Apple Unveils New AI-Powered iPad Mini

On Tuesday, Apple unveiled its latest iPad mini, packed with AI features such as enhanced writing tools and an improved Siri assistant, as the company seeks to enhance its devices with artificial intelligence capabilities.

Powered by the A17 Pro chip, which is also featured in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, the new iPad mini boasts a 30% boost in CPU performance compared to current models.

Apple announced that the first wave of AI features will be introduced in the U.S. with a software update, iPadOS 18.1, this month. These features will be available for iPads equipped with A17 Pro or M1 chips and later, with additional AI tools like image generation, Genmoji, and ChatGPT-based features to be rolled out in the coming months.

Also Read: Adobe Launches AI-powered Video Tool

Though Apple’s AI-powered iPhone 16 lineup, launched in September, faced lukewarm investor reception with some concerns about demand, research firm Canalys predicts that iPhone 16 sales will drive growth in Q4 2024 and the first half of 2025.

The iPad mini, starting at $499, is available for pre-order and will be delivered to customers and Apple stores next week.

REUTERS/Chidimma Gold