and ready for various tasks. Whether you’re an artist, a student, a professional, or someone looking for a high-quality device to watch videos on the go, the iPad Mini 7 holds a special place in Apple’s lineup. Despite some lingering wishes for a faster refresh rate, this model is a worthy successor that brings valuable upgrades to a beloved device. Let us know your thoughts on this fan favorite, and if you’re considering adding it to your tech collection—it’s been a long three-year wait, and the Mini is back in style!

This is the new iPad Mini, and there’s a lot to unpack here. I’ve been using it since Friday, and while that’s not enough time for a comprehensive review, I’ve had enough time to get a good sense of what’s going on with it and answer some common questions. Let’s start with a quick bit of history: the iPad Mini 5, which I bought years ago, became a favorite because of its compact size. Then in 2021, Apple released the iPad Mini 6, with significant changes—Touch ID moved to the top, the bezels were minimized, and it came with a new Retina display, updated chip, and upgraded camera system. I covered it extensively, and many people tuned in, which was amazing. But here’s the thing: while the Mini has a dedicated fanbase, I’m not sure how large it is in Apple’s eyes. And that raises questions, like who exactly is Apple targeting with the Mini? After all, it’s been three years since the Mini 6, and on the surface, the new version doesn’t seem vastly different. Why didn’t Apple incorporate all the updates fans had hoped for?

In any case, I’ll be creating more iPad Mini content soon, so make sure to subscribe if you’re interested. On that note, a quick shoutout to my regular viewers—87% of you aren’t subscribed yet, so if you’re one of them, go ahead and hit that button! Now a quick mention of today’s sponsor, Paperlike. I haven’t added Paperlike to this iPad Mini yet since it’s an Apple review unit, but my own Mini is on its way, and the first thing I’ll do is install one. Paperlike screen protectors protect the screen and, as the name suggests, make it feel like paper, which is perfect if you use your iPad for writing, drawing, or illustrating. Their products go beyond just screen protection; they also have a great grip for the Apple Pencil and a unique screen cleaner that I really like. If you want more information, you can check the link in the description.

Now, onto the iPad Mini 7’s specs and pricing. This device features the A17 Pro chip, the same one used in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, along with 8GB of RAM—double that of the Mini 6. The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and camera system remain mostly the same, with one small enhancement that I’ll explain later. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro, has Touch ID, and is available in four colors: Space Gray, Blue, Purple, and Starlight. Storage options have been updated: they removed the 64GB model, and now it starts at 128GB, with additional options at 256GB and 512GB. This lineup seems solid, but what do these specs mean for actual use?

The iPad Mini 7’s main upgrade, according to Apple, is Apple Intelligence. Unfortunately, since I’m in the UK and it’s only available starting in December, I can’t discuss it fully until then. However, I can speak on the A17 Pro chip, which is a big improvement. I tested it with apps like Lightroom, ZBrush, Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Resident Evil Village, and all of them ran impressively on this compact device. If you set aside the ProMotion display and other advanced features, the sheer performance packed into this smaller form factor is incredible. It also works with the Apple Pencil Pro, a tool I love for its “barrel roll” feature, which allows you to twist the pencil to change settings on the display, as well as its squeeze-activated haptic feedback. Unfortunately, the iPad Mini 7 no longer supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil, likely due to a shift in the magnet design.

There are other improvements: USB-C speeds are now up to 10GB/s, Wi-Fi is upgraded to 6E, and the camera now includes Smart HDR 4 for potentially better photos. However, the device is eSIM-only, meaning the SIM tray is gone for the UK models. There are also small aesthetic changes, like the “iPad Mini” branding now visible at the back, which is a nice touch. New folios match the updated colors as well.

However, let’s talk about what the iPad Mini 7 didn’t get. The display remains unchanged from the Mini 6: it’s still 500 nits of peak brightness with a 60Hz refresh rate and no ProMotion. There’s no support for Stage Manager or an M-chip upgrade. The design remains the same, there’s no Face ID, and the much-requested Mini Magic Keyboard is still missing. These omissions suggest that, rather than an iPad Mini Pro, Apple sees this as a standard iPad Mini. Adding these features would make it more expensive and possibly draw sales away from the iPad Air. Apple has clearly researched the needs of the iPad Mini’s market, which seems to include sectors like aviation and architecture, where the Mini’s size and portability are ideal.

In conclusion, it seems that Apple has targeted a niche yet loyal market with the iPad Mini 7. It’s great that the device exists, but perhaps the broader enhancements some fans desire just don’t align with Apple’s strategy or the economic viability of an iPad Mini Pro. So, while I’d love to see features like ProMotion and a dedicated keyboard for the Mini, for now, it’s a well-rounded, high-performing device that’s likely to serve its core market well. And with Apple Intelligence on the way, it may have more longevity than we realize. Thanks for reading, and if you’re interested in more Apple content, check out the link to another video that I think you’ll enjoy!

Now, moving forward with this iPad Mini 7, let’s address some popular questions from viewers that came up in my previous video.

Question 1: Is Apple slowly phasing out the iPad Mini?It doesn’t seem so. With the iPad Mini 7’s release and its integration with Apple Intelligence, Apple appears to be committing to this device for the foreseeable future. While updates may be less frequent, the focus on specific features like Apple Intelligence hints that they see a future in the Mini lineup.

Question 2: Will the iPad Mini 7 support the Apple Pencil 2?Unfortunately, it won’t. As I mentioned, the iPad Mini 7 is only compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C Apple Pencil, so if you’re set on using the second-generation Apple Pencil, you’ll need a different model.

Question 3: Is upgrading from the iPad Mini 6 worth it?If your Mini 6’s battery life is dwindling or you’re keen to try out Apple Intelligence, it could be a worthy upgrade. Otherwise, for those satisfied with their Mini 6, it may not be necessary yet. Alternatively, the Mini 6 is still a fantastic device, and with the Mini 7’s release, it’s likely you’ll find some excellent deals on the Mini 6.

Question 4: Has Apple addressed the “Jelly Scrolling” issue?For anyone unfamiliar, jelly scrolling is when text appears slightly wavy when scrolling in portrait mode. The iPad Mini 7 still has a subtle effect, though it seems slightly reduced. In practice, most users won’t notice this effect unless specifically looking for it.

Question 5: Can the iPad Mini 7 be used with Stage Manager and external displays?While you can mirror the Mini 7’s screen on an external display, it doesn’t support Stage Manager, so multitasking with multiple windows on an external screen isn’t an option.

Final thoughts: The iPad Mini 7 is an excellent compact tablet with enhanced performance, solid specs, and the addition of Apple Intelligence on the horizon. Apple’s incremental improvements here seem aimed at keeping the iPad Mini versatile and accessible to its core users rather than reshaping it into an “iPad Mini Pro.” For those in specific fields that value portability and ease of use, the iPad Mini 7 is a valuable tool. And for fans like us, while we might hope for a Mini Pro in the future, this device still brings a lot to the table.

Thanks again for following along. For more tech insights, stay tuned! And if you’ve got questions or would like more comparisons, feel free to drop a comment—let’s keep the conversation going!

Let’s talk about what sets the iPad Mini 7 apart and where it fits within the broader iPad lineup.

The iPad Mini has always been loved for its unique form factor—it’s small enough to carry anywhere yet powerful enough to run most apps and tasks seamlessly. The new iPad Mini 7, with the A17 Pro chip, is pushing this to new heights. It’s a balance of high performance and portability. Imagine running high-demand apps like Lightroom or ZBrush on a device this compact. It handles those with ease, thanks to the 30% CPU boost and 25% graphics boost. This level of performance in such a small package opens up creative and professional possibilities that previously would’ve required a full-size iPad or even a laptop.

But here’s where Apple draws the line, sticking with a 60Hz display rather than ProMotion and keeping the same design and display specs as the previous Mini. They’ve made it clear that this is still a niche product—a powerful niche, but one that’s targeted at specific groups who value portability and one-handed use over more immersive features. While many of us may dream of an iPad Mini Pro with advanced display tech, Face ID, and a Mini Magic Keyboard, Apple likely sees the current feature set as what the primary market truly needs.

Now, who’s the primary market? From reports, industries like aviation and architecture have embraced the iPad Mini as an essential tool. Its compact size, high performance, and now-eSIM connectivity make it ideal for on-the-go applications. Pilots, for example, can use it in the cockpit, where space is at a premium, and its lightweight design makes it convenient for architects to sketch, annotate, and present designs on-site. This professional market may not be clamoring for ProMotion or Face ID, but they need something reliable, efficient, and easy to handle—criteria the iPad Mini 7 hits squarely.

Why We Didn’t Get a Mini ProIt boils down to Apple’s market research. If the demand for a premium iPad Mini Pro were there, it’s likely Apple would respond. But as much as dedicated fans may love the idea, Apple knows the overall demand might not justify the added production cost and price tag that would come with such features. Plus, adding all the bells and whistles of a Pro model would start to overlap with the iPad Air, potentially cannibalizing sales there.

Looking AheadThe iPad Mini 7 hints that while Apple isn’t pushing the Mini into the Pro category, it is keeping it relevant and powerful. And with Apple Intelligence on the horizon, the Mini may even evolve into a smarter, more context-aware device tailored to its user’s needs. It’s clear that the Mini’s target audience values efficiency, and these upgrades keep the Mini at the top of its game in that regard.

So, whether you’re already a Mini user or just considering joining this fan club, the iPad Mini 7 is a fantastic device, blending power and portability in a way that’s nearly unmatched. And while a Mini Pro may not be on the immediate horizon, the iPad Mini continues to make a strong case for itself, securing its place in the Apple lineup.

If you’re excited to learn more or see comparisons with other iPads, keep an eye out for upcoming videos, and as always, your questions and feedback are welcome. Thanks for tuning in!