Apple’s new iPad Mini 7 is here, and while tiny it certainly packs a punch with these new features – here’s where to buy
Three years since the last device, the newest iPad Mini 7 has been launched by Apple with a lot of upgrades to make up for its anticipated release. So, we’ve rounded up the best UK retailers to help tech fans pre-order for the best deal.
Let’s face it, it’s been a while since Apple shoppers have been able to get their hands on a flashy new iPad Mini so we’re happy to see it’s come with boosted features. As Apple say ‘The ultraportable iPad mini is more capable and versatile than ever’.
The Apple Store has kickstarted pre-orders, offering the device from £499 but that’s only the start. As many other retailers add the iPad Mini7 model to its stock we’ve rounded up the best deals from Amazon, EE and O2.
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The new device is currently only available to pre-order, popular with new devices this allows eager shoppers to buy the model before it goes on sale in the event they sell out quickly. There are only a few days of this left, before the iPad Mini 7 goes on sale this Wednesday October 23.
If you’re looking for an outright buy then the Apple Store or Amazon are currently ones to look at, both will set you back £499 for the Wi-Fi 128GB model. There’s also a WiFi + Cellular model too (in varying storage sizes) which starts at £649.
Now, moving onto the deals for shoppers who’d prefer to split the cost. As O2 launches monthly pay-as-you-go offers paired with data. The provider has launched a three month price drop, so this may be one to look at first.
Dropping the price of the device down to £13.75 for the first three months O2 shoppers will lock into a full 48-month device plan. The price from month four rises to the usual £26.75 plus a £20 upfront fee. Over at EE, the mobile rival is offering the model SIM-free.
What’s new on the iPad Mini 7
Now fitted with the A17 Pro Chip – to match the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models – there are better speeds, an upgraded base storage of 128GB, better WiFi 6E and it’s been ‘built for Apple Intelligence’. This means new users will be able to get their iPad Mini device synced with the smart Artificial Intelligence update that’s being rolled out next year.
Not a world away from the size of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max size this tiny tablet packs a lot into its compact space. Plus it is compatible with the Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro for those wanting to create digital products or make notes on its various software.
“Power and intelligence aren’t the only new features” as our Editor Dave Snelling spoke of the Pencil accessory during the iPad Mini 7 unveiling. Writing about the launch he said: “The mini also getting full compatibility with the improved Apple Pencil Pro. This stylus-style accessory offers features such as screen interactions via gentle squeezes and double taps.
“That means you can launch menus and change tools without having to tap through endless settings. Rotating the barrel changes the orientation of the shaped pen and brush tools, just like pen and paper. Apple Pencil Pro also features support for Find My so it doesn’t get lost and it snaps neatly to the side of the device for a quick refill.”
Other experts in the industry have kept a close eye on the newest features too, as Apple Hub shared to its 1.1million followers, “iPad Mini 6 (2021) vs iPad Mini 7 (2024)” showing the difference in the two models which include the swanky new A17 Pro chip, better bluetooth and bigger RAM.
However the size of the new 2024 model is the same 8.3-inches as the 2021 version, and there are no upgrades with the 12MP camera or 60Hz refresh rate either. You can order the new device from Apple, here.
Alternatively rival brands including Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs may be an option for Android-favouring shoppers. Currently Sky is offering its the Galaxy Tab A9+ for £5.50 per month.
