What to Expect From Apple's 2024 iPad Mini 7

[sdm1985]

Apple go out of their way to make smaller devices 2 years behind, it’s NOT what we want.
‘Oh it’s a Mini, what can we NOT put in it’. There is demand out there for smaller devices with the latest features, if you want pro features now, you need a bloody massive device!

 

[GMShadow]

Apple go out of their way to make smaller devices 2 years behind, it’s NOT what we want.
‘Oh it’s a Mini, what can we NOT put in it’. There is demand out there for smaller devices with the latest features, if you want pro features now, you need a bloody massive device!

I'm aware you're soapboxing but three of the six Mini generations (including the last two) had the then-latest SoCs installed when they came out.

 

[FineWoven]

ProMotion. FaceID. Change the display orientation so jelly scroll happens in landscape instead of portrait. Be able to drive an external display (not just mirror).

That's my list, but fixing jelly scroll in the portrait orientation is the only thing I see actually happening.

Good god if all of those things actually turned out to be reality then this thing would be an instant buy from me. I don't even need it either, I just bought the new Pro earlier this summer. But something about an iPad mini in the way that you described plus all the other rumors up to this point, would somehow satisfy some weird craving for me of a hybrid device caught between an iPhone and iPad.

 

[Tevosn]

No face-id? 😢

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Apple go out of their way to make smaller devices 2 years behind, it’s NOT what we want.
‘Oh it’s a Mini, what can we NOT put in it’. There is demand out there for smaller devices with the latest features, if you want pro features now, you need a bloody massive device!

I would argue the opposite. Apple has spent the last decade engineering more power into less "bloody massive device" as evidenced by the M chips power efficiency. E.g. the M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM that I am typing this on has exponential performance competence over my MBPs from a decade ago yet is no larger - - and runs much, much cooler.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

No face-id? 😢

There are security issues around face I.D. for laptops/desktops.

Edit: And touching a fingertip has been easy for years now.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

When I got the iPhone 5S at launch and 1 month later the iPad Air at launch, both had A7, which was the first 64-bit chip. This move of both having A18 with huge leap for Apple intelligence reminds me of that move to 64-bit with same chip on iPhone and iPad.

 

[imola.zhp]

No M-Chip = no sale for me. I do like my iPad mini 6, but no.

 

[MNWildFan]

Your mileage may vary, but all I really need is a cheaper price and more base storage. I don't know what other consumers would use their Mini for, but for me it's not a productivity device.

The Mini would be an excellent companion for commuting and business trips for reading, watching shows and movies, FaceTiming my wife and still being compact enough to not be in the way.

It's just too expensive for that and 64GB is ridiculous for a new device in 2024.

All very valid points

I've had my 6th gen since sometime just after its 2021 release, and while I have been quite happy with it, it really has been long overdue for an update

I too mainly just use it as my primary reading device for both eBooks as well as audiobooks as its the perfect size for that

The only thing that slightly bothers me about it aside from the jelly scrolling is the front/FaceTime camera being portrait mounted instead of landscape

 

[pdaholic]

I’m overjoyed and overwhelmed that the iPad mini is overdue for an overhaul.

 

[Lioness~]

No M-Chip = no sale for me. I do like my iPad mini 6, but no.

Yes, I agree, it's about time to give the mini some M-♥️

 

[sublunar]

All very valid points

I've had my 6th gen since sometime just after its 2021 release, and while I have been quite happy with it, it really has been long overdue for an update

I too mainly just use it as my primary reading device for both eBooks as well as audiobooks as its the perfect size for that

The only thing that slightly bothers me about it aside from the jelly scrolling is the front/FaceTime camera being portrait mounted instead of landscape

While the bigger iPads are having the camera moved to the long edge because it’s likely to be used that way round in a laptop style format surely the iPad mini favours the camera at the existing top of the short edge for portrait conversations?

there are older rumours regarding switching the display controller round so the jelly scrolling happens in landscape orientation which suggests to me that they expect users to continue to hold it up in portrait stance.

which way round do pilots have it?

 

[NickC42]

I use my iPad Mini 6 for a lot of things including browsing, reading, productivity, photo editing and so on. I have a cellular version so I can use it anywhere. I’ve recently started using it as a bat detector for which I need GPS which for some reason is only available with cellular models. I can’t say I’ve noticed “jelly scrolling”

I’d particularly like the next one to be weather sealed.

 

[Fraserpatty]

I want an iPad mini to save some of the battery life on my much more expensive M2 iPad Pro. The mini would be fine for watching YouTube videos and listening to podcasts. Also, I don’t take my iPad Pro out of the house, but the mini would fit nicely in my purse and can be used for less important tasks. I want my M2 to last for a very long time but excessive use of the battery is its weak point.
So for the mini I am interested in higher storage, low price, and definitely hoping for the A18. Apple Intelligence is a must. Not for what it can do with iPadOS 18, but what it can do with 19, 20, and above.

 

[Boil]

which way round do pilots have it?

Predominately portrait...

 

[Eric_WVGG]

bat detector

…?

 

[barfingclouds]

I have an iPad mini 5 now and don’t feel the need to upgrade anytime soon

Home button ✅
Headphone jack ✅
No scrolling issues ✅
No performance issues ✅
Have an Apple Pencil for it, don’t want to buy another ✅

Maybe I’ll check back once they have the foldable one. For now I’m good

 

[Boil]

I would love a folding iPad mini, but only if Apple could achieve two things with it...

1. No crease/seam/whatever, I want a perfectly flat surface (when unfolded) for drawing/sketching
2. Ability to pair with & manage an Apple Watch, no iPhone needed

 

[SousVide]

What for? I have a SIM card slot in my 6 and it is utterly useless. There is no phone function, no sms function, so no Whatsapp (not even available in the store). All you can do is go online but that would work over any hotspot on any phone that you have to have with you anyway. All it does it costs you another mobile contract.
Now, WITH a phone function for your few phone calls a year but full Whatsapp working, it would fly of the shelf. Of course, there would be no more need for an 1800 Euro iPhone anymore, the mini fits in your back jeans pocket the same than in any jacket pocket where my iPhone sits now.
We have 82 iPhone 13pro here at work, I would change them in a heart beat to minis with phone function.The bigger screen would be worth a lot. Don´t care about the processor or camera, all overkill for years but the thing has to do something.

I got a Samsung Galaxy Tab 5 active for tests. iPad mini size but phone function, sd card memory extension, water and dust proof, loud, changeable battery!!!!!, 23 Euros a piece, Headphone jack, DEX desktop system build in, USB 3,1 Dual SIM, 5years support for 500Euros.Oh, and the S-pen, Pencil, comes with it in the box.

Now, I love Apple for 38years, but to castrate a communication device to the point, that you HAVE to spend thousands more to make a phone call, is getting ludicrous.It´s not even the money, it´s the fact that everything is there but blocked, so you buy more devices.Our iPhones stand on very shaky ground in October when they are being replaced. Since the Samsung tablets communicate seamless with our Macs, the reasons to keep iPhones are getting very few and far in between.

Apple has with the iPad mini a wonderful device, let it live up to its potential.

SIM card is essential if you travel abroad. eSIM still doesn’t work in many countries. It’s super simple to swap SIM cards and use the local cellular network.

BTW, iPad Mini works great for phone and SMS functions at least in the US. Many years ago, I ported my cell phone number to Google Voice. I have been using Google Voice app on my iPad MinI for many years. Phone and SMS works perfectly. With friends and family who are on Apple devices, iMessage and FaceTime are natural choices. With friends on Android devices, Google Voice is excellent. I also use Google Chat and Google Meet with my friends in Europe. Also works great.

 

[SousVide]

Well, I never had a battery issue just because I used the hot spot for a few hours. VoIP apps do not work, they can´t accept sms for banking or other services (the sms function is not working for that) and you will not get a real number for people to call. YOUR number you got for the last 20 years. It is not for outgoing calls, I rarely make those, everything in the last few years shifted to whatsapp.
It is to receive calls. And as I said, the mobile modem is built in. It is not activated so you are suppose to buy a phone.
If that does not change, there is no reason to pay 150 Euros extra for cellular if this cellular connection is castrated. But there are alternatives to have a portable tablet and phone in one, so you have one device, one battery, one phone contract and are reachable anywhere with your number. Even when there is no more data, phone service comes most of the time thru. The iPhone is notoriously bad what reception is concerned, the iPad is slightly better. Nothing of course against the Android tablet, I get 2bars and 10MB download where the iPhone gets no service at all.

That’s not my experience at all. VoIP apps such as Google Voice work really well with many banks and financial institutions. For example, Google Voice certainly accepts SMS messages from Chase, Capital One, Schwab, and Fidelity. It also works without a glitch for every other non-banking service I tried. However, it doesn't accept SMS messages from Wells Fargo.

I certainly have a real number for people to call. It’s the same cell phone number I've had for more than 25 years given that I ported it to Google Voice. I now use the Google Voice app on my iPad Mini for all phone and SMS needs that I would have use my old cell phone for. If you dial my old cell phone number, Google Voice app will ring on my iPad MinI just fine. Every time.

 

[SousVide]

I should probably clarify that it’s Wells Fargo who are incapable of sending an SMS message to Google Voice. It’s not a fault of Google Voice given that every other service I tried works just fine.

 

[Boil]

I would love a folding iPad mini, but only if Apple could achieve two things with it...

1. No crease/seam/whatever, I want a perfectly flat surface (when unfolded) for drawing/sketching
2. Ability to pair with & manage an Apple Watch, no iPhone needed

BTW, iPad Mini works great for phone and SMS functions at least in the US. Many years ago, I ported my cell phone number to Google Voice. I have been using Google Voice app on my iPad MinI for many years. Phone and SMS works perfectly. With friends and family who are on Apple devices, iMessage and FaceTime are natural choices. With friends on Android devices, Google Voice is excellent. I also use Google Chat and Google Meet with my friends in Europe. Also works great.

I certainly have a real number for people to call. It’s the same cell phone number I've had for more than 25 years given that I ported it to Google Voice. I now use the Google Voice app on my iPad Mini for all phone and SMS needs that I would have use my old cell phone for. If you dial my old cell phone number, Google Voice app will ring on my iPad MinI just fine. Every time.

I guess I should have noted a third thing Apple needs to do with the iPad Mini...

3. Allow the Phone app to work on the iPad mini, making it a real cell phone

 

[svish]

Not expecting to see any major changes with the new iPad mini.

 

[ikir]

Please Silver not starlight!

 

[johnnytravels]

Generally being happy with my Mini 6, what I would need from the Mini is at least an M1, OLED, 128GB and Face ID to make me wanna upgrade.
I will buy whatever though if my 6 dies, since the Mini is the perfect commuting and reading device for me…