Here's When to Expect Apple Intelligence to Launch on the New iPad Mini

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Just like iPhone 16 models, the new iPad mini is likely to launch without Apple Intelligence, but the features should be available on the device soon.

ipad mini 7 feature
Geekbench results for the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip list the device as running iPadOS 18.0, instead of iPadOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence.

Last month, a private account on social media platform X with a proven track record of sharing upcoming iOS versions mentioned a special build of iPadOS 18.0 for the iPad mini 7, and it appears that the device will indeed come preinstalled with iPadOS 18.0 out of the box when it begins arriving to customers on Wednesday, October 23.

Fortunately, new iPad mini owners shouldn't have to wait too long for Apple Intelligence. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman this week reiterated his expectation that iPadOS 18.1 will be released on Monday, October 28, so Apple Intelligence should be available on the new iPad mini merely five days after the device launches.

Apple's press release for the new iPad mini had already mentioned that the first Apple Intelligence features would be available on the device starting with an iPadOS 18.1 software update this month, and now the situation is fully clear.

The first Apple Intelligence features include writing tools, notification summaries, and more.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

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Top Rated Comments

abatabia Avatar
abatabia
17 months ago
I’m going to be harsh here but this is just embarrassing at this point with the “rollout” of AI. Why the rush to release this iPad if it was just a press release? Wait until the end of the month when 18.1 is supposed to release. It’s been three years, would two more weeks really matter? Or, don’t advertise how it’s “built for apple intelligence” when it’s not here yet. Just silly.

Your opinion may differ.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
turbineseaplane
17 months ago

Hard disagree. I want a better Siri ASAP!
"something went wrong"
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iamgalt Avatar
iamgalt
17 months ago

I’m going to be harsh here but this is just embarrassing at this point with the “rollout” of AI. Why the rush to release this iPad if it was just a press release? Wait until the end of the month when 18.1 is supposed to release. It’s been three years, would two more weeks really matter? Or, don’t advertise how it’s “built for apple intelligence” when it’s not here yet. Just silly.

Your opinion may differ.
"wait till the end of the month when 18.1 is released" mean's that's when they would be able to load the OS onto the iPads, then they'd have to package them, then ship them out all over the world, and then put on sale. If they waited till they could release them with 18.1, it would be a delay of at least a month, if not more. Releasing it now, gets a little bit of buzz happening and raises some excitement for the new features. While I see where you're coming from with the "built for apple intelligence" phrase, I think it's pretty clear that they mean it's "apple intelligence ready" for when it does come out, unlike many iphones, ipads, and macs. Plus there are some people who don't want to upgrade to 18.1 because they don't want AI stuff. Not that Apple is catering to this group specifically, but more people may buy it knowing they don't have to have the AI features on the latest iPad Mini.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MNWildFan Avatar
MNWildFan
17 months ago

Exactly. Just release it all at once. This isn’t working.
I agree

I absolutely hate how in recent years Apple has adopted the strategy of announcing features but releasing them in phases

If you've had all the time to conceptualize of all them, then why not just spring them all on us at once???
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spock Avatar
Spock
17 months ago
This is really getting old, they are selling these new devices like the lackluster iPhone Pro without the feature they are using to sell the things.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
paradox00 Avatar
paradox00
17 months ago

I’m going to be harsh here but this is just embarrassing at this point with the “rollout” of AI. Why the rush to release this iPad if it was just a press release? Wait until the end of the month when 18.1 is supposed to release. It’s been three years, would two more weeks really matter? Or, don’t advertise how it’s “built for apple intelligence” when it’s not here yet. Just silly.

Your opinion may differ.
My opinion differs. I give Apple credit for one thing: knowing how to make the most money possible. If they believe a staggered release ahead of Apple AI will make them more money, they are probably right.

Most people aren't following as closely as those here, and staggered releases keeps Apple in more press cycles and the iPad mini doesn't get lost in the news about new Macs or AI coming to iPhones. Losing 2+ weeks of pre-christmas sales more than offsets any "embarrassment" they may feel. Even as a consumer, it's better they release them now. If you want to wait for AI before buying one, you're free to do so, but there's no need to make everyone else wait too.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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