Apple has officially unveiled its latest tablet, the iPad Mini 7 (2024), which is generating significant buzz among tech enthusiasts. This newest member of Apple’s extensive tablet portfolio continues the trend of portability with its compact, pocket-sized design, making it an ideal choice for users always on the go. However, beyond its appealing size, the iPad Mini 7 has introduced several future-proof features, making it not only convenient but also a wise investment for those looking to stay ahead in technology.
The iPad Mini 7 now comes with doubled storage, featuring 128GB at its previous starting price of $499. From an external perspective, it resembles its predecessor, the iPad Mini 6 (2021), but without the home button or the bulky bezels, thus adopting a sleek, Kindle-like silhouette. This time around, Apple has enhanced the display, which boasts a 2K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, making significant strides in addressing the “jelly scrolling” issue seen in the prior model.
Equipped with the powerful A17 Pro chip, the new iPad Mini is also poised for the Apple Intelligence era, supporting the latest Apple Pencil Pro, thereby catering to both creative professionals and casual users alike. However, despite these impressive upgrades, there remains one notable feature that users were hoping for: the incorporation of Face ID.
Many users ponder whether Apple has chosen to integrate Face ID into its smallest tablet. Regrettably, the answer is no. The iPad Mini 6 relied solely on Touch ID for biometric security, and Apple has decided to maintain this feature in the iPad Mini 7. While the leap to a powerful processing chip seems to offer an opportunity for Apple to innovate further, the company has opted to reserve Face ID for its iPad Pro models. Thus, users looking for facial recognition will need to turn to the larger iPad Pro until Apple presumably revamps their iPad Mini line.
For now, iPad Mini 7 users will continue to use the reliable Touch ID system, which has been slightly reconfigured since the removal of the Home button. Users will find a fingerprint sensor incorporated into the top side button of the device, similar to its predecessor. While this method may feel slightly less intuitive than simply using Face ID, the Touch ID system is straightforward and functional, allowing users to unlock their device, make purchases, and download apps seamlessly.
Setting up Touch ID requires following on-screen prompts, ensuring user-friendly accessibility. While some may find it a little more cumbersome than the facial recognition offered on iPhones, the system remains effective in its simplicity and security.
In addition to the launch of the iPad Mini 7, fans of the tablet can look forward to an anticipated future release. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the next-generation model might be announced and launched shortly, ending a significant three-year wait for an update to the iPad Mini. Rumored to ship on November 1, the upcoming model is already generating excitement among Apple aficionados.
For those ready to embrace the tablet trend, whether for work or leisure, various excellent options are currently available, including tablet deals across brands such as iPad, Samsung, Amazon Fire, and Microsoft Surface. With a growing number of discounts, consumers can shop around to find the perfect device that caters to their needs while enjoying savings. As Apple continues to lead the tablet market, these advancements and options present compelling choices for users seeking a blend of functionality and portability.
Whether you’re a graphic designer looking for a versatile tool or simply someone who enjoys streaming your favorite shows on a small screen, the iPad Mini 7 stands as a noteworthy contender in today’s tech landscape. As the tablet market evolves, Apple’s commitment to innovation shows promise, ensuring users have the tools they need to enhance their digital experiences.