Despite not being the market-first, Apple iPad is what truly defines this category of gadgets. Today – or a couple of days ago to be exact – Apple redefined this category again with an update to two of its most important tablets: the Apple iPad mini and device that started it all, the original Apple iPad tablet.
Both models have a significant place in my gadget life. The original iPad was my first tablet and when the first mini came along, I never looked back. I have always been with the mini since. And I may continue to do so because damn, it has the most significant update (one a long overdue one!) ever both in the looks and the specifications.
Speaking of looks, the 2021 Apple iPad mini now shares the iPad Pro design language which also has been used on the new iPad Air too, which dig, a lot. Perhaps more importantly is, it is now powered by the A15 Bionic chip. Yes. The same chip that is powering the new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro models.
On top of that, it now has a larger display despite having the same factor – thanks to a narrower bezel and the relocating of the Touch ID to the power button.
Apple described it as having an “all-screen design”, but it really is not. There’s a huge, black border around it, but it is nevertheless a major improvement in look over the last mini. Clearly, the leaked that we were tipped on was bogus and perhaps it is for the best.
The new 2021 iPad mini now rocks an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, support for Apple Pencil (second generation), a 12 MP rear-facing camera, a new 12 MP ultra-wide front camera with support for Center Stage, and believe it or not, a USB-C port for connectivity.
Speaking of connectivity…. The new mini also has the option of 5G connectivity too.
The new 2021 Apple iPad mini will land on September 24, 2021. Meanwhile, eager beavers can secure a unit by pre-ordering it from Apple.com. It has a starting price of US$499 for the WiFi-only model and US$649 for the WiFi+Cellular model.
The pricing remains unchanged for the WiFi-only model and a tad more expensive for the Cellular variety. It is, however, still quite pricey for what it is. If that’s your concern, fret not because there’s always the most affordable iPad, the, well, iPad which saw its last update in 2020.
As with previous iPads, the 2021 Apple iPad, aka 9th generation iPad, is updated with an old flagship chip, specifically the A13 Bionic chip first seen action on the iPhone 11 and subsequently, on the iPhone SE.
Starting at US$329, the new iPad features a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone, a 12 MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, support for Apple Pencil (1st generation) and Smart Keyboard, and base storage that starts at 64 GB., with the option for 256 GB storage.
The 2021 Apple iPad is available now to order with shipping expected to happen on September 24, 2021.
All images courtesy of Apple Inc.
