(Reuters) – Apple (NASDAQ:) on Tuesday launched its new era of the iPad mini filled with AI options together with writing instruments and an improved Siri assistant, because the iPhone maker races to spice up its units with artificial-intelligence capabilities.
The brand new iPad mini is powered by Apple’s A17 Professional chip, which is used within the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max fashions. With a six-core central processing unit, the A17 Professional would increase CPU efficiency by 30% in comparison with the present era iPad minis and is central to working Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI software program.
Apple stated it might roll out the primary set of AI options within the U.S. model of the English language this month via a software program replace with iPadOS 18.1.
The options shall be obtainable for iPads with A17 Professional or M1 chips and later generations, Apple stated, including it’s going to roll out extra options together with image-generation instruments, Genmoji and ChatGPT-powered capabilities over the following a number of months.
Apple in September unveiled its long-awaited, AI-boosted iPhone 16 lineup, however with the AI options nonetheless in take a look at mode, the corporate didn’t excite some buyers whereas early gross sales knowledge raised some questions round demand.
Nonetheless, analysis agency Canalys on Monday stated the iPhone 16 would assist Apple’s gross sales within the fourth quarter and drive momentum into the primary half of 2025, after Apple reached a document excessive third-quarter shipments.
The iPad mini, beginning at $499, is on the market for pre-orders beginning on Tuesday and can start arriving to prospects and Apple retailer areas subsequent week, Apple stated.
