iPad mini iOS on iPad Mini 4

[Superman730]

I currently have an iPad Mini 3 running iOS 12.1.4. I love the form factor of the mini but the version of iOS that is used on this hardware is less capable that that running on say my wife's iPad Air 2. I was wondering if those with the more powerful iPad Mini 4 can tell me if the software is more capable on their hardware. My main thing here is that I can't do the multitasking features that hers can, I can only do slide over which IMO isn't very useful in the long run. I just didn't know if it was because I have older hardware or that was a conscious choice by Apple because of the smaller screen size. I'm thinking about getting an iPad Mini 5 depending on it's specs and knowing what to expect with the software will go a ways into helping me make my decision. Thanks!

 

[cruisin]

The 4 has double the RAM over the 3, so immediately it should be better. The Air 2 and Mini 4 have very similar hardware inside.

A quick search shows that split view is supported on the 4, so the more up to date 5 should have all the features and maybe the pencil as well.

 

[bodonnell202]

The mini 4 can do the same multitasking features as the Air 2 and runs iOS 12 great.

 

[Superman730]

Thanks for the info! Pencil integration would be interesting as that would require a bit of internal layout changes now that it charges magnetically attached. Although (and I haven't been to an Apple store to test a new pencil on the latest iOS) there are some basic things that the pencil doesn't do that make me question how much I'd use it. Like the original version didn't swipe between screens on the main display. If I have this thing in my hand, I'm going to want to use it to navigate the whole thing. But that's a digression...

 

[Whoakapi]

The mini 4 can do the same multitasking features as the Air 2 and runs iOS 12 great.

Yep. Going from iOS11 to iOS12 on the Mini4 was like getting a new device.

 

[magbarn]

The Mini 4, while getting a boost from ios 12 hasn't aged as well as my Air 2. The Air 2 is notably faster in switching apps and loading up web pages. The ipad 9.7 blows it out of the water. Heck, even the iphone SE is faster! I'm still waiting for the mythical mini 5 that hopefully should come out soon as the mini is the only ipad that fits well in my coat pocket. Absolutely nuts that Apple hasn't upgraded it in 4 years...

 

[Falhófnir]

Yep as @magbarn says above, if you would be looking at buying, while the mini 4 is a big step up and supports the features you desire, it is itself getting a bit long in the tooth now (as is even the air 2). These A8 based devices are unlikely to get support much past iOS 13. There are rumours of a mini refresh upcoming, so it might be best to wait until at least the iPad 7th gen shows up (likely later this month) before you make a purchase.