Apple unveiled Tuesday an updated iPad mini, the first revision of its smallest tablet since 2021.

The new model is powered by the A17 Pro processor, the same chip used in last year’s iPhone 15 Pro.

It also has Apple Intelligence, its new suite of AI features set to be rolled out beginning this month.

Priced from US$499, the iPad mini is available for preorder and will be in stores starting next Wednesday.

This marks Apple’s first new iPad launch since 2022, and the updated 8.3-inch iPad mini remains popular among users who prioritize portability for reading and note-taking.

In Apple’s fiscal third quarter, iPad sales rose by approximately 24% compared to the previous year.