iPad mini 6 features USB-C port, 5G, new display, shifted Touch ID

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iPad mini 6 features USB-C port, 5G, new display, shifted Touch ID
Apple's iPad mini 6th gen has just been released alongside the new entry-level iPad model, and it's looking pretty sweet so far with an essentially complete outer (and overall) redesign.

One of the biggest changes Apple went with for the 6th generation of the iPad mini is the addition of a USB-C port, bringing it closer to the iPad Air in that regard. That's right: this iPad now not only charges via the highly versatile cable, but this allows users to attach all kinds of external gadgets for incredible versatility. Apple even demonstrated that you can directly attach an ultrasound scanner and have the mini display the live picture! 

iPad mini 6 now also supports the 2nd gen Apple pencil, which attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad. This both keeps it extremely handy for easy access, and keeps it constantly charge charging it and keeping it handy for easy access.

Touch ID has been moved to the top right corner for easy access for quick and easy access on the iPad mini 6, which at first glance does seem much more convenient than the Touch ID integrated in the Home Button which we are so used to seeing on previous iPad minis.


iPad mini 6 Colors


The iPad mini will come in four elegant pastel shades: Purple, Pink, Sarlight, and Space Gray. This is definitely a slightly more diverse mix than the Silver, Space Gray, and Gold that the last generation of the iPad mini came in.

iPad mini 6 Specs


The new iPad mini features an all-screen design with elegant rounded corners, bordered by very thin bezels this time. This has allowed Apple to increase the screen size to 8.3 inches, while keeping the same footprint and not adding additional girth or unusable space to the device.

The wide color, True Tone display is liquid retina which features the lowest reflectivity in the industry, or at least so Apple claims. The brightness level reaches 500 nits, which remains the same as the iPad mini 4.

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The processor happens to be the same powerhouse that is also running the iPhone 13 series, namely the A15 Bionic. According to Apple, it brings to the new iPad mini a whopping 40% jump in CPU performance, and an 80% leap in GPU performance. 

Additionally, the 2x faster neural engine for machine learning allows for exceptional app functionality possibilities on the iPad mini 6. For example, the new translate app that's coming with iOS 15 will be able to automatically translate a conversation in real time.

Just like the iPad mini from 2019, the generation of the iPad mini (2021) is also available in either 64GB or 256GB, with no in-between option for 128GB.

The speakers on the iPad mini 6 are also updated to feature both stereo and landscape modes, "great for listening to your favorite playlist or doing an Apple+ fitness workout in your hotel room," Apple says.

iPad mini 6 Camera


The back camera on the iPad mini 6th gen features 12MP, alongside a larger f/1.8 aperture for capturing photos with high clarity. Not only that, but it can also record in 4K resolution—which is more or less becoming the new normal for high-tier mobile devices or tablets. The added True Tone flash also helps brighten up photos in low-light scenarios.

The front camera also features 12MP as well as an ultra-wide lens, coupled with Center Stage. In case you didn't know what that is, Center Stage is machine-learning based technology that can smartly adjust the focus and zoom to perfectly frame either one or several people in a shot or video call (the iPad Pro 3rd and 5th generation already have this). The front camera's field of view is an impressive 122°.


The iPad mini 6's Smart HDR has the ability to recover missing details, shadows, and highlights, to heighten your photos' image quality.


iPad mini 6 Price


The iPad Mini 6th gen will be sold starting at $499, available in both Wi-Fi and cellular configurations. It is the first iPad mini to feature 5G network compatibility, supporting peak speeds of up to 3.5Gbps/s.

While you can pre-order as of right now, the iPad Mini 6 will be available as of next week.

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