Apple’s smallest tablet is getting a bigger screen. Earlier this week, the company announced the eighth-generation iPad Mini alongside several new MacBook Pro models, bringing OLED technology to Apple’s miniature tablet for the first time. The diminutive slate won’t hit shelves until November 6th; however, you can already preorder it from Apple in multiple colors starting at $699.

The forthcoming iPad Mini features an 8.5-inch OLED display, the largest screen the Mini has ever had, despite being both thinner and lighter than its 2024 predecessor. It also runs on Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, which should deliver faster performance while supporting some of Apple’s new Siri AI features, including the ability to customize Siri’s voice. Apple has also introduced what it calls an “Acoustic Display,” which pairs speakers with the screen and frame to deliver louder, richer sound with deeper bass and clearer highs.

Other upgrades include IP67 water resistance and a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, now located on the long edge, making video calls easier in landscape mode. The new Mini also features Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip, which adds support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Cellular models additionally get Apple’s new C2 modem, which promises up to 50 percent faster cellular speeds than the previous generation.

Where to preorder the iPad Mini

As of today, you can preorder the new iPad Mini from Apple in black or a creamy white shade with Wi-Fi and 256GB of storage starting at $699. Best Buy is also taking preorders and throwing in a $50 gift card with your purchase. Upgrading to 256GB costs an additional $100, while the 512GB model costs $999; the latter also features a more powerful six-core CPU, rather than the five-core CPU in the lower-storage models.

If you want cellular connectivity, the 128GB model is available for preorder from Apple starting at $849, while the 256GB and 512GB versions cost $949 and $1,149, respectively. Apple also offers a glare-reducing nano-texture display option on the 256GB and 512GB models, starting at $899 and $1,099, respectively. Opting for an LTE configuration brings those prices up to $1,049 and $1,249.

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  • Sheena Vasani

Source: The Verge · Sheena Vasani

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Topic
Technology
Country
🇺🇸 US
Publisher language
EN
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