As part of its iPad lineup update announced today, Apple introduced the second-generation iPad mini, which as expected is equipped with a 7.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048x1536, matching the resolution of the full-sized Retina iPad. The Retina iPad mini is slightly thicker than the original iPad mini, measuring in at 7.5 mm thick and 0.73 pounds (0.75 pounds for cellular-capable models) compared to 7.2 millimeters and 0.68 pounds for the original generation. The new iPad mini will launch on an unspecified date in November and will be available in both white/silver and black/space gray options.
Internally, the Retina iPad mini includes a 64-bit A7 processor, M7 motion co-processor, and an upgraded 5-megapixel rear iSight camera with a backside illumination sensor and 1080p HD video capability. Meanwhile, the front of the device now features a new FaceTime HD camera with larger pixels that is also accompanied by dual microphones. The new iPad mini also now features multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) technology that offers up to 2x faster Wi-Fi, with both 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and LTE cellular models that available with up to 10 hours of battery life.
Apple has raised the price of the iPad with the inclusion of a Retina screen, and will offer it in 16, 32, 64, and new 128 GB models, beginning at $399 in the United States.
In addition to offering the Retina iPad mini, Apple will continue to sell the existing iPad mini at a lower price, offering only the low-end 16 GB model at $299 for Wi-Fi and $429 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. The first-generation black models will also see a shift from the previous slate shell to Apple's new space gray color.
The new iPad mini will be available next month, while the first-generation models at $299/$429 are available immediately.
