Apple unveils new iPad Mini for 2024 with A17 Pro processor and AI support.

Apple announced yesterday the new iPad Mini for 2024, tailored to the era of artificial intelligence. The new device relies on the A17 Pro processor, making it compatible with Apple Intelligence technology.

This is the first major update for the iPad Mini with its 8.3-inch display since 2021. Apple had previously announced the A17 Pro processor last year with the iPhone 15 Pro, which was the first device to officially support Apple Intelligence technology. This support was later expanded with the unveiling of the iPhone 16 series in September.

The A17 Pro processor features a six-core CPU consisting of two performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with a five-core GPU, providing improved performance compared to the A16 Bionic processor used in the previous model.

The “neural engine” stands out as one of the key new features, enabling the device to benefit from artificial intelligence technology through iPadOS 18.

Some of the notable features offered by the new device include support for writing tools and a completely new Siri experience. The Apple Intelligence technology allows for creating images using features like Image Playground and integration with technologies like ChatGPT, although these features are still under development.

With this update, Apple Intelligence technology is now available across all iPad devices, except for the base model. The iPad Mini is the only device among the four that relies on a dedicated chip for smartphones, while other iPad devices like the iPad Pro and iPad Air use processors from the M series, including M2 and M4.

The iPad Mini 2024 also features the new version of the calculator app, which interacts with handwritten notes. It supports the Apple Pencil and Pencil Pro, making it suitable for creatives or those who prefer handwriting.

In terms of the camera, the device has a 12-megapixel rear camera with a wide angle, supporting Smart HDR 4 technology to enhance lighting balance in photos. The device continues to rely on the Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button, instead of Face ID available in the iPad Pro model.

The starting price for the new iPad Mini 2024 is $499 for the 128GB storage capacity, which is twice the storage capacity offered by the previous model. The model with cellular connectivity starts at $649. The device is now available for pre-order and will start shipping on October 23.