Apple has launched the 7th generation iPad mini, equipped with the A17 Pro chipset, the same chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, the official website reveals that the tablet features a 5-core GPU, indicating a slightly downgraded version of the A17 Pro.
This type of chipset is often referred to as “binned,” meaning it didn’t meet the full performance standards required for iPhones but was still suitable for other devices, such as the iPad mini. It’s likely that this variant, featuring a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, wasn’t powerful enough for iPhones, but Apple had enough units available to equip the new iPad mini.
It’s also noteworthy that Apple discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max after launching the iPhone 16 Pro models, potentially leaving extra chips intended for the phones available for use in the new iPad mini.
Despite the deactivated core, the A17 Pro chip in the iPad mini is expected to perform well. The iPad mini (2024) will feature iOS 18.1 and is currently available for pre-order, starting at $499, with sales beginning on October 23.
