Over the last two months, Apple have released a slew of new products and software updates in the run-up to the festive season. September saw the launch of the new iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10, while the AI-assistant Apple Intelligence is set to debut in iOS 18.1. In October, the all-new iPad mini was released. Here, we explore the 2024 model in depth, compare it to previous generations and other models in the iPad line, and explore how to take the iPad mini anywhere with an iPad mobile data plan.
What is the iPad mini?
First released in 2012, the original iPad mini was exactly what it sounded like: all the technological capabilities of the iPad 2 in a smaller package. The iPad mini was conceived as a slightly more portable answer to the cumbersome iPad, but otherwise had little to differentiate itself from the growing line of iPad variants, including the iPad Air (first released in 2013) and the iPad Pro ( released in 2015).
Over a decade later, the iPad mini has found its footing and is now an increasingly common sight in homes, public transport and the outdoors. The latest iteration is the 2024 iPad mini. While pocket-sized would be misleading, the iPad mini can be used one-handed and sits comfortably in a jacket, purse or small handbag. For people who require large fonts and clearer screens than a smartphone, the iPad mini is an excellent solution - later models' compatibility with eSIMs allows them to utilize an iPad mobile data plan and get online anywhere, just like a smartphone.
The high-performance, small package tablet is a midrange tablet in both performance and price: at $649 for a cellular model, it's cheaper than the iPad Air or Pro, but $150 more than an iPad 10.
What’s new in the 2024 iPad mini?
At first glance, not a lot – much like the Apple Watch, the ultra-minimalist design of the iPad mini means that Apple have only made minor tweaks to the appearance over the years. The most obvious changes are two new pastel colourways, blue and purple. The 2024 iPad mini retains the same dimensions as its predecessor, including the 8.3-inch edge-to-edge screen.
The main differences are found under the screen:
- 1
A new processor
The new A17 Pro chip boosts the iPad mini’s performance even further. Apple claim the A17 Pro chip makes the 2024 iPad mini ‘up to 2x faster’ than the previous generation. For the first time, the iPad mini is suitable for computing-heavy tasks like HD gaming and video editing.
- 2
eSIM connectivity
The 2024 iPad mini supports full eSIM compatibility – hailed by Apple as “a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card, allowing users to quickly connect and transfer their existing plans digitally, and store multiple cellular plans on a single device”.
In contrast to a plastic SIM card, an eSIM is a software-based SIM profile that can be downloaded to a device, rather than physically inserted. This makes it easy to set up a SIM plans and effortlessly switch between different carriers and data plans. The improved eSIM compatibility of the new iPad eSIM means owners can download an eSIM, add a mobile data plan to their iPad, and get online anywhere. iPads only accept eSIMs from a select few official Apple partners, including BetterRoaming. Find out more about using an iPad eSIM.
- 3
Apple Pencil Pro support
Despite its dimensions, sketching on the iPad mini is still a surprisingly satisfying process, enhanced further by iPad-specific design apps like Procreate. The new generation supports the optional $129 Apple Pencil Pro, offering the most intuitive iPad creative experience yet. The iPad mini’s overhauled display and colour rendering, combined with the Pencil Pro's range of gesture controls, make it more suited than ever to artistic projects. The iPad mini also supports previous generations of Apple Pencil.
- 4
New hardware
While the appearance may have changed little, the 2024 iPad mini has two welcome new hardware updates: more storage and a better camera. Apple have doubled the internal storage from 64GB to 128GB in the new generation – a long overdue improvement for a movie and TV-friendly platform like the iPad. The front camera, meanwhile, now promises to deliver genuinely impressive images with a 12MP sensor. Just don’t be that person who uses their iPad to film a concert.
- 5
iPadOS 18 with Apple Intelligence
Apple has been slower than other tech giants to roll out a generative AI assistant. This may be due to the Californians’ reputation for quality control – so far, even the best-funded generative AIs from Meta, Google and Microsoft have been riddled with errors.
Similar to its competitors, Apple Intelligence promises an integrated AI assistant that can do everything from rewriting text to summarising videos and aid in sketching and drawing. Much of the Apple Intelligence marketing centres on superior data privacy, a frequent criticism leveled at companies like OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT. Whether this delay means a higher-quality end product remains to be seen. Regardless, the feature is a central aspect of the new iPadOS 18 and comes as standard in iPad minis sold in the US and non-EU English-speaking countries.
Which iPads can use Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is a feature included on the September 2024 iPad OS update, iPadOS 18. The following iPad Models will be able to use Apple Intelligence when running iPadOS 18:
iPad Air 5th-gen (2022) and later
iPad Pro 5th-gen (2021) and later
iPad mini (2024) and later
Is Apple Intelligence available in Europe?
For now, Apple Intelligence is only available in the US and non-EU English-speaking countries like the UK. This is because the vast amounts of personal data Apple Intelligence collects violates the EU’s DMA antitrust regulations.
Apple also plan to roll out support for the AI in other languages over the course of the next year.
Using iPad + Cellular with the iPad mini 2024
The portability of the iPad mini also makes it one of the most suitable candidates for iPad + Cellular (also known as iPad + Mobile Data). By adding eSIM technology, the take-anywhere tablet now supports take-anywhere mobile internet.
For iPad artists, it’s a chance to share their works and collaborate in real-time with other creatives across online design apps and services. For commuters and travellers, it means the Netflix-friendly dimensions of an iPad mini screen with the connectivity of an iPhone – browse and stream movies, shows and music wherever, without the need for a Wi-Fi connection. The A17 processor and 5G connectivity even allow HD online gaming on the go.
The improved front camera also means the iPad mini is more than capable of hosting multi-user video conference calls, so owners can join work meetings wherever they are and edit, share and annotate documents using the Pencil Pro and suite of tablet-optimised office apps.
What are the differences between the iPad mini 2024 and other iPad models?
The unusual dimensions of the iPad mini mean it’s likely to remain a more niche product than its larger cousins. If you’re wondering which iPad is right for you, here’s a brief comparison of every current iPad model (as of October 2024):
iPad 10
The original, and still the cheapest model in the iPad lineup, the iPad is now in its 10th iteration. While less powerful than other Apple tablets, the iPad 10 is still one of the most advanced on the market, boasting 12MP front and rear cameras, a 10.9-inch edge-to-edge display and 5G mobile data connectivity when paired with an eSIM.
Price: $499 for a cellular model
iPad Air
The sleek iPad Air is available in either 11 or 13-inch formats. Both are equal in terms of performance, running Apple’s M2 processor (faster than the mini or the regular iPad).
Price: 11-inch cellular models start at $749; 13-inch cellular models start at $949
iPad Pro
The iPad pro is Apple’s top-of-the-line tablet, packed with features inside and out. With the brightest screen, fastest processor and security features like Face ID, the iPad Pro is a serious alternative to many laptops.
Price: 11-inch cellular models start at $1,199; 13-inch cellular models start at $1,499
Using mobile data with the iPad mini 2024
The new connectivity of the iPad mini make it possible to download an eSIM and access the internet anywhere at 5G speeds. iPad eSIM data plans can be installed in seconds, directly from the settings app.
A prepaid iPad cellular package, like the ones from BetterRoaming, is a hassle-free, easy-to-manage way to get online with an iPad. Visit our iPad eSIM page to try 100MB for free.
Can I use different network providers with my iPad and iPhone?
Yes – even if you use the same Apple ID across multiple devices, you’re free to use different network providers in each one. For example, having a multi-month phone contract in your iPhone and a prepaid eSIM in your iPad or Apple Watch. The same eSIM technology also makes it easy to switch between carriers on the same device. A common case is temporarily switching from a home network provider to a prepaid travel eSIM when going abroad.
