Apple unexpectedly announced the iPad mini 7 on Tuesday. While an update to the company’s smallest tablet was anticipated, it was expected that Apple would hold an event to launch both the 2024 iPad mini and new M4 Mac models, which are also expected to be released by the end of October or early next month.
The iPad mini 7 is available for preorder and is expected to ship to customers by next week. This updated version offers considerable enhancements, including a more powerful chip capable of supporting Apple Intelligence features once the software becomes available. Recent leaks of M4 MacBook Pro models appear to be legitimate, confirmed by the design of the iPad mini 7.
The iPad mini 7, officially named the iPad mini (A17 Pro), marks a significant upgrade with the inclusion of the iPhone 15 Pro’s chip, which will enable the tablet to utilize Apple Intelligence features. Additionally, it comes with 8GB of RAM, another notable improvement.
The device retains a 128GB base storage option and starts at the same price of $499, positioning it closely in capability to a small iPad Pro or an iPad Air.
When comparing the iPad mini 7 to the iPad mini 6 on Apple’s website, it becomes clear that the two tablets are nearly identical in design and features. Interestingly, they share the same default wallpaper in their marketing images, suggesting a minimal visual update.
Despite the enhanced performance, Apple decided against changing the wallpaper for the new model. It appears that the company may also apply this strategy to the M4 MacBook Pro.
The only source of doubt surrounding the M4 MacBook Pro authenticity was its wallpaper design, raising questions about why Apple would use the same marketing image for a next-gen device that is expected to deliver improved performance.
Those who viewed the leaks found them compelling, as benchmarks conducted on the M4 MacBook Pro corroborated its specifications. A recent unboxing video from Russia further diminished concerns surrounding its design.
With the arrival of the iPad mini 7, it seems that Apple may choose to reuse marketing images for its products at its discretion.
In terms of design, the base M4 MacBook Pro is expected to closely resemble its predecessor, with the addition of an extra USB-C port. This will put it at parity with the M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pros, each of which features three Thunderbolt ports. The primary enhancement for the 2024 MacBook Pro will center around its specifications, including a base model equipped with the M4 chip and 16GB of RAM.
The launch of the iPad mini 7 may indicate that Apple will forgo a media event later this month in favor of announcing the M4 Macs through press releases, similar to the iPad mini 7.