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FRApple’s New iPad Mini: A New Addition to Your Flight Bag?
Written by: Phil Lightstone
Images courtesy of iPad Pilot News.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of COPA. COPA does not endorse or recommend any specific technologies, products, or brands mentioned herein. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to determine the suitability and compatibility of these products for their specific needs and preferences.
On October 15, 2024, Apple announced their latest iPad Mini (A17 Pro), a perfect companion for any flight bag. The new iPad Mini has many of the same features as the previous version, iPad Mini (6th Generation), most importantly the new iPad Mini is the same size as the 6th Generation, in theory existing iPad cases from companies like MyGoFlight, x-Naut and others should be compatible.
Apple technologies, like their iPads and iPhones have dominated General Aviation cockpits providing a lightweight portable device for Electronic Flight Bag applications like ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot (EFB).The advent of EFBs have eliminated the need or paper charts and Nav Canada’s Canada Flight Supplement.Gone are the days of carrying copious amounts of paper. On a personal note, I use Apple’s iPad Mini (6th Generation) on every flight, providing a platform for EFB as well as a variety of other aviation apps like: AeroWeather; Windy; AeroNOTAM; Aithre Connect; AirBly; FlightAware; Jeppesen Mobile Direct, to name a few. I like the form factor of the iPad Mini (versus a laptop or full sized iPad). Combined with a MyGoFlight cooling case, which I Velcro to my thigh (much like a kneeboard), it’s perfect for the cockpit.
The iPad Mini A17 Pro will be replacing the 6th Generation iPad Mini (at some point). The notable differences between the two models are: the iPad Mini A17 Pro’s capacity is increased to 512 GB (128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB are available) while the iPad Mini G6 is available with 64 GB and 256 GB; processor of the A17 is quipped with Apple’s latest A17 Pro CPU while the iPad Mini G6 is equipped with an A15 Bionic chip; the new iPad supports Apple Intelligence; Wi-Fi 6E is supported on the new iPad Mini; and Apple Pencil Pro support. Battery life remains the same with up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi or watching video and nine hours using a cellular data network.
The new iPad mini gets a major update with A17 Pro CPU. A17 Pro is a powerful chip that unlocks severalimprovements over A15 Bionic in the previous-generation iPad mini. With a 6-core CPU (two performance cores and four efficiency cores), A17 Pro delivers a 30 percent boost in CPU performance. A17 Pro CPUS also brings a boost in graphics performance with a 5-core GPU, delivering a 25 percent jump over the previous generation. The new CPU allows the new iPad Mini to support Apple Intelligence, which is integrated into iPadOS 18.
The new iPad mini supports Wi-Fi 6E, which delivers up to twice the performance than the previous generation, so users can download files, update EFB navigation databases, display weather information, and stream movies even faster. Wi-Fi + Cellular models with 5G allow users to access their files, communicate with peers, and back up their data in a snap while on the go.
The new iPad Mini A17 Pro can be pre-ordered as early as October 15th at https://www.apple.com/ca/store/, but will begin shipping on October 23, 2024. The new iPad Mini starts at $679 CAD for the Wi-Fi only model and $879 CAD for the Wi-Fi Cellular model. Apple offers a new Smart Folio to protect your iPad, available in four colours and retails for $75 CAD. Owners of older models can trade in their current iPads and get a credit towards the purchase of a new iPad Mini. Canadian retailers still have stock of the iPad Mini 6th Generation (Best Buy Canada has stock on a 256GB 6th Generation at $879.99 CAD, the comparable iPad Mini A17 Pro is $829.00 CAD, plus taxes).