The iPad faced a quiet period in recent years as Apple shifted its focus to other areas like mobile devices, content, wearables, and mixed reality. A similar lull once affected the Mac, which later experienced a resurgence thanks to Apple Silicon's debut.
Today, the iPad seems to be enjoying its own comeback. Apple made waves in May when the M4 chip appeared in the iPad Pro, marking the first time a desktop processor from the M-series was used in a non-Mac device. Historically, the iPad has alternated between aligning more closely with the iPhone or the Mac. The M4’s introduction clearly positioned the high-end iPads nearer to laptops. At the same event, Apple introduced the M2 chip to the iPad Air — a slightly older chip, but still quite powerful for a tablet of its size.
Recently, Apple updated the iPad Mini for the first time since 2021. Unlike the Pro and Air, the Mini did not adopt an M-series chip. Instead, it was upgraded with the A17 Pro, the same chip used in the latest iPhone 16 Pro models. This update pushed the Mini ahead of the standard iPad in performance, as the base model hasn't been updated since its 10th generation release in 2022, leaving it with an A14 Bionic chip.
This performance boost also increased the Mini’s price. The Wi-Fi version now costs $499, compared to the base iPad’s $349, while cellular models are priced at $649 and $499, respectively. The price difference is notable, especially given the screen size disparity: 8.3 inches for the Mini versus 10.1 inches for the standard iPad. However, the Mini compensates with premium features, such as a higher pixel density of 326 ppi compared to the iPad’s 264 ppi, making it the sharpest display in the iPad lineup.
Apple’s sporadic update schedule for the iPad has left the product range somewhat unbalanced. Currently, the Mini surpasses the standard iPad in almost every category except screen size. At 8.3 inches, its display size sits between the iPad (10.1 inches) and the iPhone 16 Pro Max (6.3 inches).
The Mini is a versatile tool. Its screen size makes it better for watching videos than an iPhone, but for entertainment purposes, the Air, Pro, or even the base iPad may be better choices. On the other hand, its compact dimensions (7.69 x 5.3 inches) and Apple Pencil compatibility make it an excellent device for note-taking and drawing. The addition of the revamped Calculator app further enhances its appeal as an educational tool. Its portability also makes it ideal for reading, though dedicated e-readers like the Kindle might still be better for that purpose due to their eye-friendly displays and longer battery life.
The inclusion of the A17 Pro chip brings additional benefits, including compatibility with Apple’s generative AI platform. This feature allows the Mini — along with other non-base iPads — to perform tasks like rewriting documents directly within iPadOS. While this could be a useful tool for students, similar capabilities are already accessible through platforms like ChatGPT.
For non-students, the Mini’s role is less defined. It can serve niche purposes, such as being a portable note-taking device for events, but its utility may not be enough to justify its price over a larger iPhone or a standard iPad. Still, for those who value upgraded performance, Apple Intelligence, and Pencil compatibility, the Mini offers plenty of reasons to consider an upgrade.
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