On Tuesday, Apple launched its latest iPad mini, equipped with advanced AI features, including enhanced writing tools and an improved Siri assistant, as the tech giant intensifies efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its devices.
Powered by Apple’s A17 Pro chip, also found in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, the new iPad mini boasts a six-core CPU, delivering a 30% performance boost over its predecessor. This chip is key to running Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI software.
Apple announced that the first set of AI features will be available this month through a software update with iPadOS 18.1, initially for U.S. English versions. These features will support iPads with A17 Pro or M1 chips and later generations, with additional AI capabilities—such as image-generation tools, Genmoji, and ChatGPT-powered features—expected in the coming months.
While Apple’s AI-enhanced iPhone 16 series, introduced in September, faced lukewarm investor reactions, research firm Canalys projected strong sales for the fourth quarter, driven by the new iPhone’s AI capabilities, which are anticipated to gain momentum in 2025.
The new iPad mini, priced starting at $499, is now available for pre-order and will arrive in stores and to customers next week.
