Apple Unveils New iPad Mini 7: A17 Pro Chip Delivers Massive Performance Boost

Apple has just introduced the new iPad mini 7 via a press release on their website. This marks the first update for Apple's smallest tablet since 2021. The iPad mini 7 comes equipped with the A17 Pro chip, bringing a huge performance upgrade over previous generations.

Previously, Apple utilized the A17 Pro chip in both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The A17 Pro variant has a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU for faster processing speeds, smoothly handling demanding tasks from editing photos and videos to augmented reality experiences and high-end gaming. Additionally, the twice as fast Neural Engine and hardware accelerations like Dynamic Caching and shadow mapping boost AI and graphics performance.

A17 Pro Chip Brings 30% Faster CPU and 25% Faster GPU Than Previous iPad Mini

The A17 Pro chip provides a CPU performance increase of over 30% compared to the A15 Bionic chip in the previous iPad mini, with the GPU also seeing a 25% speed boost. For the first time, the new iPad mini supports Wi-Fi 6E for even faster connectivity.

Apple has doubled the base storage capacity to 128GB - twice that of the predecessor - while maintaining the same price point. Customers can order the new iPad mini starting today, with deliveries beginning October 23rd (for the United States market).

Familiar Compact Design With New Color Options

In terms of design, the new iPad mini looks nearly identical to its predecessor. However, it does come in some fresh new color choices like blue and purple.

One notable design upgrade is the magnetic side charging strip that supports the Apple Pencil Pro. This allows the new iPad mini to magnetically connect and wirelessly charge the Apple Pencil Pro. The iPad mini is also compatible with the Apple Pencil (USB-C) through its USB-C port.

Camera Upgrades For Better Document Scanning and Video Calls

The iPad mini sports an upgraded 12MP Wide rear camera with Smart HDR 4 capabilities. Thanks to its 16-core Neural Engine, the new iPad mini uses AI to automatically detect documents right in the Camera app and can leverage the True Tone flash to eliminate shadows from documents.

The front-facing 12MP Ultra Wide camera is oriented vertically to support Center Stage, ideal for the ways that users video chat on the iPad mini.

Ships With iPadOS 18 - Apple Intelligence Coming Later

The iPad mini will ship with iPadOS 18 pre-installed, but it won't initially have the Apple Intelligence capabilities. The first Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Reduce Interruptions will arrive in the iPadOS 18.1 update expected later in October.

Pricing and Availability in Vietnam

Local pricing and exact availability details have yet to be announced for Vietnam. However, the Wi-Fi variant is priced at 13,999,000 VND while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model costs 17,999,000 VND.

Per the Apple Newsroom in Vietnam, the iPad mini will also have educational pricing starting from 12,599,000 VND for students, faculty, and staff.

The new iPad mini 7 represents a significant generational leap thanks to the mighty A17 Pro chip. Apple has taken their smallest tablet to the next level in terms of performance and productivity capabilities. While maintaining the beloved compact form factor, the iPad mini 7 brings upgrades like the magnetic Apple Pencil Pro pairing, improved rear camera, and double the base storage.

For those seeking the ultimate portable iPad experience, the new iPad mini 7 is shaping up to be a top choice with its elevated processing power, seamless Apple Pencil integration, and 5G connectivity. Apple has ensured their smallest tablet retains its might and magic.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New iPad Mini 7

Apple recently unveiled the latest iteration of its beloved iPad mini tablet, the iPad mini 7. This powerful new device comes with some great upgrades over previous versions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the impressive new iPad mini 7.

What are the key features and upgrades of the iPad mini 7?

Some of the most notable features and upgrades of the new iPad mini 7 include:

A17 Pro chip - This provides a 30% faster CPU and 25% faster GPU than the previous generation's A15 chip. This delivers a huge boost in processing power.
128GB base storage - The new base storage is double that of the old model at 128GB, still keeping the same price point.
Wi-Fi 6E support - For the first time, the iPad mini supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster connectivity.
New color options - Fresh new blue and purple color choices join the typical Space Gray and Starlight.
Magnetic Apple Pencil Pro pairing - The new magnetic side strip allows the iPad mini to magnetically connect and wirelessly charge the Apple Pencil Pro.
Upgraded rear camera - A new 12MP Wide camera with Smart HDR 4 capabilities improves photo quality.

How much faster is the A17 Pro chip compared to previous iPad minis?

The latest A17 Pro chip provides massive performance gains over previous generations of the iPad mini. Specifically, it delivers:

A 30% faster CPU compared to the A15 chip in the iPad mini 6.
A 25% faster GPU compared to the iPad mini 6's A15 chip.

These represent huge leaps in processing power and graphics capabilities.

Does the new iPad mini work with the original Apple Pencil?

Yes, the iPad mini 7 retains compatibility with the original Apple Pencil (1st generation) that charges via Lightning connector. However, it cannot magnetically attach to the side of the iPad mini like the Apple Pencil Pro.

The iPad mini 7 is also compatible with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation), which connects and charges via USB-C. But for full functionality like wireless charging, you'll need the new Apple Pencil Pro.

What colors is the iPad mini 7 available in?

The new iPad mini comes in:

Space Gray
Starlight
New blue color
New purple color

So you have four color options to choose from. The blue and purple variants are brand new additions to the iPad mini color lineup.

What operating system and software features does the iPad mini 7 offer?

The iPad mini 7 ships with the latest iPadOS 18 software. It does not initially come with the Apple Intelligence capabilities.

The Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Reduce Interruptions will arrive later in iPadOS 18.1 expected in late October 2022.

So while you get the most advanced iPadOS software now, the smartest features are still to come via an update.

Does the iPad mini 7 support 5G connectivity?

Yes, the Wi-Fi + Cellular models of the iPad mini 7 support fast 5G networks. This allows you to access super-fast data speeds when away from Wi-Fi.

Both Sub-6 GHz 5G networks and the faster mmWave 5G networks are supported based on your carrier and region.

How does the new iPad mini camera compare to older models?

The iPad mini 7 sports major camera upgrades compared to previous generations:

A new 12MP Wide rear camera with Smart HDR 4 - Improved from the old 8MP rear camera
An upgraded 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage support - Improved from the old 7MP front camera

These upgrades significantly improve photo quality, document scanning capabilities, and the video calling experience.

What accessories work with the new iPad mini?

The most notable accessories compatible with the iPad mini 7 include:

Apple Pencil Pro - Offers magnetic wireless charging and pairing
Apple Pencil (2nd generation) - Charges via USB-C
Apple Smart Keyboard - Provides a comfortable physical keyboard
AirPods Pro - Immersive audio and seamless pairing
Magic Keyboard - Protective case with built-in trackpad

And any other accessories that are compatible with USB-C connectivity or Bluetooth pairing.

What are the best uses for the iPad mini 7?

The iPad mini 7 excels in portable productivity and entertainment:

Email, web browsing, and social media on the go
Mobile gaming, especially with Apple Arcade
Creative work like drawing with the Apple Pencil
Second screen while traveling
eBook and digital magazine reading
On-the-fly photo and video editing

Its compact form factor makes it the perfect iPad for carrying everywhere.

The iPad mini 7 sets a new standard for small but mighty tablets. With game-changing power from the A17 Pro chip, versatile accessory support like the Apple Pencil Pro, and advanced camera and connectivity specs, it takes portable computing to the next level. We hope these frequently asked questions have provided you with a comprehensive overview of this impressively enhanced iPad mini.