iPad mini 7 might finally be nearing release

By

2021 iPad mini 6
The iPad mini 6 is brilliant, but a new version is overdue.
Photo: Apple

The long wait for a new iPad mini is reportedly finally nearing the end. An updated version will supposedly launch in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The last update to the diminutive tablet was a major one, but it was also two years ago.

A new iPad mini 7 for 2023

The iPad mini 6 from 2021 dumped the Home button to make room for an 8.3-inch screen, up from the old 7.8-inch one. It also dropped Lightning in favor of a USB-C connector, and support for Apple Pencil 2 was added.

As good as it is, an improved version of the tablet from September 2021 is allegedly on the way. A prediction of “a new small-size iPad in the fourth quarter” came Monday from Taiwan’s Digitimes.

What new features?

No details of the 2023 model were revealed. Another redesign is probably unlikely, but a strong possibility is a faster processor. The current version runs an Apple A15, while newer iPhones run either an Apple 17 or A16.

Whether the $499 price will change is anyone’s guess.

The 2023 iPad mini 7 might be on the agenda for an October Apple event along with new MacBooks and an iMac, all with the M3 processor.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.