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Just like iPhone 16 models, the new iPad mini is likely to launch without Apple Intelligence, but the features should be available on the device soon.

ipad-mini-7-feature.jpg

Geekbench results for the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip list the device as running iPadOS 18.0, instead of iPadOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence.

Last month, a private account on social media platform X with a proven track record of sharing upcoming iOS versions mentioned a special build of iPadOS 18.0 for the iPad mini 7, and it appears that the device will indeed come preinstalled with iPadOS 18.0 out of the box when it begins arriving to customers on Wednesday, October 23.

Fortunately, new iPad mini owners shouldn't have to wait too long for Apple Intelligence. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week reiterated his expectation that iPadOS 18.1 will be released on Monday, October 28, so Apple Intelligence should be available on the new iPad mini merely five days after the device launches.

Apple's press release for the new iPad mini had already mentioned that the first Apple Intelligence features would be available on the device starting with an iPadOS 18.1 software update this month, and now the situation is fully clear.

The first Apple Intelligence features include writing tools, notification summaries, and more.

Article Link: Here's When to Expect Apple Intelligence to Launch on the New iPad Mini
 
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I’m going to be harsh here but this is just embarrassing at this point with the “rollout” of AI. Why the rush to release this iPad if it was just a press release? Wait until the end of the month when 18.1 is supposed to release. It’s been three years, would two more weeks really matter? Or, don’t advertise how it’s “built for apple intelligence” when it’s not here yet. Just silly.

Your opinion may differ.
 
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I’m going to be harsh here but this is just embarrassing at this point with the “rollout” of AI. Why the rush to release this iPad if it was just a press release? Wait until the end if the month when 18.1 is supposed to release. It’s been three years, would two more weeks really matter? Or, don’t advertise how it’s “built for apple intelligence” when it’s not here yet. Just silly.

Your opinion may differ.

They should have just relaxed and released AI in early or mid 2025

This whole "rush" is pointless as we are already coming up on November as it is
 
New iPad Mini Ships With iPadOS 18.0, Apple Intelligence Coming Later

Geekbench results for the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip list the device as running iPadOS 18.0, instead of iPadOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence.
Hopefully Apple has thoroughly tested out iPadOS 18 on these

 
This messy rollout of software by Apple is starting to look like they have reached the day 0 patch mantra like Sony did with their PlayStation consoles. Rush it out the door to get the sale…fix the software later
 
I’m going to be harsh here but this is just embarrassing at this point with the “rollout” of AI. Why the rush to release this iPad if it was just a press release? Wait until the end of the month when 18.1 is supposed to release. It’s been three years, would two more weeks really matter? Or, don’t advertise how it’s “built for apple intelligence” when it’s not here yet. Just silly.

Your opinion may differ.

My opinion differs. I give Apple credit for one thing: knowing how to make the most money possible. If they believe a staggered release ahead of Apple AI will make them more money, they are probably right.

Most people aren't following as closely as those here, and staggered releases keeps Apple in more press cycles and the iPad mini doesn't get lost in the news about new Macs or AI coming to iPhones. Losing 2+ weeks of pre-christmas sales more than offsets any "embarrassment" they may feel. Even as a consumer, it's better they release them now. If you want to wait for AI before buying one, you're free to do so, but there's no need to make everyone else wait too.
 


Just like iPhone 16 models, the new iPad mini is likely to launch without Apple Intelligence, but the features should be available on the device soon.

ipad-mini-7-feature.jpg

Geekbench results for the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip list the device as running iPadOS 18.0, instead of iPadOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence.

Last month, a private account on social media platform X with a proven track record of sharing upcoming iOS versions mentioned a special build of iPadOS 18.0 for the iPad mini 7, and it appears that the device will indeed come preinstalled with iPadOS 18.0 out of the box when it begins arriving to customers on Wednesday, October 23.

Fortunately, new iPad mini owners shouldn't have to wait too long for Apple Intelligence. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week reiterated his expectation that iPadOS 18.1 will be released on Monday, October 28, so Apple Intelligence should be available on the new iPad mini merely five days after the device launches.

Apple's press release for the new iPad mini had already mentioned that the first Apple Intelligence features would be available on the device starting with an iPadOS 18.1 software update this month, and now the situation is fully clear.

The first Apple Intelligence features include writing tools, notification summaries, and more.

Article Link: New iPad Mini Ships With iPadOS 18.0, Apple Intelligence Coming Later
Honestly, everyone is being a baby about Apple Intelligence, you guys know you can just wait or download the beta
 
  • Haha
Reactions: _Mitchan1999
I’m going to be harsh here but this is just embarrassing at this point with the “rollout” of AI. Why the rush to release this iPad if it was just a press release? Wait until the end of the month when 18.1 is supposed to release. It’s been three years, would two more weeks really matter? Or, don’t advertise how it’s “built for apple intelligence” when it’s not here yet. Just silly.

Your opinion may differ.
"wait till the end of the month when 18.1 is released" mean's that's when they would be able to load the OS onto the iPads, then they'd have to package them, then ship them out all over the world, and then put on sale. If they waited till they could release them with 18.1, it would be a delay of at least a month, if not more. Releasing it now, gets a little bit of buzz happening and raises some excitement for the new features. While I see where you're coming from with the "built for apple intelligence" phrase, I think it's pretty clear that they mean it's "apple intelligence ready" for when it does come out, unlike many iphones, ipads, and macs. Plus there are some people who don't want to upgrade to 18.1 because they don't want AI stuff. Not that Apple is catering to this group specifically, but more people may buy it knowing they don't have to have the AI features on the latest iPad Mini.
 
Ordered on release date minutes after release. Software will get here when it does. No biggie.

The only disappointment is that it is shipping with a crippled "fancy cover" USB-C cable that will not support the 10Gbs data transfers which is a major new feature. So one will have to drop another wad of cash for the cable that should be in the box to fulfill the marketing claims.

Perhaps, one might say "false advertising" as the unit will NOT perform per the specifications with the supplied cable.
 
  • Disagree
Reactions: _Mitchan1999
My opinion differs. I give Apple credit for one thing: knowing how to make the most money possible. If they believe a staggered release ahead of Apple AI will make them more money, they are probably right.

Most people aren't following as closely as those here, and staggered releases keeps Apple in more press cycles and the iPad mini doesn't get lost in the news about new Macs or AI coming to iPhones. Losing 2+ weeks of pre-christmas sales more than offsets any "embarrassment" they may feel. Even as a consumer, it's better they release them now. If you want to wait for AI before buying one, you're free to do so, but there's no need to make everyone else wait too.
i really doubt Apple is staggering the release to make money lol

they got caught out. Microsoft, Google, Nvidia are way ahead of them on AI. Apple are playing catch up.
 
For all of those getting a case of the shakes about how Apple chooses to release the new iPad Mini with whatever OS...

Simply wait a month or two before making your purchase. Problem solved.

I suspect many here won't actually be making a purchase and just need to take a swing at Apple believing the company is clueless and doesn't know what they're doing.
 
  • Love
Reactions: _Mitchan1999
Whew! This is exactly what I was hoping for. I was dreading receiving the new Mini with 18.1 pre installed. Yay 18.0 or 18.0.1.
 
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