The iPad mini 7 (2024) is the latest addition to Apple’s expanding range of tablets. It is perfectly portable and pocket-sized, making it a fun option to throw in your bag and take with you wherever you go. It also includes a series of fantastic upgrades for future-proofing, making it a good investment for a future ready with Apple Intelligence.
The latest version of the iPad mini comes with doubled storage space, with a capacity of 128GB to play with, priced at $499. It might look almost identical to the iPad mini 6 (2021), without the home button or thick bezels, giving it a sleeker silhouette reminiscent of Kindle. It features a 2K resolution screen with a 60Hz refresh rate, which Apple has improved alongside the previous model’s LCD panel in an attempt to avoid the “jelly scrolling” seen with the iPad mini 6.
Most importantly for creators and professionals, the A17 Pro chip in the iPad mini and other upgrades make it a candidate for Apple Intelligence, as well as Apple Pencil. But with all these additional upgrades, has Apple decided to capitalize on the long-awaited update to its smallest tablet device?
Can I use Face ID on the iPad mini 7 (2024)?
Since the new iPad mini 7 features an 8.3-inch screen, support for Apple Pencil Pro, and the A17 Pro silicon chip for Apple Intelligence support, you may wonder if Apple has finally integrated Face ID into its smallest tablet device. Unfortunately, the answer is no.
The previous iPad mini 6 used Touch ID as the sole biometric security option. Despite updating the iPad mini and equipping it with Apple Intelligence through the powerful A17 chip, the tech giant chose not to introduce Face ID in the fold.
The previous generations of the iPad mini rarely changed in terms of form factor, so it’s not really surprising that Apple chose not to provide Face ID support. It seems that for now, the feature has been moved to the iPad Pro line, with no support for any of the other models currently offered.
If you want to use Face ID outside of your iPhone device, you’ll need to choose the larger and more powerful iPad Pro until Apple decides to make a more significant change in the iPad mini lineup.
What biometric measurement options are available on the iPad mini 7 (2024)?
While you won’t be able to unlock the iPad mini 7 with your face anytime soon, rest assured that the trusted Touch ID system is still in place. And with no home button on the front of the device, you’ll need to place your finger on the top side button, just like with the iPad mini 6. Apple did not find it appropriate to adopt Face ID even with the latest iPad mini device, so this is the only biometric option available to you at the moment.
Touch ID is still incredibly easy to use. Just follow the prompts on the screen to set up the sensor, which allows you to use your fingerprint to unlock the iPad mini, make payments, download apps, and confirm other sensitive choices while using your tablet.
The Touch ID sensor on the top button is not new for iPad models since the switch from the home button back in 2021, but it may feel somewhat awkward if this is your first time setting it up. It’s a bit inconvenient just to look at your iPad to unlock it or approve actions, but it works well enough.
