Apple unveils new iPad mini with updated design, 5G

As part of its raft of product launches in its September special event, Apple has updated the iPad mini for 2021. Arriving two and a half years after the last refresh to the iPad mini 5, the sixth-generation model brings the pint-sized tablet up to date, while still retaining its compact form.

Sporting an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display with a resolution of 2,266 by 1,488, the new iPad mini fits into the same compact footprint as the previous model. The display also includes True Tone, Wide Color, and offers up to 500 nits of brightness.

To fit in the new display, Apple has moved Touch ID to a corner button, a trick it previously pulled in the iPad Air.

At the base of the iPad mini, Apple has made the switch over to USB-C instead of Lightning. Connectivity changes also include the addition of 5G support for the first time. Apple will include a USB-C cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter in the box.

For the cameras, the back features a 12-megapixel sensor with Focus Pixels and an f/1.8 aperture, as well as True Tone flash. A new Image Signal Processor enables Smart HDR improvements, with the camera also capable of recording 4K video.

The front camera has been upgraded to a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera with a 122-degree field of view. The change enables the iPad mini to gain Center Stage support, the automatic frame adjustment feature as seen in other iPad models.

Apple also introduced Apple Pencil 2 support, allowing for magnetic on-device charging to occur.

The audio system has also been improved, with the inclusion of stereo speakers when used in a landscape orientation.

Powering the iPad Mini is the A15 Bionic chip, featuring a 6-core CPU offering a 40% jump in performance, and a 5-core GPU boasting an 80% performance boost. The 16-core Neural Engine and new ML accelerators are said to make the A15 twice as fast at ML tasks than its predecessor.

The iPad mini is available to order in 28 countries and regions, with availability starting Friday, in 64GB and 256GB capacities. It will be offered in a pink, starlight, purple, and space gray finishes.

To go alongside the new iPad mini, Apple is introing several new Smart Folios that are color-matched to the new device. They attach magnetically to offer front and rear protection and can roll up to act as a portable stand.

The starting price is $499 for 64GB with Wi-Fi, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular models will start from $649.