If you want to get your hands on Apple's new AI system but don’t want to splurge on the latest iPhone 16, good news - there's a cheaper way to get it.
Apple just announced the return of the iPad mini.
The compact device (that many thought was gone for good) will be powered by the Apple A17 Pro chipset, making it as powerful as Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro series of phones.
And the most exciting part - it will come with the forthcoming Apple Intelligence, which is expected to roll out in the UK in December.
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US customers can expect to receive the first launch of the tech giant's new smart system.
With the iPhone 16 being the cheapest AI-capable iPhone available, this 7th generation iPad mini will be the cheapest way to get your hands on Apple’s rival to Google’s Gemini.
Apple opened Apple Intelligence for public testing just before the iPhone 16 launch, but it's the full release later this fall that will make it available on select iPhones, iPads and Macs that have the required chipsets.
Apple Intelligence is set to create a smoother experience for the way you use your iPhone on a day-to-day basis.
The range of AI-driven features includes writing assistance, AI home movie and image generation and a smarter Siri digital assistant with the integration of ChatGPT.
The new device can be pre-ordered from today (16 October) with deliveries to customers starting from Wednesday 23 October.
Prices will start at $499 for the Wi-Fi model and $649 for the cellular version.
Users will also experience some extra features with the new iPad. For instance, it’s compatible with Apple’s advanced Pencil Pro, which comes with cool features like haptic feedback and a squeeze sensor.
The iPad mini will also come with the latest iPadOS 18, which brings along some exciting new features, including the long-awaited Calculator app and Math Notes.
The upgraded Notes app is also getting some cool new tools, like Smart Script to clean up messy handwriting and audio features for recording and transcribing notes.
"iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, on the back of the announcement.
“With the powerful A17 Pro chip, faster connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad mini delivers the full iPad experience in our most portable design at an incredible value.”
However, not everybody online is excited about the release, and have taken to X (formally Twitter) to share their opinions.
'No display improved even after 3 years is crazy,' one user brought to attention.
Another looked on the brighter side, saying 'At least they kept the price the same.'