IPad Mini (6th generation)

Last updated
iPad Mini (6th generation)
IPad Mini logo (2021).svg
IPad Mini 6 in hand.jpg
An iPad mini (6th generation)
Also known asiPad mini 6
Developer Apple Inc.
Manufacturer Foxconn
Product family iPad Mini
Type Tablet computer
Generation6th
Release dateSeptember 24, 2021;3 years ago (2021-09-24)
DiscontinuedOctober 15, 2024;2 days ago (2024-10-15)
Operating system Original: iPadOS 15
Current: iPadOS 18.0.1, released October 3, 2024 [1]
System on a chip A15 Bionic with 64-bit architecture and embedded motion co-processor
CPU Hexa-core (2× 2.93 GHz Avalanche and 4× 1.82 GHz Blizzard)
Memory4 GB
Storage64 or 256 GB
Display8.3 inches (210 mm) 2266×1488  px (326 ppi), 500-nits Max Brightness, Wide-Color Display (P3), True Tone Display, Fully Laminated Display, 1.8% Reflectivity and Apple Pencil (2nd generation) support
GraphicsApple-designed 5 core GPU
SoundStereo speakers (landscape)
Input Multi-touch screen, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, digital compass, dual microphone, Touch ID fingerprint scanner, barometer
CameraFront: 12 MP, ƒ/2.4 aperture, burst mode, timer mode, exposure control, face detection, Smart HDR 3, wide-color capture, auto image stabilization, Retina flash, 1080p HD video recording
Rear: 12 MP, ƒ/1.8 aperture, five-element lens, quad-LED True Tone flash, burst mode, timer mode, exposure control, noise reduction, face detection, Hybrid IR filter, Live Photos with stabilization, Autofocus with Focus Pixels, face detection, Smart HDR, panorama, wide-color capture, auto image stabilization, 4K 60fps video recording, video stabilization, slo-mo, time-lapse
Connectivity
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular:
802.11 Wi-Fi 6 dual-band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) and MIMO

Bluetooth 5.0

Wi-Fi + Cellular:
GPS & GLONASS
GSM
UMTS / HSDPA
850, 1700, 1800, 1900 MHz
LTE
Multiple bands
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G NR
Multiple bands
n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
Power3.82 V 19.19  W·h (5034  mA·h) [2]
Dimensions
  • 7.69 in (195 mm) (height)
  • 5.31 in (135 mm) (width)
  • 0.25 in (6.4 mm) (depth)
MassWi-Fi models

0.65 pound (293 grams)

Wi-Fi + Cellular models

0.66 pound (297 grams)
Predecessor iPad Mini (5th generation)
Successor iPad Mini 7
Related iPad Air (4th generation)
iPad (9th generation)
Website https://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/

The sixth-generation iPad Mini (stylized and marketed as iPad mini and colloquially referred to as iPad Mini 6) is a tablet computer in the iPad Mini line, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced on September 14, 2021, and released on September 24, 2021, alongside the ninth-generation iPad, iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. Its predecessor, the fifth-generation iPad Mini, was discontinued on the same day. [3] It is available in four colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, and Purple.

Contents

It is the first major redesign of the iPad Mini, and resembles the fourth-generation iPad Air in design and with Touch ID on the power button (removing the home button), with a larger 8.3-inch display, USB-C port (replacing the Lightning port), and support for the second-generation Apple Pencil.

The iPad Mini 6 was discontinued on October 15, 2024, with the announcement of the iPad Mini (7th generation).

Features

Hardware

It is the first redesign of the iPad Mini since the iPad Mini 4 in 2015, and the first major redesign since its introduction in 2012. Externally, it is essentially a smaller version of the 4th-generation iPad Air and third-generation and newer iPad Pro. It lacks a Smart Connector for a keyboard, likely due to its smaller size. Internally, it has an A15 Bionic SoC which is underclocked to 2.92 GHz instead of the iPhone models' 3.23 GHz. [4] The chip has a six-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine.

It has an 8.3-inch 2266x1488 Liquid Retina display, taller and slightly narrower than previous models while maintaining the pixel density of 326 PPI, which is the same on all iPhones with Retina LCDs since the iPhone 4, excluding the Plus models. The display is laminated and has an anti-reflective coating, as well as wide color and True Tone. A 12 MP front camera was implemented in the iPad, replacing the older 7 MP camera, and features the Center Stage technology that detects the user and moves the camera view accordingly during video recording and video calls using on-device processing, while the rear camera is upgraded to 12 MP with a True Tone flash and 4K video recording at up to 60fps, replacing the 8 MP camera, which the module is identical to the third-generation iPad Pro.

The Home Button is removed, with the Touch ID sensor relocated to the Sleep/Wake button. The volume control buttons have been moved to the top edge of the device to accommodate the second-generation Apple Pencil. Landscape stereo audio effect is also added to the system's audio recording system.

Connectivity

The sixth-generation iPad Mini discontinues the proprietary Lightning port in favor of a universal USB-C port that is used for charging as well as connecting external devices and accessories. All models have Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless capabilities while the cellular models support 5G connectivity but lack mmWave support unlike the iPad Pro (5th generation).

Accessories

The sixth-generation iPad Mini is compatible with Apple Pencil (2nd generation and USB-C). Compatibility with Magic Keyboard for iPad or the Smart Keyboard Folio isn't possible due to its smaller form factor.

Reception

This model received a very positive reception, noting a new design was long overdue and felt 5G was a nice surprise, with Jason Perlow from ZDNET calling it "Apple's most exciting new product in years". [5]

Timeline

Timeline of iPad models
iPad Pro (7th generation)iPad Pro (6th generation)iPad Pro (5th generation)iPad Pro (4th generation)iPad Pro (3rd generation)iPad Pro (2nd generation)iPad Pro (1st generation)iPad Pro (7th generation)iPad Pro (6th generation)iPad Pro (5th generation)iPad Pro (4th generation)iPad Pro (3rd generation)iPad Pro (2nd generation)iPad Pro (1st generation)iPad Air (6th generation)iPad Air (5th generation)iPad Air (4th generation)iPad Air (3rd generation)iPad Air 2iPad Mini (7th generation)iPad Mini (6th generation)iPad Mini (5th generation)iPad Mini 4iPad Mini 3iPad Mini 2iPad Mini (1st generation)iPad Air (1st generation)iPad (10th generation)iPad (4th generation)iPad (4th generation)iPad (3rd generation)iPad (9th generation)iPad (8th generation)iPad (7th generation)iPad (6th generation)iPad (5th generation)iPad 2iPad (1st generation)IPad Mini (6th generation)

Source: Apple Newsroom Archive. [6]

Related Research Articles

iPad Line of tablet computers by Apple

The iPad is a brand of iOS- and iPadOS-based tablet computers that are developed and marketed by Apple. The first-generation iPad was introduced on January 27, 2010. Since then, the iPad product line has been expanded to include the smaller iPad Mini, the lighter and thinner iPad Air, and the flagship iPad Pro models. As of 2022, over 670 million iPads have been sold, making Apple the largest vendor of tablet computers. Due to its popularity, the term "iPad" is sometimes used as a generic name for tablet computers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lightning (connector)</span> Proprietary computer bus and power connector by Apple Inc.

Lightning is a proprietary computer bus and power connector, created and designed by Apple Inc. It was introduced on September 12, 2012, in conjunction with the iPhone 5, to replace its predecessor, the 30-pin dock connector. The Lightning connector is used to connect Apple mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers, and other peripherals. Using 8 pins instead of 30, Lightning is much smaller than its predecessor. The Lightning connector is reversible. The plug is indented on each side to match up with corresponding points inside the receptacle to retain the connection.

The iPad Mini is a line of small tablet computers developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It is a sub-series of the iPad line of tablets, with screen sizes of 7.9 inches and 8.3 inches. The first-generation iPad Mini was announced on October 23, 2012, and was released on November 2, 2012, in nearly all of Apple's markets. It featured similar internal specifications to the iPad 2, including its display resolution.

iPad (4th generation) Tablet computer developed by Apple (2012–2014)

The iPad is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. Compared to its predecessor, the third-generation iPad, the fourth-generation iPad maintained the Retina Display but featured new and upgraded components such as the Apple A6X chip and the Lightning connector, which was introduced on September 12, 2012. It shipped with iOS 6, which provides a platform for audio-visual media, including electronic books, periodicals, films, music, computer games, presentations and web content. Like the third-generation iPad it replaced, it was supported by five major iOS releases, in this case iOS 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

iPad Mini 2 Tablet computer developed by Apple (2013–2017)

The iPad Mini 2 is a tablet computer designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It has a nearly identical design to its predecessor, the first-generation iPad Mini, but features internal revisions such as the use of an A7 system-on-a-chip and a 2,048 x 1,536 resolution Retina Display. Internally, the second-generation iPad Mini has nearly the same hardware as its sibling device, the iPad Air. Apple released the second-generation iPad Mini in space gray and silver colors on November 12, 2013.

iPod Touch (5th generation) Mobile device made by Apple Inc.

The fifth generation iPod Touch is a mobile device designed and marketed by Apple Inc. with a touchscreen-based user interface. The successor to the 4th-generation iPod Touch, it was unveiled at Apple's media event alongside the iPhone 5 on September 12, 2012, and was released on October 11, 2012. It is compatible with up to iOS 9.3.5, which was released on August 25, 2016.

iPad Pro Line of Apple tablet computers (2015–present)

The iPad Pro is a series of tablet computers, positioned as a premium model line of Apple's iPad brand. It runs iPadOS, a tablet-optimized fork of the iOS operating system.

iPad Mini 4 Tablet computer developed by Apple (2015–2019)

The iPad Mini 4 is the fourth-generation iPad Mini tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced along with the iPad Pro on September 9, 2015, and released the same day. The iPad Mini 4, which replaced the iPad Mini 3, was discontinued on March 18, 2019, when it was replaced by the fifth-generation iPad Mini. It features most of the hardware similar to the iPad Air 2 including its laminated display and design.

iPad Mini (5th generation) Tablet computer developed by Apple (2019–2021)

The fifth-generation iPad Mini is a tablet computer in the iPad Mini line, developed and marketed by Apple Inc. Announced in a press release along with the third-generation iPad Air on March 18, 2019 and released the same day. Its predecessor, the iPad Mini 4, was discontinued on the same day.

iPad Air (3rd generation) Tablet computer developed by Apple (2019–2020)

The iPad Air is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced and released on March 18, 2019, alongside the 5th-generation iPad Mini.

iPhone 12 14th-generation smartphone by Apple Inc.

The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini are smartphones developed and marketed by Apple Inc. They are the fourteenth-generation iPhones, succeeding the iPhone 11. They were unveiled at a virtually held Apple Special Event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on October 13, 2020, alongside the "premium flagship" iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max and HomePod Mini. Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 started on October 16, 2020, and the phone was released in most countries on October 23, 2020, alongside the iPhone 12 Pro and fourth-generation iPad Air. Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 Mini began on November 6, 2020, and the phone was released on November 13, 2020, alongside the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

iPad Air (4th generation) Tablet computer developed by Apple (2020–2022)

The iPad Air , informally referred to as iPad Air 4, is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced by Apple on September 15, 2020. Pre-orders began on October 16, 2020, and shipping began a week later on October 23, 2020 alongside the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. The device closely resembles the design of the 11-inch iPad Pro and has several features that were previously exclusive to the iPad Pro line, such as support for Magic Keyboard and the second-generation Apple Pencil. It is available in five colors: Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky Blue.

iPhone 12 Pro 2020 smartphone by Apple

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are smartphones developed and marketed by Apple Inc. They are the flagship smartphones in the fourteenth generation of the iPhone, succeeding the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, respectively. They were unveiled alongside the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini at an Apple Special Event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California on October 13, 2020, with the iPhone 12 Pro being released on October 23, 2020, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max on November 13, 2020. They were discontinued on September 14, 2021, along with the iPhone XR, following the announcement of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro.

iPad Pro (5th generation) 2021 Apple tablet computer

The fifth-generation iPad Pro, colloquially known as the M1iPad Pro, is a line of iPad tablet computers developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced on April 20, 2021, and was available in 11-inch (28 cm) and 12.9-inch (33 cm) screen size options, which are the same as its predecessor, the iPad Pro. Preorders began on April 30, 2021, and the product was released worldwide on May 21, 2021. It comes in two colors: Silver and Space Gray.

iPad (9th generation) 2021 tablet computer developed by Apple

The iPad is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple as the successor to the eighth-generation iPad. It was announced on September 14, 2021, and released on September 24. The ninth-generation iPad was discontinued on May 7, 2024, with the announcement of the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. It was the last base iPad model to have a home button, Lightning port and headphone jack.

iPhone SE (3rd generation) 15th-generation smartphone by Apple Inc.

The third-generation iPhone SE is a smartphone designed and developed by Apple Inc. It is part of the 15th generation of the iPhone, alongside the iPhone 13 and 13 Mini and iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max models. Apple announced the third-generation iPhone SE on March 8, 2022, as the successor to the second-generation iPhone SE. Pre-orders began on March 11, 2022, and the phone was released afterwards on March 18, 2022. It was released with a starting price of US$429, a $30 increase over its predecessor.

iPad Air (5th generation) Tablet computer developed by Apple (2022-2024)

The iPad Air , colloquially known as the iPad Air 5 or iPad Air M1, is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced by Apple on March 8, 2022. Pre-orders began on March 11, 2022, and shipping began on March 18, 2022. It succeeded the fourth-generation iPad Air and is available in five colors: Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, Purple, and Blue.

iPad (10th generation) Tablet computer developed by Apple

The iPad is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. as the successor to the ninth-generation iPad. It was announced on October 18, 2022, and was released on October 26, 2022.

iPad Air (6th generation) Tablet computer developed by Apple since 2024

The iPad Air is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced by Apple on May 7, 2024, with pre-orders starting the same day, and was released on May 15, 2024. It succeeds the iPad Air and is available in four colors: Blue, Purple, Space Gray, and Starlight. The iPad Air is the first iPad Air to include a 13-inch model alongside the existing 11 inch model.

iPad Pro (7th generation) 2024 Apple tablet computer

The seventh-generation iPad Pro, marketed as the iPad Pro (M4), is a line of iPad tablet computers developed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced on May 7, 2024 during Apple's "Let Loose" event.

References

  1. "About iPadOS 18 Updates". Apple Support. iPadOS 18.
  2. iPad Mini 6th Generation Repair – iFixit
  3. Casey, Henry T.; Wawro, Alex (2021-09-14). "iPad mini 6 release date, specs, design, colors and news". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  4. "New iPad Mini Has Downclocked A15 Chip Compared to iPhone 13". MacRumors. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
  5. Perlow, Jason. "Why the iPad Mini 6 is Apple's most exciting new product in years". ZDNet. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
  6. Apple Inc. (2010–2011). iPad News – Newsroom Archive. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
Preceded by iPad Mini (6th generation)
2021
Succeeded by