Apple finally announced a new iPad mini — you can preorder it now

After months of speculation, Apple quietly dropped the newest iPad mini.
 By 
Samantha Mangino
 on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Four iPad Minis stacked on top of each other
New Mini, new colors. Credit: Apple

PREORDER: The new iPad mini (2024) is available for preorder through the Apple Store as of Oct. 15. The 128GB model starts at $499 and will start shipping on Oct. 23.

Where to preorder the new iPad mini

The Apple Store
An iPad Mini 7th generation

You'd think at the frequency Apple debuts iPhones and MacBooks, we wouldn't have to wait three years for a new iPad model, and yet, the iPad mini hasn't seen a refresh since 2021. We'd long speculated that a new iPad mini was coming, but several Apple events passed without any news. So imagine our surprise when Apple quietly dropped the announcement that we're finally getting a new iPad mini next week.

An iPad Mini next to a pair of AirPods and a keychain with an AirTag.
The new iPad mini also comes with new folio cases in charcoal gray, light violet, denim, and sage. Credit: Apple

Our favorite iPad for reading is getting an upgrade from the inside out. The 7th generation iPad mini comes with the upgraded A17 chip, giving a 30 percent power boost from the previous generation. However, what that chip really unlocks is Apple Intelligence. The brand has been doubling down on AI in all its latest product drops, and the iPad mini is no different.


You May Also Like

Later this month, all users with A17, M1, and later devices will get an update that includes new Apple Intelligence features including a writing assistant, Image Playground and Image Wand to generate images, and ChatGPT integration.

The new iPad mini is now compatible with the latest Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) and supports Bluetooth keyboards (no mention of the iPad mini finally getting its own Magic Keyboard.)

The iPad mini comes in four colors: space gray, blue, purple, and starlight. Models start at 128GB of storage, with 256GB and 512GB options also available. Preorders through the Apple Store are live with models shipping as soon as Oct. 23.

Topics Apple iPad

portrait of a woman wearing glasses
Samantha Mangino
Shopping Reporter

Boston-based Shopping Reporter, Samantha Mangino, covers all things tech at Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s covered commerce for three years, spending extensive time testing and reviewing all things home, including couches, steam irons, and washing machines. She thoroughly vets products and internet trends, finding out if those cozy gamer chairs are really as comfortable as TikTok claims.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
The iPad Air is finally getting the M4 chip: Preorder now
The new Apple iPad Air with M4 chip


Slash $100 off the most portable iPad in Apple's lineup
hand holding Apple iPad Mini with colorful abstract background


Get a free $100 gift card when you preorder the new Google Pixel 10a
hands holding up all four colors of the Google Pixel 10a

More in Tech

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!