Apple this week debuted the sixth-generation iPad mini, cellular models of which can connect to 5G for the first time. However, it’s worth noting that cellular connectivity on the new iPad mini does not extend to support for faster mmWave 5G.
Apple doesn’t maintain a cellular compatibility page for iPad models like it does for its iPhones, so the lack of mmWave 5G support on the iPad mini could surprise some Apple customers. Currently, Apple’s mmWave 5G support is limited to the iPhone 13 lineup, iPhone 12 lineup, and the cellular variants of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
On the plus side, like the new iPhone 13 models, the iPad mini does support more 5G bands overall than iPhone 12 and cellular iPad Pro models, according to Apple, so the iPad mini does have greater 5G coverage around the world than the iPhone 12 and iPad Pro.
Despite rumors suggesting iPhone 13 models would support mmWave 5G in additional countries, support for mmWave remains limited to iPhone and iPad models sold in the United States, so its absence in the new cellular iPad mini is only likely to concern customers who are based there.
mmWave is a set of 5G frequencies that promise ultra-fast speeds at short distances, making it best suited for dense urban areas. By comparison, sub-6GHz 5G is generally slower than mmWave, but the signals travel further, better serving suburban and rural areas. All four iPhone 13 models support sub-6GHz outside of the United States, and sub-6GHz networks are more common in countries that have rolled out 5G.
Starting at $499 for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only model, the redesigned sixth-generation iPad mini is available to pre-order now on Apple’s online store. Cellular models are available for $150 more over the base price of each configuration. iPad mini shipping begins Friday, September 24.
Top Stories
Apple Introduces Redesigned Sixth-Generation iPad Mini With Touch ID, USB-C Port, 5G, and More
Apple today announced the sixth-generation iPad mini, featuring a massive redesign with a larger display, an embedded Touch ID sensor in the Power Button, improved performance, a USB-C port, and 5G. The new iPad mini features a completely new design, dismissing the Home Button in favor of a full-screen design with an 8.3-inch display. The display features wide color, an antireflective…
mmWave 5G on iPhone 13 Remains Limited to U.S. Models
While it was rumored by multiple sources that iPhone 13 models would support mmWave 5G in additional countries, it turns out that mmWave remains limited to iPhone 13 models sold in the U.S., as was the case with iPhone 12 models. Apple’s cellular compatibility page confirms that only U.S. models of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro support mmWave 5G bands. In addition, on Apple’s product pages …
Apple Developing a Whole New Kind of iPad Mini
Apple is believed to be working on a completely new, Pro-style version of the iPad mini, according to recent reports. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Debby Wu, Apple is planning to launch a new iPad mini model with narrower screen bezels, with the company also testing a design that does away with the Home button. However, it seems that this is more than a Pro-style redesign of…
Expercom Arrives With First Discounts on New 10.2-Inch iPad and 8.3-Inch iPad Mini
In the wake of announcements for a new iPad mini and new iPad, Expercom has introduced the first cash discounts on these 2021 tablets. Expercom typically is the first Apple reseller to have solid discounts on its latest products, but shoppers should note estimated shipping times can stretch as far as six weeks. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Expercom. When you click a link and…
Apple Now Accepting Pre-Orders for New iPad Mini 6 and iPad 9
At today’s “California Streaming” event, Apple introduced refreshed versions of the iPad mini and the low-cost iPad, which was something of a surprise as we were expecting new tablet announcements later in the year. Both the iPad mini 6 and the iPad 9 are available for pre-order starting today, with orders up and live following the conclusion of the event. The iPad 9, which replaces the…
iPad Mini Finally Getting Major Update With Pro Design and Larger Display
Apple is planning to give the iPad mini a major update this year, including a Pro-style redesign with a larger display, according to recent reports. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Webby Wu, the updated iPad mini will feature narrower screen bezels, with Apple also testing a model that does away with the Home button, in a design that sounds closer to the current iPad Air….
Apple Asks iPad Mini Users’ Opinions About Screen Size Ahead of Expected Redesign
Ahead of when the company is expected to reveal an updated iPad mini featuring an iPad Air-inspired redesign, Apple is out asking some existing iPad mini customers about whether the iPad mini’s screen size is too big, too small, or whether it’s “just right.” Apple often sends out surveys to customers. While they aren’t always entirely indicative of the company’s plans, it offers a glimpse…
iPad Mini 6 May Feature 8.38-Inch Display and Launch in October
The sixth-generation iPad mini will feature an 8.38-inch display and could launch in October, according to a Japanese accessory listing spotted by Gizmodo Japan. The now-removed Amazon Japan listing shows an Elecom glass screen protector for an all-screen 8.38-inch “small” iPad, presumed to be the upcoming sixth-generation iPad mini. This appears to be the most specific measurement for the…
Redesigned iPad Mini Has Increased 4GB of RAM, iPad 9 Remains at 3GB
Apple this week introduced a redesigned sixth-generation iPad mini that looks much closer to the current iPad Air, with slimmer bezels, a Touch ID power button, a USB-C port, compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, and more. The new iPad mini is equipped with the same A15 Bionic chip as iPhone 13 models, and while Apple doesn’t advertise the amount of RAM in the device,…
iPad Mini 6 Rumored to Feature A15 Chip and Smart Connector
The sixth-generation iPad mini will feature an A15 chip and a Smart Connector, according to a report from 9to5Mac. The next-generation iPad mini is reportedly codenamed “J310” and will feature a number of significant upgrades. The report claims that one of the key features of the new iPad mini will be the A15 chip, which is expected to debut in the iPhone 13 lineup later this year. The A15…
.png){kind=small}
