iPad Mini 7 Coming SOON! Apple's (Secret) Killer Tablet!

AppleInsider
20 May 202406:42

TLDRThe anticipated iPad Mini 7 is not set to debut at Apple's May 7th event, but it's expected later this year. The current model, last updated in 2021, is beloved for its compact size and features like USB-C and second-gen Apple Pencil support. Rumors hint at a possible display refinement to address the 'jelly scrolling' effect and the introduction of a new high-end Apple Pencil. The seventh generation could see an upgrade to an A17 or A18 processor, promising significant performance improvements and enhanced camera capabilities thanks to the new image signal processor. While the design is likely to remain unchanged, the release is anticipated in the second half of 2024, with pricing similar to the current model.

Takeaways

  • 📅 Apple will not release an updated iPad Mini at its event on May 7th, but it is expected to come soon.
  • 🔄 The current iPad Mini, last updated in 2021, has USB-C and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil.
  • 📱 A potential issue with the 2021 model's display, known as the 'jelly scrolling' effect, may be addressed in the new version.
  • 🔍 It is speculated that Apple might refine the display stack but not necessarily change to a new display technology until a rumored shift to OLED in 2026.
  • 🖥️ The updated iPad Mini may not see a 120Hz ProMotion display in this iteration, despite some hopes for it.
  • ✏️ The new iPad Mini is expected to support a new high-end Apple Pencil, which will be unveiled at an upcoming event.
  • 🔒 The presenter uses a VPN on their iPhone daily for data safety and introduces IP Vanish as a sponsor with industry-leading services.
  • 💻 The sixth-generation iPad Mini features an A15 Bionic processor, and the seventh generation is expected to upgrade to an A17 or A18 chip.
  • 📈 Leaked Geekbench results suggest the A18 chip could offer a significant performance boost over the A15.
  • 📱 The A17 or A18 chip will likely bring additional improvements such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
  • 📷 An improved image signal processor in the new chip could enhance camera quality, even without a change in the megapixel count.
  • 🗓️ The seventh-generation iPad Mini is expected to be released in the second half of 2024, possibly around September or October.
  • 💰 The pricing for the new iPad Mini is not expected to change significantly from the current model, starting at $399 for the base configuration.

Q & A

  • What is the title of the video script discussing?

    -The title of the video script is 'iPad Mini 7 Coming SOON! Apple's (Secret) Killer Tablet!'

  • When did Apple last update the iPad Mini before the script was written?

    -Apple last updated the iPad Mini in 2021.

  • What is the issue with the display on the current iPad Mini model?

    -The current iPad Mini model has an issue where the display occasionally has a jelly scrolling effect when held in portrait orientation and scrolled quickly.

  • What is the jelly scrolling effect and why does it occur?

    -The jelly scrolling effect occurs when the left side of the screen refreshes before the right side, making the lines of text appear slanted in motion. This gives a jellylike appearance and is considered typical behavior for an LCD display.

  • What solution has been speculated to address the jelly scrolling effect in the iPad Mini?

    -It has been speculated that Apple might rotate the display assembly by 90° to lessen the jelly scrolling effect, although this would just shift the problem rather than solving it.

  • What changes are expected in the display technology of the upcoming iPad Mini update?

    -The script suggests that a change to the display stack is possible, but a move to OLED technology is not expected until 2026.

  • What new features can be expected with the iPad Mini update regarding the Apple Pencil?

    -Support for the new high-end Apple Pencil that will be unveiled at the upcoming spring event is expected in the iPad Mini update.

  • What processor does the sixth generation iPad Mini have?

    -The sixth generation iPad Mini has an A15 Bionic processor.

  • What processors are expected to be used in the seventh generation iPad Mini?

    -The seventh generation iPad Mini is expected to use either an A17 or an A18 processor.

  • What improvements are expected with the new processors in the iPad Mini update?

    -With the new processors, improvements such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are expected, along with better image quality thanks to an improved image signal processor.

  • When is the seventh generation iPad Mini expected to be released?

    -The seventh generation iPad Mini is expected to be released in the second half of 2024, with a release date in the September to October time frame.

  • What is the expected starting price for the base configuration of the new iPad Mini?

    -The expected starting price for the base configuration of the new iPad Mini is $499.

Outlines

00:00

📱 iPad Mini Update Delay and Speculations

Apple is not releasing an updated iPad Mini at its event on May 7th, but it's expected to come soon. The last update was in 2021, and the current model features USB-C and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil. The update may address the 'jelly scrolling' effect seen in the 2021 model by possibly rotating the display assembly or changing the display stack. While OLED technology is rumored for 2026, the update might bring refinements instead. There's no confirmation of a 120Hz ProMotion display for this update. The new model is also speculated to support a new high-end Apple Pencil unveiled at the spring event. The sixth-generation iPad Mini has an A15 Bionic processor, and the seventh generation could see an upgrade to an A17 or A18 chip, which could offer significant performance improvements. Other expected features include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, and an improved image signal processor for better camera quality.

05:02

🔍 Anticipated iPad Mini Features and Release

The iPad Mini is not expected to have a front-facing camera shift to landscape orientation, unlike other iPad models. The seventh-generation iPad Mini is anticipated to feature an A17 or A18 processor, which could significantly enhance performance and camera capabilities due to an improved image signal processor. There's no indication that the iPad Mini will receive Face ID in this update, and the release is expected to be in the second half of the year, with a probable September-October timeframe. Pricing is speculated to remain similar to the current model, starting at $499 for the base configuration and $649 for the 5G cellular version. The presenter expresses enthusiasm for the expected performance boost and invites viewers to share their ideal iPad features in the comments and to stay updated through subscriptions and notifications.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡iPad Mini 7

The 'iPad Mini 7' refers to the seventh generation of Apple's compact tablet device, the iPad Mini. It is central to the video's theme as it discusses the anticipated features and release timeline for this upcoming model. The script mentions that it will not be released at Apple's event on May 7th, but it is expected to come soon after, with potential updates and improvements over its predecessor.

💡USB-C

USB-C, or Universal Serial Bus Type-C, is a hardware interface for connecting devices. In the context of the video, it is highlighted as a feature already present in the current iPad Mini model, which allows for versatile connectivity and fast data transfer. The mention of USB-C underscores the device's modernity and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals.

💡Apple Pencil

The 'Apple Pencil' is a stylus designed for use with Apple's iPad line, allowing for precise input and drawing capabilities. The script discusses the support for the second generation Apple Pencil in the current iPad Mini and hints at the potential for support for a new, high-end version of the Apple Pencil with the upcoming model. This feature is significant as it enhances the iPad Mini's functionality for creative and professional use.

💡Jelly scrolling effect

The 'jelly scrolling effect' is a term used to describe a visual artifact observed in some LCD displays, where the screen appears to wobble or distort when scrolling quickly in portrait mode. The video script mentions this as an issue with the 2021 redesign of the iPad Mini, which Apple aims to address in future updates. This keyword is relevant as it points to a known problem and potential area for improvement in the iPad Mini 7.

💡Display stack

The 'display stack' refers to the layers and components that make up a device's display. The script speculates that Apple may change the display stack in the iPad Mini 7 to address the jelly scrolling effect. This concept is important as it relates to the technical aspects of the device's display technology and potential refinements in the new model.

💡OLED

OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diodes, is a display technology known for its superior contrast and energy efficiency compared to LCDs. The video mentions rumors suggesting a shift to OLED technology in Apple's products by 2026. This keyword is significant as it indicates a possible future direction for Apple's display technology, which could bring enhancements to the iPad Mini's screen quality.

💡120 HZ promotion

The term '120 HZ promotion' likely refers to a display with a refresh rate of 120 times per second, which is double the standard 60 HZ and can result in smoother motion. The script indicates that there was hope for this feature in the iPad Mini 7, but supply chain reports suggest it will not be included. This concept is relevant as it pertains to the display's performance and user experience.

💡A15 Bionic processor

The 'A15 Bionic processor' is a system-on-a-chip designed by Apple, which powers the sixth generation iPad Mini. It is noted for its performance capabilities. The video script mentions that the iPad Mini 7 is expected to upgrade from the A15 to a more modern A17 or A18 processor, which would significantly enhance the device's capabilities. This keyword is key to understanding the expected performance improvements in the new model.

💡A17 or A18 processor

The 'A17' and 'A18 processor' refer to the rumored next-generation chips from Apple, which are expected to be more powerful and efficient than the A15. The script suggests that the iPad Mini 7 could feature either of these processors, indicating a significant performance boost. This is an important aspect of the video as it discusses the anticipated technical specifications and improvements of the device.

💡Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are standards for wireless communication. Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of Wi-Fi 6 that offers more bandwidth and less congestion, while Bluetooth 5.3 is the latest version of the Bluetooth standard, providing improved data transfer rates and range. The script indicates that these will be minimum features in the iPad Mini 7, highlighting the device's expected advancements in wireless connectivity.

💡Image Signal Processor

An 'Image Signal Processor' (ISP) is a component that processes data from image sensors to produce high-quality photos and videos. The script mentions that the Apple silicon, which includes the ISP, will result in better image quality on the iPad Mini 7, even with the same camera hardware. This keyword is important as it relates to the expected enhancements in the tablet's camera capabilities.

💡Release date

The 'release date' refers to when a product becomes available for purchase. The video script suggests that the iPad Mini 7 will not be released in the first half of the year and is more likely to arrive in the second half, specifically in the September-October timeframe. This information is crucial for consumers who are interested in the product's availability.

💡Face ID

Face ID is Apple's facial recognition technology used for secure authentication. The script mentions that the presenter would prefer Face ID on the iPad Mini, which currently uses Touch ID, but acknowledges that it is unlikely to happen with this generation. This keyword is relevant as it touches on the security features and personal preferences for the device's biometric authentication method.

Highlights

Apple will not release an updated iPad Mini at its event on May 7th, but it's coming soon.

The iPad Mini was last updated in 2021 and has become a fan favorite.

Current iPad Mini has USB-C and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil.

The 2021 redesign had a jelly scrolling effect, which Apple aims to correct.

Speculation suggests a display stack change, but not a new display technology until 2026.

120 Hz promotion was hoped for but is not expected in this update.

Support for a new high-end Apple Pencil is expected.

The iPad Mini uses an A15 Bionic processor, and the next generation may feature an A17 or A18.

The A18 chip is rumored to offer significant performance improvements over the A15.

New iPad Mini will likely include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Image quality improvements are expected due to the image signal processor in Apple Silicon.

Front-facing camera orientation is not expected to change in the new iPad Mini.

The seventh-generation iPad Mini is expected in the second half of 2024.

Pricing for the new iPad Mini is not expected to change significantly.

The iPad Mini is praised for its form factor, though Face ID is not expected in the update.

A performance boost is anticipated in the new iPad Mini.