For three years, the iPad Mini 6 stood alone as the king of small tablets. With its 2021 redesign, it brought the “all-screen” look to the smallest form factor in Apple’s lineup. In October 2024, Apple finally refreshed the line with the iPad Mini 7 (A17 Pro).
At first glance, the two tablets look identical. However, under the hood, there are significant changes that might make or break your decision. Here is everything you need to know when choosing between the iPad Mini 7 and the iPad Mini 6.
1. Design and Display: If It Isn’t Broken…
Visually, the iPad Mini 7 is a carbon copy of the Mini 6. Both feature the same 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, thin bezels, and Touch ID integrated into the power button.
- The “Jelly Scrolling” Fix: One of the biggest complaints about the iPad Mini 6 was “jelly scrolling”—a visual lag where one side of the screen updates faster than the other in portrait mode. While the Mini 7 still uses a 60Hz LCD panel, Apple has updated the display controller to minimize this effect, making for a smoother scrolling experience.
- Colors: The Mini 7 introduces new Blue and Purple shades, though they are quite muted compared to the more vibrant options of the Mini 6.
2. Performance: The “Apple Intelligence” Divide
The most significant difference lies in the processor.
- iPad Mini 6: Uses the A15 Bionic chip (from the iPhone 13). It remains a very capable tablet for web browsing, streaming, and light gaming.
- iPad Mini 7: Features the A17 Pro chip (from the iPhone 15 Pro). This provides a 30% boost in CPU performance and a 25% jump in GPU performance.
The Big Deal: Apple Intelligence. Because the iPad Mini 7 has 8GB of RAM (up from 4GB in the Mini 6), it is the only iPad Mini capable of running Apple Intelligence. If you want access to Apple’s new AI writing tools, Siri upgrades, and image generation, the Mini 7 is your only choice.
3. Apple Pencil Compatibility: A Frustrating Switch
If you are an artist or a student, pay close attention to the Pencil compatibility, as it is the most confusing part of this comparison.
- iPad Mini 6: Supports the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation).
- iPad Mini 7: Supports the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil (USB-C).
Note: The iPad Mini 7 is not compatible with the Apple Pencil 2. If you are upgrading from a Mini 6 and already own a Pencil 2, you will have to buy a new $129 Apple Pencil Pro to use a stylus with the new model.
4. Storage and Connectivity
Apple has finally addressed the “storage tax” with the iPad Mini 7.
- Base Storage: The Mini 6 started at a measly 64GB. The Mini 7 starts at 128GB for the same $499 price point. It also offers a new 512GB tier for power users.
- USB-C Speed: The port on the Mini 7 is now twice as fast (10Gbps), allowing for quicker data transfers from external drives or cameras.
- Wireless: The Mini 7 upgrades to Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring faster and more stable connections in crowded areas.
5. Price and Value
- iPad Mini 7: Starts at $499 for 128GB.
- iPad Mini 6: Officially discontinued by Apple, but widely available refurbished or used. You can often find a refurbished 64GB model for around $330–$380.
The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the iPad Mini 7 if…
- You want longevity: With the A17 Pro and 8GB of RAM, this tablet will receive software updates for years to come.
- You want AI: If you are excited about Apple Intelligence features.
- You need more storage: Getting 128GB at the base price makes it a much better value than the previous generation.
- You are a gamer: The A17 Pro supports hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing for high-end games like Resident Evil or Death Stranding.
Buy (or Keep) the iPad Mini 6 if…
- You are on a budget: If you can find a used Mini 6 for under $350, it remains the best small tablet for the money.
- You already own an Apple Pencil 2: If you don’t want to spend another $129 on a new stylus.
- You just want a “media machine”: For reading Kindle books, watching Netflix, and checking emails, the A15 chip in the Mini 6 is still more than powerful enough.
Final Thought: The iPad Mini 7 isn’t a revolutionary upgrade, but it is a “future-proofing” update. If you are buying your first iPad Mini, the 7 is the clear winner. If you already have the 6, only upgrade if you feel limited by 64GB of storage or if you are dying to try Apple Intelligence.
