Apple’s smallest iPad was given a substantial facelift at the end of 2021. The 6th generation iPad mini sports a complete redesign incorporating a edge-to-edge display with no Home button, Touch ID on the power button, the addition of USB C instead of Lightning, and an increased display size. This was perhaps the biggest change to the design since the iPad mini was first introduced back in 2012. The mini celebrated its ten-year anniversary in 2022 without an update, but a new iPad mini 7th generation appears to be certain for 2023.
iPad mini 7 release date: When will the new iPad mini be released?
There hasn’t been much in the way of rumors regarding the next version of the iPad mini, so at the moment it remains mere speculation when it might arrive. To give us some insight, here’s when the last few models made their debuts:
- iPad mini 6th generation: September 2021
- iPad mini 5th generation: September 2019
- iPad mini 4th generation: September 2015
As you can see, September is the traditional month in which the new iPad mini appears. Based on the gap between the last two generations we could be due a new iPad mini in September 2023.
But we might not have to wait that long. According to LeaksApplePro (via Gizchina), we could see a new iPad mini in the first half of 2023, so a spring launch is possible.
iPad mini 7 price: How much will the new iPad mini cost?
The arrival of the redesigned iPad mini 6th generation saw an increase in price over the previous model. Then, when Apple introduced new iPad and iPad Pro models in October 2022, the price (outside the U.S.) rose further.
Here’s how the price of the 6th and 5th generations compared:
- iPad mini 6th generation: £479/$499 (Now: £569 in the U.K. See: Is Apple ripping off the rest of the world?)
- iPad mini 5th generation: £379/$399
As Apple has already made the leap to the new styling and features in the 6th generation, and pushed up the price again outside the U.S. we think it’s likely that the price will stays the same for the 7th generation, although it is still possible that the U.S. could see price increases.
iPad mini 7 design and display: Will the iPad mini have a new look?
It’s been surprisingly quiet on the rumor front, with hardly any reports online from the usual leakers and insider sources that have proven rich pickings in past years. Here’s what we’ve managed to uncover.
Display with 120Hz refresh rate and ProMotion
The screen isn’t expected to change from the current 8.3-inch, but there may be new screen technology. A post on the South Korean site in November 2021 indicated Apple had ordered 8.3-inch displays from Samsung that support 120Hz maximum refresh rates. If true, the post on Clien (translated here) could mean the next mini offers the ProMotion ultra-smooth scrolling feature currently seen on the iPad Pro, iPhone 13 Pro models, and 14- & 16-inch MacBook Pro. This would address the minor issue of “jelly scrolling” that some users have complained about with the current iPad mini.
However, it’s not looking that this particular rumor is accurate. Analyst Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, doesn’t believe that Apple will be giving the iPad mini a ProMotion display yet. He indicates that doing so would require significant hardware changes. This would require a “whole new level of engineering,” according to Young.
I would be surprised since it is currently an a-Si LCD which isn't compatible with ProMotion. Only their Pro models support ProMotion as they use an Oxide LCD.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) June 28, 2022
We remain somewhat skeptical of this though, as “jelly scrolling” is pretty standard on LCD displays, where text appears to wobble as you scroll up and down pages, as it’s the nature of the way displays refresh images. Also, ProMotion is one of the differentiators between the standard and Pro devices Apple sells.
New colors

IDG
One of the most obvious changes to the iPad mini 6th generation was the new palette of colors that Apple made available.
While you can currently select between space gray, pink, purple, and starlight, there are several interesting hues available on the iPad Air 4th generation which also received a new look in fall 2021. These include Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue. It would therefore seem reasonable to assume that some of these make it to the mini format, giving an instant boost to the options for customers.
Now that the iPad 10th generation is here with a bold selection of colors to choose from the iPad mini may need to up its game.
iPad mini 7 specs: What features will the iPad mini have?
In a Twitter post in November 2021 FronTron suggested that a “Pro” iPad mini could feature the following specifications:
- 8.3-inch ProMotion display with refresh rates up to 120Hz
- A15 Bionic chip clocked at 3.23GHz
- 4GB memory
- Storage starting at 128GB
Pro features
As per the FronTron post above, we could see some of the capabilities from the iPad Pro models trickling down to its more diminutive cousin. It’s even been suggested that Apple could launch an iPad mini Pro model. In which case we could see the iPad mini feature a LiDAR Scanner, Face ID, M1 processors, additional cameras, Audio zoom and brighter displays.
However, we think it’s more likely that Apple will retain these for the Pros, but even if one or two make it to the mini, that would make the new model a very tempting proposition.
Increased storage
On the current iPad mini 6th generation, the base model starts off with a rather paltry 64GB of storage. For a device like an iPad, where you can store movies, TV shows, books, comics, magazines, games and a wide range of apps, that amount can often become a problem, especially if you want to take your iPad away on holiday or use it for your commute without needing to manage the storage.
Although Apple has something of a history for giving base-models low storage capacities, we think it would be a wise move to upgrade the entry-level iPad mini 7th generation to at least 128GB. File sizes are growing all the time, due to higher quality cameras and software, so doubling the existing 64GB would be a very consumer-friendly solution.
Along these lines, there’s also the possibility that the upper limit of the storage could be increased. At the time of writing, the most storage available on the iPad mini 6th generation is 256GB. Moving up to 512GB would be the logical step, especially if the baseline storage moves to 128GB.
Improved processor
The iPad mini 6 offers the A15 Bionic chip as found in the iPhone 13, however, this chip is down-clocked compared to the one inside the iPhone 13. It’s possible that the next iPad mini model could offer an enhanced A15 (perhaps an A15 bionic) or the new model launches could offer the same chip as the iPhone 14 series (A16 we assume). As FronTron suggested, perhaps a 3.23GHz chip can be expected.
We don’t expect that the iPad mini will feature an M1 chip, like that found in the iPad Pro, but perhaps it’s something Apple might consider down the line.
Better battery life
It’s been suggested that If the new iPad mini uses ProMotion it will reduce battery consumption, however, it doesn’t look like ProMotion will be coming to the iPad mini any time soon, so Apple will have to look elsewhere to improve battery life. However, Apple has stuck with 10 hours of battery life for every iPad ever released, so don’t expect much in the way of a breakthrough.
We’ll update this article as more details become available, but until then, be sure to read our iPad buying guide to see which models we’d recommend if you want to buy one of Apple’s tablets today. And check our roundup of the best iPad deals and iPad mini deals for the latest bargains on the current range.
FAQs
Will a new iPad mini be released in 2022? ›
Apple is working on a new version of the iPad mini, with mass shipments expected to start towards the end of 2023 or in the first half of 2024, according to the latest information shared by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Is there a new iPad mini coming out 2023? ›Kuo goes on: “Additionally, Apple is currently working on a new version of the iPad mini equipped with a new processor as the main selling point, and the mass shipment is expected to start by the end of 2023 or in 1H24.”
What to expect from iPad mini 7? ›Improved processor
It's possible that the next iPad mini model could offer an enhanced A15 like the iPhone 14 or with the A16 chip in the iPhone 14 Pro. Kuo reported in December that the iPad mini's “main selling point” would be the new processor, so it could also be an A17 chip, depending on when it arrives.
Apple iPad Mini 7 expected price in India is ₹64,990.
Is there going to be an iPad mini 7? ›However, if we were to speculate, given that the current model is more than a year old, the likeliest scenario would be an iPad mini 7 announcement sometime in late 2023 or early 2024. Prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also seems to believe that the next iPad mini will launch somewhere around that time.
What iPads are coming out 2023? ›According to prominent display analyst and industry insider Ross Young, the 14-inch iPad could make its debut sometime in the first quarter of 2023.
What iPad mini is outdated? ›Apple has officially marked the third-generation iPad mini as an obsolete product, marking the official end of the road for one of Apple's most popular iPads.
Is iPad mini getting discontinued? ›...
iPad Mini (6th generation)
An iPad mini (6th generation) | |
---|---|
Generation | 6th |
Release date | September 24, 2021 |
Operating system | Original: iPadOS 15 Current: iPadOS 16.3, released January 23, 2023 |
Apple's average support time for the iPad is 4-5 years before it no longer receives updates, but third-party app support can last for an additional 2 or 3 years. Is it possible to know an iPad's total power-on lifetime?
Is it worth it to buy iPad mini now? ›The iPad mini 6 is still a good buy
This model is absolutely (still) worth buying. The iPad mini 6 has an A15 Bionic chip inside, which should keep it relevant for several more years. (The 2022 10.9-inch iPad uses an A14 Bionic chip, for what it's worth.) Our biggest gripe with the device is probably the screen.
How many years should an iPad mini last? ›
How Many Years Should an iPad Last? Apple usually supports a new iPad with iPadOS updates for at least five years and often several years longer. Most iPad models hold up well in performance, features, and storage over this timeframe which means that five years is a standard lifespan for any iPad.
Is it worth buying a 7th generation iPad? ›Excellent iPad
I thought I needed the iPad mini but the 7th generation iPad is great for all my needs! Despite it having a A10 chip versus a A12 bionic chip it's still an excellent buy! I'm very happy with it! Upgraded from an iPad mini 2.
An iPad with 64GB storage or less is suitable if you want to browse the internet, check your email, Facetime, or watch series. It's enough storage capacity to download apps and play some games.
Why is an iPad mini more expensive than an iPad? ›Why is the iPad Mini more expensive? That's a question that only Apple can really answer, but at the time of its release, it was more powerful than the standard iPad, which may explain why it's more expensive.
When did the iPad mini 7.9 come out? ›It is a sub-series of the iPad line of tablets, with screen sizes of 7.9 inches and 8.3 inches. The first-generation iPad Mini was announced on October 23, 2012, and was released on November 2, 2012, in nearly all of Apple's markets.
When did the 7th Gen iPad release? ›This iPad was then revealed by Apple on September 10, 2019, the same time as the iPhone 11,11 Pro And iPhone 11 Pro Max at the Steve Jobs Theater with a scheduled release date of September 30 of that year. It was announced to retail at a starting price of $329 in the United States.
Is Apple dropping the Mini? ›With the iPhone 14 lineup, Apple has opted to replace the "mini" device with an all-new "Plus" device.
What Apple products are coming out in 2024? ›The new tier of iPhone could be released alongside the iPhone 16 lineup in 2024, the report says. The company has already used the Ultra name to differentiate its top-model smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra, and the top version of its M1 processor.
Do iPads last 5 years? ›They usually last around 3–5 years if you take good care of them. The new iOS updates over the years make the iPads themselves seem like newer generations. For example, even an iPad mini 2 still works similarly to a 2018 iPad Pro, just not as fast and definitely less storage in most cases.
Which iPads are being phased out? ›- iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max.
- Apple Watch Series 6.
- iPhone XR.
- iPad 8th-gen.
- iPad mini 5th-gen.
- 21.5-inch iMac.
- iMac Pro.
- HomePod.
Can an iPad last 10 years? ›
Your iPad has a finite lifespan. After a few years, you'll likely notice deteriorated performance, illustrated by crashed apps, unresponsive buttons, low storage and poor battery life.
What is the oldest iPad mini that is still supported? ›- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (9th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch.
- Turn your Old iPad into a Dashcam. ...
- Turn it into a Security Camera. ...
- Make a Digital Picture Frame. ...
- Extend Your Mac or PC Monitor. ...
- Run a Dedicated Media Server. ...
- Play with Your Pets. ...
- Install the Old iPad in Your Kitchen. ...
- Create a Dedicated Smart Home Controller.
Apple March event 2023: MacBook Pro M2 Pro 14-inch and 16-inch. Apple launched a new MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 and new MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023 in a January press release.
What will Apple release in 2025? ›Apple Working on 20.5-Inch All-Screen Foldable Notebook for 2025. Apple is developing a 20.5-inch foldable notebook that could be released as soon as 2025, according to information shared today by display analyst Ross Young.
Is Apple coming out with anything new soon? ›iPad Pro - Apple is working on 11.1 and 13-inch iPad Pro models with OLED displays, with these iPads set to come out in 2024. Foldable iPhone - Apple is allegedly working on a foldable iPhone that might be between 7.5 and 8 inches, with a launch date slated for 2023 at the earliest.
What generation is iPad mini 2022? ›iPad mini (6th generation) - Technical Specifications.
Why is there a shortage of iPad mini? ›Apple's new iPad models are set to experience shipping delays thanks to the company cutting back production. According to a report from Nikkei Asia, Apple has allegedly reduced iPad production by 50% to ensure that it can meet iPhone 13's strong demand. iPhones and iPads share many components including storage and RAM.
Will there be a 6th generation iPad mini? ›Apple introduced the sixth-generation iPad mini in September 2021, two and a half years after the introduction of the previous model fifth-generation , featuring a complete redesign with a larger display, no Home button, the A15 Bionic chip, and a USB-C port.
Is it worth buying a 9th generation iPad? ›Buying Options
But the $330, 10.2-inch Apple iPad (9th generation) offers the best balance of price and performance, and it can do most of the things that the more expensive iPad Pro can do—such as pair with a Smart Keyboard or Apple Pencil—even though it's smaller and its screen isn't as good.
Which iPads can no longer be updated? ›
- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi.
- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular.
- iPad (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (MM)
- iPad [original]
- iPad 3G.
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi.
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular.
- iPad (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular (VZ)