Apple has unveiled its fifth generation iPad mini, packing a slew of new features at the same price as its predecessor.
The iPad mini 5 comes with the same 7.9–inch display as before but according to Apple, it's 25% brighter. It also has the highest pixel density of any iPad, a colossal three million in all.
It’s what’s beneath the display, though, that really sets it apart. The iPad mini 5 runs with the A12 Bionic chipset found in the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. Apple says this means graphics are now nine times faster compared with the iPad mini 4, with overall performance three times quicker.
iOS 13 set for 3rd June launch, as Apple confirms WWDC dates
Elsewhere, there’s a main eight-megapixel camera that allows for HD video, while the iPad mini 5 becomes the first of Apple’s smaller tablets to offer Apple Pencil support. Rumours have persisted that future iPhones could also work with the smart stylus.
As with previous models, it features Touch ID security. Face ID unlocking is not on board, with that top–end feature limited to the iPad Pro and latest iPhones.
The iPad mini 5 costs from £399, the same as before, and is available in silver, space grey and gold. There are 64GB and 256GB models.
Apple has also pulled the wrappers off of a new 10.5–inch iPad Air. It too comes with an A12 Bionic chipset and Apple Pencil support and is available in the same colours. Prices start at £479 for a 64GB model, rising to £629 for 256GB. There are also versions with 4G as well as WiFi support.
Despite launching new iPads, Apple has not, as expected, revealed updated AirPods or chosen to release the long awaited AirPower wireless charging mat.
With of those products could either make an appearance at Apple’s 25th March event at its California campus or, more likely, be unveiled during its Worldwide Developer Conference, which kicks off on 3rd June in San Jose.
