Making a compelling case for first-time tablet buyers

The Apple iPad mini has been upgraded for AI features at a time when buyer interest in tablets is rising again

- Shouvik Das

Three years ago, the Apple iPad mini got the company's 'all-screen' design—retaining thick borders around an 8.3-inch display, but letting go of the once-signature round-shaped physical 'home' button. Last month, when Apple unveiled its 'new' iPad mini, now in its 7th generation, the update was less noticeable—in fact, there's no visible difference, sans a new blue color that replaces the previous pink finish.

Yet, this year's iterative new iPad mini (2024) still makes for a recommendable gadget—only, it is squarely for new buyers, and not existing ones. This, to be sure, is not a bad thing. Tablets are discretionary gadgets, and while the pandemic gave rise to remote education-fueled necessity for tablets, this factor has largely disappeared now. In such a world, a device that offers an inch and a half of additional screen to savor may not sound particularly enticing, but for those who still want a tablet, the iPad mini (2024) could well be a great product to consider.

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