New iPad mini 7: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors

Apple could be ready to refresh the 2021 iPad mini in late 2023 or early 2024. The biggest change that's expected is an upgraded processor, but there could be more in store.

When Will the iPad mini 7 Be Released?

Unlike the iPad Pro, Apple doesn't stick to an annual iPad mini schedule. For example, the first four minis arrived a year apart from each other, almost to the day, but then we didn't see the 5th-gen mini for four years.

However, if we assume that Apple will start a two-year cycle like they did between the 5th and 6th gen models, we can expect the iPad mini 7 sometime soon.

This timeline is echoed by respected analyst and frequent Apple reporter, Ming-Chi Kuo, in a late 2022 tweet, which he later clarified further:

the iPad mini refresh is more likely to begin mass production in 1Q24

iPad mini 7 Price Rumors

The price of the next iPad mini hasn't been announced by Apple or uncovered through leaks. It'll no doubt be available in a Wi-Fi only model and one that works over cellular networks, with two storage options to pick from.

Here's how the current iPad mini is priced, so it's more than likely very similar to how Apple will list the iPad mini 7:

• iPad mini 7 (Wi-Fi): 64 GB $499, 256 GB $649
• iPad mini 7 (cellular): 64 GB $649, 256 GB $799

Then again, if there are any changes to the CPU, GPU, memory, display, battery, camera, etc., you can expect to pay for those upgrades (more on this below).

Pre-Order Information

Usually, pre-ordering commences shortly after the announcement. Be sure to follow this page for updates so that you can get your hands on the iPad mini 7 as soon as Apple chooses to divulge all the details.

iPad mini 7 Specs & Features

Most of the specs are likely to mirror the current iPad mini, excluding the newer processor Kuo says will be its big selling point. This means we probably won't see any other major upgrades like we did between the 5th and 6th-gen models, which included a larger screen, the introduction of 5G, Center Stage, and USB-C.

So what processor will the next iPad mini ship with? We're thinking the same M1 chip as the iPad Air, although some other predictions we've heard include the A17 chip expected in the iPhone 15 Pro, or the M2 from the iPad Pro. For comparison, the iPad mini 6 has an A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, a 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine.  

The only other update we know for sure will arrive is a newer iPad operating system: iPadOS 17. This upgrade is expected later this year, so even if this is a 2024 refresh, it'll still run v17.

Some features we hope to see, but can't confirm through any leaks, include smaller bezels and the magnetic Smart Connector found in the iPad Pro and iPad Air, which can be used to connect things like a keyboard.

The Latest News About the iPad mini 7

You can get more Apple-related content from Lifewire. Below are some rumors and other stories about a new iPad mini: