Originally, it was expected that the new iPad would be shown by Apple already this spring, when the new iPad Pro and iPad Air also premiered. In the end, however, the representatives of the American technology giant decided to strain users for almost half a year longer.
However, each interested party will have to evaluate for themselves whether the wait was worth it. Indeed, the predecessor appeared already in 2021, and the novelty really offers a number of improvements against it. On the other hand, compared to more advanced models from the Pro or Air series, it is relatively behind.
The iPad mini would also deserve an update, but Apple is holding off
Hardware
You can already see it by looking at the technical parameters. While the more expensive siblings have full-fledged Apple Silicon chips of the M series, which collect one award after another, the new iPad mini only has a slower processor of the A series, which beats, for example, also in iPhones.
This does not mean that the novelty is fundamentally slow, on the contrary. Apple will most likely have the performance fine-tuned. But M-series chips can measure up to those in notebooks and computers, they are full-fledged work machines. While the A17 Pro chip is closer to smartphones.
Photo: archive of the manufacturer
Apple iPad mini (2024)
Photo: archive of the manufacturer
Apple iPad mini (2024)
Slower than the iPhone 16
However, iPhones with the number 15 in the name were also equipped with this exact processor last year. More experienced readers probably already guess that even the current generation of iPhone 16 will offer higher performance than the iPad mini. Compared to the previous iPad mini from 2021, the increase in performance is of course noticeable.
Thanks to the new chip, the iPad mini will offer support for Apple Intelligence, i.e. artificial intelligence (AI) from the American technology giant. However, it is not yet available in the Czech Republic. Support for Apple Pencil 2 and the latest Pencil Pro model will please.
The new iPad mini maintains the same appearance as its predecessor, which is based on the design language of iPhones. It therefore boasts a more angular design with straight sides. The touch surface offers a diagonal of 8.3 inches.
It goes without saying that the USB-C connector is already more universal than the Apple Lightning interface. Thanks to this, a wide variety of accessories can be easily connected. We can find a 12 MPx camera at the back and at the front, while the front one has an ultra-wide-angle shot (122°). The predecessor also had identical cameras.
Photo: archive of the manufacturer
Apple iPad mini (2024)
Photo: archive of the manufacturer
Apple iPad mini (2024)
The price is more favorable
With Tuesday’s publication, Apple immediately launched the possibility of pre-orders. The official start of sales is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23.
Prices start at CZK 15,490. Basically, the novelty is cheaper than its predecessor. Although Apple offered the iPad mini for CZK 14,490 in 2021, over the years it has increased its price to CZK 15,490 – at this price, the predecessor was offered practically all of this year.
So why are we talking about discounting? The original iPad mini had only 64GB of memory at the same price, while the new one will offer double the storage capacity. So you get 128GB of memory for the same price.
In the case of the predecessor, the 256GB version with 5G connection was offered for 24,490 CZK, but currently you can buy the identical model with a more powerful heart for 22,990 CZK.
Introduction of iPad mini (2021)Video: manufacturer’s archive
Photo: archive of the manufacturer
Apple iPad mini (2021)
What will Apple’s AI offer?
Apple presented its own artificial intelligence called Apple Intelligence at the end of June in Cupertino, USA, which it integrates into its entire ecosystem. That is, not only for iPhone smartphones, but also for iPad computer tablets and Mac computers.
Apple Intelligence will understand both text and images on these devices. So it can recognize, for example, your child in a picture to speed up the search for specific people.
Using AI, it will also be possible to edit photos, for example to automatically remove unwanted objects in the background.
Images will also be automatically generated based on text input. So, if you want to create a picture of a blooming garden, just type it, after which the system from the American technology giant will create a realistic picture – exactly as specified.
The novelty should also be able to help users with writing text. This applies not only to e-mails, but also to any documents. From a few notes, you will be able to let the AI formulate a text especially for your boss or colleague, but also a love letter for your love.
Photo: News
Apple Intelligence on iPhone
At the same time, the artificial intelligence system will learn from the user. For example, on an iPhone, it will be able to recognize which notifications are important to you – and then give them a higher priority.
The knowledge of the user’s preferences will be used by the AI, for example, to recommend the most suitable restaurant for him to visit.
In addition, the American technology giant decided to establish cooperation with the company OpenAI, which is closely connected with the American Microsoft. Owners of Apple devices will thus be able to enjoy the latest chatbot ChatGPT 4o for free, which will be integrated directly into individual functions of the operating system.
However, Apple emphasized at the press conference that the security of user data is the highest priority for the company. Most often, users will be able to use Apple Intelligence, which will be integrated directly into the phone, tablet or computer.
Only when a more robust AI system is needed does ChatGPT come into play. At the same time, users will be able to choose in their device settings whether OpenAI is allowed to work with their data – for example, search history – or not.
Photo: News
Apple’s AI will be available on a wide range of devices.
The new iPhone 16 was a hit for Apple. Sellers report sold out
Mobil
Right, so let’s dive straight into this whole Apple iPad mini kerfuffle, shall we? Now, Apple, the tech company that practically needs no introduction, has decided it’s time to unveil the shiny new iPad mini. And while they’ve kept us waiting longer than a toddler in a supermarket checkout line, I suppose good things come to those who can wait… assuming you have the patience of a saint and the bank balance of a tech fanatic!
Originally, the tech world was buzzing with anticipation back in the spring when we expected a grand reveal alongside the iPad Pro and iPad Air. But, oh no, Apple decided to tease us like a cat with a laser pointer. Just when you thought it was happening, they pulled the rug out from under us for half a year! Honestly, are they running a tech company or a suspense thriller? I keep expecting a plot twist where Tim Cook rightfully gets a turn at peek-a-boo!
Now, Is It Worth the Wait? That’s the $15,490 Question!
So, the big question: was the wait worth it? The previous model waddled into our lives back in 2021, and this new one comes with some hefty upgrades, or at least that’s the marketing spiel! Let’s face it, though – compared to the high-flying Pro and Air models, the iPad mini is about as fast as a tortoise on a leisurely walk. It’s like bringing a spoon to a knife fight! You can make a nice cake, but good luck cutting through the competition.
The Specs: Out of Touch with the New Kids?
Now, let’s talk turkey – or in this case, chips! The new iPad mini has an A-series processor that’s so yesterday compared to the shiny M-series chips that are busily winning awards in every corner. I mean, come on. It’s about as relevant to today’s tech landscape as a flip-phone! Sure, it might still run alright, but how lovely would it be if it didn’t feel like the underdog of the family? The little brother still trying to catch up while the older siblings have, you know, actual power and international recognition!
What’s even crazier? The iPad mini is now officially slower than an iPhone 16! That’s like being the slowest kid in gym class—embarrassing! The iPhone 16 is like “Hey, I’m the cool kid on the block” while the iPad mini stands there in last year’s jeans thinking, “At least I’m still almost trendy!”
At Least There Are Some Sweet Features!
But all is not lost! The iPad mini is chugging along with some lovely features. We’re talking a respectable 128GB of storage for the same price, which feels a bit like getting a slice of cake just when you were about to be served broccoli—it could be a whole lot worse! Plus, they’ve introduced Apple Intelligence! I know, fancy name, but just wait until it gets to your “Where did I leave my keys?” emergency. Not that it can do your laundry, but it sure is trying to make our lives easier—like your mate who always has a snack stash at the party!
The design? As identical to its predecessor as a sequel that nobody asked for. It’s like the iPads had a family reunion but no one bothered to change their clothes! Still, it maintains the sophisticated look with straight edges, an 8.3-inch screen, and USB-C slots – because heaven forbid we stick with Apple’s Lightning interface for just one more day!
Price Tag Shock: Did Apple Forget the Discounts?
Now let’s talk brass tacks: the pricing! It starts at CZK 15,490, which is technically cheaper than before if you squint hard enough and genuinely don’t mind that they were basically just playing a numbers game with storage space. Because who wouldn’t want a better deal from a billion-dollar company? Well, either way, it’s all about good marketing and numbers spinning, right? Especially when they start throwing around promises about discounts! Just know that when Apple says “discount,” it sounds suspiciously like “we’re still going to charge you an arm and a leg, but at least we’ll give you a slightly better option for that same arm!”
A Stab at the Future with AI
Finally, let’s chat about the shiny new Apple Intelligence. Yes, folks, now you can ask your iPad mini to do things like recognize your child in a photo! Because let’s face it: trying to find that one photo amidst hundreds is basically a job in itself. And it doesn’t end there; we’re getting photo editing magic and text generation capabilities! Need a love letter? Boom! Your iPad mini is now your secret Cupid, faster than you can say “swipe right!”
Wrapping it all up, the iPad mini is a curious little gadget: still behind the bigger and bolder devices but with a decent facelift and some features that may just give you a reason to warm up to it. Think of it as that underdog who finally learned to tie their shoes. Sure, it’s a slow poke, but at least it’s giving it a go in the race of tech!
So, whether you’ll be pre-ordering the new iPad mini or not, it looks like Apple is still holding court. Keep your expectations in check, and just remember: it’s not just about speed; it’s all about style and… well, your bank balance! Cheers!
