The timing of the new release has taken many by surprise. Apple’s smallest iPad has a faster processor, more storage and support for Apple Intelligence.

The iPad mini 7 is here, equipped with the A17 Pro chip, Apple Pencil Pro support, and Apple Intelligence. When Apple redesigned the iPad mini in 2021 with flat sides and no Home Button, it changed the tiny-device game. That diminutive tablet is back with a host of upgrades aiming to make the best iPad -as-a-tablet even better.

The iPad mini 7 surprised us all when it was suddenly announced earlier this week. And another surprise is that one of its main upgrades isn't quite as potent as we thought.