iPad Mini
The iPad mini features an A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine, a 7.9-inch Retina display with True Tone and Touch ID, and is compatible with the Apple Pencil.
If you need a screen that's more portable than an iPhone yet as powerful, the iPad mini is a good choice. Among all iPads, it most resembles the iPad Pro, boasting a robust chip, USB-C, 5G, Center Stage, and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil.
iPad mini History
The iPad mini was first launched in October 2012. At that time, Apple highlighted the difference between the standard iPad, which was 9.7 inches, and the smaller 7.9-inch mini version. Apple noted it was “Easy to remember.”
In 2013, Apple updated the iPad mini with an A7 processor and a Retina display. The next year, in 2014, the iPad mini 3 was introduced, featuring Touch ID and support for Apple Pay.
In September 2015, the iPad mini 4 was revealed alongside the first iPad Pro. However, it was somewhat overlooked due to the simultaneous announcement of the iPhone 6s and a new Apple TV. The iPad mini 4 featured an A8 processor and a redesign, making it slightly taller and wider than its predecessors.
When it seemed unlikely that Apple would release another iPad mini, the company launched the fifth generation in March 2019. This update was the biggest yet for the mini series, featuring a major processor improvement and support for the first-generation Apple Pencil.
Two years afterward, Apple introduced the sixth-generation iPad mini. This release transformed their most portable tablet completely. It now includes Touch ID on the top button, a bigger screen with slimmer bezels, the A15 Bionic chip, improved cameras, and new color options.
Specs of the iPad Mini
The latest iPad mini, the sixth generation, features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with slimmer bezels. Powered by the A15 Bionic processor, Apple states it's 80% quicker than its predecessor, making it the most advanced iPad mini to date.
It offers 64GB and 256GB storage capacities and introduces a new USB-C port for quicker connectivity. The cellular models now support 5G, enhancing mobile workflows.
The device includes a new 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and Neural Engine, improving video calls significantly. The Center Stage feature automatically adjusts the camera to keep users in the frame as they move.
When more people join the call, it recognizes them and zooms out to include everyone, enhancing the natural feel of video calls on FaceTime and other apps.
This iPad features a 12MP main camera that can now record in 4K, a first for this model. It also supports the second-generation Apple Pencil, which attaches to the side of the tablet.
Apple provides options for third-party wireless keyboards for those preferring to use a traditional keyboard.
Available in five new colors—black, white, dark cherry, English lavender, and electric orange—you can select from Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi + Cellular (5G) models. The iPad is advertised to have “all-day battery life,” with up to 10 hours of usage and charges via a Lightning port.
iPad Mini 6 ‘Jelly Scrolling' Issue and Other Display Concerns
While the new iPad mini received a lot of positive feedback, some users reported a “jelly scrolling” issue.
This problem occurs when the iPad mini is held in portrait mode with the camera at the top, causing the right side of the display to refresh faster than the left side. When held upside down, the left side refreshes faster than the right. Interestingly, this lag is less noticeable when the device is used in landscape mode.
Additionally, some users have complained regarding LCD discoloration and distortion.
Features of iPadOS 15
The new iPad mini is equipped with iPadOS 15. This operating system introduces a new Home Screen layout that includes widgets and an App Library.
iPadOS 15 allows FaceTime group calls to be displayed in a grid view, making it simpler to see everyone. You can also share your screen, listen to Apple Music, or watch shows on Apple TV+, HBO Max, Disney+, and more during calls.
In terms of productivity, Apple did not include every feature that pro users might want for maximizing the capabilities of the new M1 iPad Pro, even though multitasking has been made easier.
The Quick Note feature lets users quickly jot down notes using the Apple Pencil by dragging the pencil from the bottom right corner to the center of the screen.
iPadOS 15 was released for all iPads on September 20.
Features of iPadOS 15.1
One month after launching iPadOS 15, Apple introduced iPadOS 15.1. Importantly, this update added SharePlay support to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. However, Universal Control was not included in this update. Here’s what else was introduced:
Translate
Support for Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan) in the Translate app and for system-wide translation.
Home
New automation triggers that activate based on readings from HomeKit-enabled humidity, air quality, or light level sensors.
Shortcuts
New built-in actions for adding text over images or GIFs, and a new set of games to play with Siri.
Updates and Features in iPadOS 15.2
Five weeks after launching iPadOS 15.1, Apple has released iPadOS 15.2. This update adds more features that were initially expected with iPadOS 15, though Universal Control is still missing. Here are the main features of this update:
- The Apple Music Voice Plan is a new subscription level that lets you access all songs, playlists, and stations on Apple Music through Siri.
- The App Privacy Report in the Settings menu shows how often apps have accessed your location, photos, camera, microphone, contacts, and more over the past seven days, including their network activities.
- A communication safety feature allows parents to turn on alerts for children when they send or receive photos containing nudity.
- Digital Legacy enables you to appoint Legacy Contacts who can access your iCloud account and personal data in case of your death.
- The Apple TV app now includes a Store tab where you can browse, purchase, and rent movies and TV shows in one location.
Highlights of the New iPadOS 15.3 Update
Six weeks after launching iPadOS 15.2, Apple is now rolling out iPadOS 15.3. This update focuses on fixing bugs and making improvements rather than adding new features.
A key update in this release is a fix for a Safari security issue that might have exposed your browsing history and Google ID information to the websites you visited.
Features of iPadOS 15.4
iPadOS 15.4 introduces a key feature that was expected in iPadOS 15 but got delayed: Universal Control. Here's what's new in iPadOS 15.4:
- Universal Control: This function lets you use the same keyboard and mouse or trackpad to control both your Mac and iPad. It requires iPadOS 15.4 and macOS Monterey 12.3.
- New Siri voice: Siri now includes a fifth American voice, recorded by a non-binary member of the LGBTQ+ community.
- More emoji: iPadOS 15.4 adds new emojis. You can see all the new characters here.
- Shortcuts automation: Now supports running Personal Automation in the background without a banner notification.
What's New in iPadOS 15.5?
Unlike other software updates, iPadOS 15.5 mainly enhances the Podcast app, while Apple has concentrated on updates to the Wallet app for the iPhone:
Apple Podcasts now has a feature to limit the number of episodes saved on your iPhone and to remove older ones automatically.
New Features in iPadOS 15.6
iPadOS 15.6 brings a minor update for iPad users. Here's what's new:
- The TV app now lets you restart a live sports game that's already started, and you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward.
- It resolves a problem where Settings might incorrectly show that the device storage is full even when space is available.
- It fixes a bug that could cause Braille devices to slow down or become unresponsive when navigating text in Mail.
- It addresses a problem in Safari where a tab might unexpectedly go back to a previous page.
New Features in iPadOS 15.7
iPadOS 15.7 includes only bug fixes and minor security enhancements, as the company is now testing iPadOS 16.
Pricing
The sixth-generation iPad mini starts at $499 for the 64GB version with only Wi-Fi. The price can reach up to $799 for the 256GB model with both Wi-Fi and 5G. Here are the complete prices for the sixth-generation mini offered by Apple:
- 64GB with Wi-Fi: $499
- 64GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $649
- 256GB with Wi-Fi: $649
- 256GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular: $799
You might find lower prices at Apple’s official Amazon store.
iPad mini Review
In our review of the sixth-generation iPad mini, we commend its ability to function as a powerful tool while still being small enough to easily read a book, browse social media, and carry with you.
The iPad mini 6 is undoubtedly the top portable tablet available today. It performs well in many areas, although it doesn't excel in any specific one.
For instance, it makes for an excellent reading device due to its large screen and light, well-balanced build. However, it falls short because it lacks ProMotion technology.
While the screen is bigger than that of the iPad mini 5, there have been no improvements in clarity, color, or brightness.
Despite its design seeming a bit old-fashioned in 2019, it remains the best small tablet you can buy. The addition of the A12 Bionic chip has transformed it from just being portable to a truly powerful portable device.
Rumors
Currently, there are no rumors about a seventh-generation iPad mini.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”