The new Apple iPad mini 7th generation, officially announced last week, is now hitting the shelves. This 2024 model brings several noteworthy upgrades, blending some familiar Apple strengths with a few surprises for tech enthusiasts.

The base model, starting at $499, now features 128GB of storage—double the storage compared to its predecessor. This capacity boost aligns with modern user needs, especially for those who use their devices for multimedia consumption or more storage-heavy applications. For those looking for additional storage, Apple also offers 256GB and 512GB variants, with the Wi-Fi+Cellular model starting at $649.

You can grab the new iPad mini from the Apple website directly or from other major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Adorama, and B&H Photo. It’s available in four color options—space gray, blue, purple, and starlight—continuing Apple’s trend of offering diverse and appealing color choices.

At the heart of the new iPad mini is the A17 Pro chip, closely related to the one found in the iPhone 15 Pro. While this version of the A17 has slight downgrades, it still delivers a noticeable performance boost, making the mini a compelling choice for gaming, multitasking, and future AI features. A significant part of this AI-driven functionality will come with the upcoming “Apple Intelligence,” a feature set rolling out with iPadOS 18.1 later this month. This AI functionality will debut first in the U.S. and focus on enhancing productivity and user interaction with the device.

Connectivity improvements are also a highlight. The new iPad mini supports Wi-Fi 6E, an upgrade from the previous model’s Wi-Fi 6, promising faster and more reliable internet connections. The USB-C port has also received an upgrade to USB 3.2 Gen 2, allowing for data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps—double the speed of the older mini. These updates are likely to appeal to users who prioritize faster connectivity and seamless data handling.

Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.