Apple introduced its latest iPad mini on Tuesday, equipped with advanced AI features such as writing tools and an enhanced Siri assistant, as the tech giant seeks to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into its products. The new iPad mini is powered by Apple's A17 Pro chip, which also powers the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. With a six-core central processing unit, the A17 Pro is expected to deliver a 30% increase in CPU performance compared to the previous generation of iPad minis, and is crucial for running Apple Intelligence, Apple's AI software.
Apple plans to release the initial set of AI features in the US English version this month via a software update to iPadOS 18.1. These features will be available on iPads equipped with the A17 Pro or M1 chips and later models. Apple also announced that additional features, including image-generation tools, Genmoji, and ChatGPT-powered capabilities, will be rolled out over the next several months.
In September, Apple unveiled its AI-enhanced iPhone 16 lineup, but the AI features were still in test mode, leading to mixed reactions from investors and questions about demand based on early sales data. However, research firm Canalys predicts that the iPhone 16 will boost Apple's sales in the fourth quarter and drive momentum into the first half of 2025, following Apple's record-high third-quarter shipments.
The iPad mini, priced starting at $499, is available for pre-orders beginning on Tuesday and will start shipping to customers and Apple store locations next week.
