While the tech world often fixates on the largest, flashiest screens available, there remains a steadfast demand for compact power. The iPad Mini 2024, technically the 7th generation of Apple’s petite tablet, serves exactly that niche. Unlike its smartphone sibling or the M4 iPad Pro, this device didn’t get a spotlight at the “It’s Glowtime” event in September nor a segment at WWDC earlier in the year. Instead, Apple introduced it via a modest press release in mid-October. Yet, the lack of fanfare belies its capability; the Mini is now as powerful as an iPhone 15 Pro Max, packing the formidable A17 Pro chip under its hood.
Performance and Specifications
This update was long overdue, and for those who find the sprawling displays of the Air or Pro lines too cumbersome, the Mini’s arrival is significant. The A17 Pro silicon brings advanced AI capabilities and compatibility with high-end tools like the Apple Pencil Pro, making the device a serious contender for professional workflows in 2025. Storage options have also evolved, starting at 128 GB. While Apple is notoriously stingy with entry-level storage, this baseline should suffice for most users who aren’t hoarding high-definition film libraries, though 256 GB and 512 GB variants are available for power users.
Pricing and Availability
One of the most welcome surprises with this release was the pricing strategy. In a market accustomed to inflation, the iPad Mini 2024 held the line with a starting price of $499 for the Wi-Fi model and $649 for the cellular version. Following its October announcement, the tablet quickly moved from pre-orders to retail shelves across 29 countries, cementing its place as an accessible entry point into Apple’s high-performance ecosystem.
Camera Capabilities and Display
Historically, tablet photography has been an afterthought, but the 2024 Mini aims to change that narrative. It isn’t trying to replace a professional DSLR, but it is exceptionally well-equipped for mobile documentation. The 12 MP wide rear camera is bolstered by a five-element lens, an ƒ/1.8 aperture, and Smart HDR 4, which drastically improves color richness and clarity.
For professionals, the real utility lies in the AI integration. The 16-core Neural Engine enables automatic document detection directly within the Camera app, while the True Tone flash mitigates shadows to ensure scans are crisp. On the front, the 12 MP Ultra Wide camera supports Center Stage, a feature that keeps the user perfectly framed during video calls—a necessity for modern remote work.
Design and Sustainability
Physically, the device retains the sleek, flat-edged aesthetic introduced with the 6th generation, measuring just 7.69 by 5.3 inches. It is incredibly lightweight, hovering around 293 grams, making it the ultimate portable computer. The chassis is crafted from 100 percent recycled aluminum, part of a broader environmental initiative that includes recycled rare earth elements in the magnets and gold plating in the circuit boards. Apple has also refreshed the palette, offering the tablet in Blue and Purple alongside the standard Starlight and Space Gray.
New Market Entrants: Aesthetic Protection
With the continued relevance of the iPad Mini and the MacBook lineup in late 2025, the accessory market is evolving to meet the demand for stylish protection. Glided UG, a rising German manufacturer known for its design-oriented approach, is expanding its footprint this December. Originally founded in June 2023 with a focus on smartphone cases, the company is now scaling up to cover MacBook and iPad models.
Merging Style with Function
Starting in early December 2025, Glided’s new collection will be available through their online storefront. The expansion represents a natural progression for the company, which aims to transform tech accessories into fashion statements without sacrificing durability. The brand ethos revolves on “effortless aesthetics,” treating devices not just as tools, but as modern accessories. To celebrate this expansion, Glided is offering a 10 percent introductory discount throughout December, allowing both new and returning customers to upgrade their device protection at a reduced rate. As the line between technology and lifestyle continues to blur, these new offerings promise to keep devices like the iPad Mini both secure and visually striking.
