Apple has introduced the 7th generation iPad mini, powered by the A17 Pro chipset, which is also used in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

However, there’s a slight difference: the iPad mini features a 5-core GPU, a seemingly downgraded version of the A17 Pro. According to reports, this variant of the chip, often referred to as “binned,” didn’t meet the same quality standards required for the iPhones.

Likely, the version with a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU wasn’t powerful enough for the iPhones, but the available batch was large enough to equip the new iPads. Despite this, the chip is expected to deliver solid performance, with one core deactivated to manage performance and efficiency.

The iPad mini (2024) is anticipated to run on Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.1 once it launches. The decision to include this chipset may have been influenced by Apple’s discontinuation of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max following the release of the iPhone 16 Pro models, leaving extra chips for the iPads.

The new iPad mini is available for pre-order starting at $499, with sales beginning on October 23.

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