iPad mini

The iPad mini is tablet from Apple for those who want a device smaller than a full-sized iPad but larger than a smartphone.

The original version was first introduced in 2012. Over the years, Apple has released several iterations with various improvements in display size, performance and features.

That first model had a 7.9-inch screen instead of the then-standard 9.7 inch display for the full-size iPad. By the sixth-generation version, screen size was  up to 8.3 inches.

But all versions have kept to the original goal: a small tablet that’s not short on features. That makes iPad mini is a great option for users who are looking for a powerful and portable tablet.

iPad mini in use

The device is handy for browsing the web, checking email, playing games, reading books and magazines, and even watching movies and TV shows.

Like all Apple tablets, the computer runs iPadOS. It comes with a suite of useful applications written by Apple, and there are millions more available in the App Store.

There’s a wide array of accessories on the market. Apple even offers an attachable keyboard with trackpad that turns the tablet into a mini notebook.

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on iPad mini:

Expect 2026 to be a huge year for OLED MacBook and iPad

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OLED MacBook Air
Your next MacBook could have an OLED screen.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple intends to introduce its first MacBooks with an OLED screen in 2026, according to industry analysts. And the iPad mini will allegedly go OLED that same year. Apple’s full transition to OLED will take until 2028, though.

And that’s supposedly the same year the company will introduce a computer with an 18.8-inch foldable display.

Score a refurbished iPad mini 5 for $279.99

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Product photo of four models of refurbished iPad mini 5 with a white background
Grab an iPad mini for less with this refurb deal.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Looking for a device that’s small enough to carry anywhere but powerful enough to handle everything? This fifth-gen, grade-A refurbished iPad mini combines portability and performance, and it’s on sale for a limited time for just $279.99.

With Wi-Fi and cellular capabilities, a sleek 7.9-inch Retina display and the powerful A12 Bionic chip, it’s the perfect mix of productivity and entertainment.

How to choose the right iPad for you

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iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad and iPad mini
With a variety of models to choose from, what the best iPad for you?
Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac

Shopping for an iPad can be overwhelming. Apple sells six iPad models in a wide range of sizes, prices and capabilities. Each tablet has its strengths and weaknesses. You don’t want to get one that doesn’t have all the features you want, but you also don’t want to pay too much for features you won’t use.

Here’s some straightforward advice on picking the right iPad for you.

iPad Pro easily outsells every other Apple tablet

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How to choose the right iPad for you
iPad Pro sells very well. iPad mini… not so much.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Trying to decide which Apple tablet is right for you? Knowing which is the most popular might help. And there’s no doubt which one earns the top spot: iPad Pro.

You can probably guess the second most purchased iPadOS model.

Pitaka’s new iPad mini folio folds into 4 viewing angles

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Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 for iPad mini
The new Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 is well-suited to iPad mini 6 or the new iPad mini 7.
Photo: Pitaka

Pitaka designed the protective and stylish new MagEZ Folio 2 for iPad Mini 6 and the new iPad Mini 7 with A17 Pro chip, the company said Monday.

“The MagEZ Folio 2 is designed to enhance the portability, versatility and protection of the latest iPad Mini models,” Pitaka told Cult of Mac. “With a focus on flexibility and user convenience, this new folio cover is set to redefine the iPad experience and is available in black, white and blue color options.”

Today in Apple history: iPad mini arrives

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The iPad mini made a big splash for such a tiny device.
The iPad mini made a big splash for such a tiny device.
Photo: Apple

November 2: Today in Apple history: iPad mini launch brings smaller size and price tag November 2, 2012: The first iPad mini goes on sale, shrinking both the size and the price tag of Apple’s groundbreaking tablet computer.

With a reduced screen size of 7.9 inches – instead of the then-standard 9.7 inches – the original iPad mini is the fifth iPad to be released by Apple. Critics hail Apple’s most affordable iPad ever, although some people complain about the tablet’s lack of a Retina display.

 

iPad mini 7 teardown reveals no internal changes for jelly scrolling fix

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iPad mini 7 teardown
iPad mini 7's teardown raises more questions than it answers.
Screenshot: iFixit

iFixit’s iPad mini 7 teardown reveals that Apple made almost no internal changes to the device. Its internal layout is also the same as that of the iPad mini 6.

Interestingly, rumors previously indicated Apple rotating the iPad mini 7’s display controller to fix the jelly scrolling issue. But that’s not the case.

iPad mini 7 buyers should install this update ASAP

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iPad mini 7 in hand
iPadOS 18.0.1 is out for iPad mini 7 owners to install.
Photo: Apple

When the iPad mini 7 reaches customers on Wednesday morning, they should expect to update to iPadOS 18.0.1 as part of setting up the tablet.

This update removes bugs in the operating system and became available for other iPad models several weeks ago.

iPad mini 7 review roundup: Better in small ways

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iPad mini 7 with Apple Pencil Pro
Reviewers got their hands on the iPad mini 7.
Photo: Apple

Early reviews of the iPad mini 7 praise the faster processor, additional storage and support for the upcoming Apple Intelligence AI features on the way to the tiny tablet when it launches on Wednesday. Reviewers are also happy that a screen problem in the previous version got fixed.

As the Engadget review says, the new iPad mini “looks the same on the outside but has some notable upgrades on the inside.”

Read on for more comments about Apple’s latest tablet.

iPad mini 7 is here — but where are the M4 Macs? [The CultCast]

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Cultcast Episode 669: iPad mini 7 is here!
iPad mini 7 raises questions about Apple’s October plans.
Image: Cult Of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: iPad mini 7! But does this mean Apple canceled its October Mac event? And if so, are updated M4 Macs still coming this year?

Also on The CultCast, we discuss a “Cheaper” Vision headset, what Steve Ballmer is up to, plus Apple’s smart home strategy.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

iPad mini 7 brings 34% performance boost

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A rainbow of iPad mini 7
iPad mini 7 performance is as good as Apple promised.
Image: Apple

Early benchmark tests for the recently announced iPad mini 7 show it’s around 30% faster than its predecessor, and perhaps a bit more. This is a detail that might help anyone wavering on the new tablet make up their mind.

The same tests indicate that iPad has 8GB of RAM — an expected increase.

iPad mini 7 vs. iPad mini 6 comparison: Not the time to upgrade

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iPad mini 6 vs. iPad mini 7 comparison
You might want to stick to your iPad mini 6 for now.
Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

Apple gave the iPad mini a surprise refresh with faster internals and other minor upgrades. The highlight is Apple Intelligence support, bringing Apple’s AI suite of tools to its smallest iPad.

So, should you ditch your iPad mini 6 for these upgrades? Or hold on to it for another year or two? Find out in our iPad mini 7 vs. iPad mini 6 comparison.

Grab big savings on iPads and Apple Pencils

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iPad deals at Amazon
Amazon discounts extend to M4 iPad Pro, keyboard cases and more.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The new iPad mini (7th generation) came out Tuesday, and other new models are likely to follow soon — but, as usual, the biggest savings are in older models, including current Amazon deals on iPads. Right now you can get some pretty serious discounts at Amazon on a variety of iPad models, including M4 iPad Pro, M2 iPad Air, 9th- and 10th-generation iPads and the previous iPad mini (6th generation). Some models are $200 off! See below. And it’s not just iPads, but Apple Pencils and iPad keyboard cases, too.

New iPad mini 7 gains the brains for Apple Intelligence

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iPad mini 7 includes support for Apple Intelligence
The wait is over for iPad mini 7, with Apple Intelligence and more storage.
Photo: Apple

The iPad mini 7, the first new version released in three years, offers support for the AI features dubbed Apple Intelligence. Plus, the tablet comes with a significant jump in storage capacity and supports the new Apple Pencil Pro. Otherwise, it is very similar to its predecessor. That includes sticking with the same prices.

“There is no other device in the world like iPad mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultraportable design. iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

Get a refurbished iPad mini 6 for just $430

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Product photo of the iPad mini.
Order your refurbished iPad mini 6 for $429.99 (regularly $649) before they sell out.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

You know that shiny new iPad mini you’ve been eyeing on Apple’s website? Yeah, the one with the gorgeous display and even prettier colors. What if we told you that you could get it here for $219 less?

Yeah, Cult of Mac Deals has a refurbished iPad mini 6 for $429.99.

Prime Day makes this a great time to buy iPad Pro or iPad Air [Extended!]

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iPad buying cycle slows - M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air now on sale
Save big on M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air… if you don’t delay.
Image: Apple

If you’ve been putting off buying an Apple tablet because you were waiting for a good deal, grab your wallet. It’s Amazon Prime Day so you can save a bundle on the latest and greatest iPad Pro or iPad Air.

UPDATE: While Prime Day is over, you chance to save on an Apple tablet is not. Many of the deals are still available.

What Macs and iPads to expect at Apple’s rumored October event

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Apple October Event rumors 2024
This year’s Halloween treats might include new Macs and iPads.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Mac and iPad users have a lot to look forward to in October: rumors say an Apple event should bring new MacBook Pro and Mac mini models with the M4 chip, with a new iPad mini and budget iPad also on the agenda.

Here’s what to look forward to at an October Apple event, plus the products that’ll likely come even later.

What we did not get at Apple’s September event

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What we did NOT get at Apple's September event
We're still waiting for some much-anticipated Apple products.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Apple It's Glowtime Event:Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event wrapped up Monday with several upcoming products not even having been mentioned, much less launched. Some of these were not expected to debut, like new Macs and iPads, but others were supposed to be on the agenda, like a new Apple Watch SE.

Here’s what to look forward to at an October Apple event, plus the products that’ll likely come even later.

What to expect from iPad 11 and iPad mini 7

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iPad 11 and iPad mini 7 leaks and speculation
iPad mini 7 is right around the corner. And so is iPad 11.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Rumors indicate the iPad 11 is nearly here, and an iPad mini 7 is in development, too. Neither tablet has been updated in years, but that could change this autumn. Finally! We can look forward to better performance and maybe Apple Intelligence.

Here’s what’s likely coming in late 2024 to Apple’s budget tablet, and what we’ve heard about an iPad mini 7 release date.

Shop iPad mini models at lowest-ever prices

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lowest prices on iPad mini 6 models
If you don't care about waiting for the next iPad mini, grab iPad mini 6 at a great price now.
Photo: Apple

If you or someone you know could use a smaller iPad, and you missed Amazon Prime Day, now’s the time to get the lowest-ever prices on iPad mini 6 at the mega retail site. My sister-in-law, for example, wishes she could grab something no bigger than her old, basic iPad, with its 9.7-inch screen. iPad mini 6’s 8.3-inch screen might just work for her.

iPad mini with OLED screen on course for release

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OLED iPad mini concept
Add iPad mini to the list of Apple devices getting an OLED screen.
Image: Cult of Mac/Apple/Paul Inkles

An OLED screen intended for iPad mini is active development, according to an unconfirmed report coming out of Asia. Apple’s smallest tablet will get the improved display in a couple of years.

The news comes on the heels of the launch of the M4 iPad Pro, the first in this line of tablets with an OLED screen.

OLED iPad Pro and new iPad Air on track for early May launch

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Wait for OLED iPad Pro might stretch into April
New iPads could finally debut next month.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple’s long-rumored (and apparently delayed) OLED iPad Pro with M3 chip could launch in early May. Alongside the Pro iPads, Apple reportedly will unveil a new iPad Air, a third-gen Apple Pencil and a redesigned Magic Keyboard.

To prepare for the impending launch of the new iPads, Apple’s retail stores will receive new product marketing materials soon, according to the latest report.