iPad mini Are you happy with the iPad mini 6?

[curdy]

Sold M1 iPad Pro the mini 6 and I’ve also never looked back. The extreme portability, ease of use for reading books (I’m reading a LOT more than I’ve ever had outside of career needs), browsing, file transfer from older HDD to portable SSDs via USB-C dock, etc.

I’m very impressed that connecting to my 34”LG LCD works as flawlessly (directly or via dock with DP connection) is just about exactly the same as the M1 Pro. Only the hdr being displayed is less that’s it.

Even if apple allows some kind or true macOS when connected to magic keyboard for the M1 iPads I wouldn’t care as that’s not what I want in my iPad anymore. I waited a long time for the pros to have Xcode and hoped and thought the Pros would get that but after the air got the M1 chip that really soured my pallet with their iPad team. It pissed me off as it heavily devalues the Pros a bit.

My Apple Pencil works exactly as I’ve experienced as well so nothing missed.

And yes I’ve falling into much deeper sleeps with the iPad mini on my bed due to reading.
Oh and watching the Leafs for free via AppleTV+ has me cheering & yelling from my bedroom now versus my fashionable yet very uncomfortable couch!

EDIT: 1 thing I do miss is FaceID. All the iPads are better suited to having this dur to the nature of using the device, I still find myself having to remember to use TouchID, even after seeing the visual queue. I keep thinking the visual queue is like my iPhone where I can opt not to use TouchID only to realize DOH I have to.

Go Leafs go!! Bad loss tonight, but they'll be back on home ice.

 

[JM91Six]

Is anyone annoyed to fail trying to use youtube slider in full screen mode to move content forward? Instead of that, lot of times I move between apps by mistake as ipad OS slider and youtube slider are too close… any solution or trick for avoiding this?

It’s hard as hell to move on the mini! I nad that issue with my 11” IPP also but no where close to this one

 

[BhaveshUK]

Aaaand it’s going back. Call me when the jelly is fixed and it’s 120hz
(I have a feeling I’ll be waiting a while for that call). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I had this exact same experience. Had an iPad Mini 6 for 2 days and couldn't justify keeping it. I already have an iPad Pro 12.9 and I realised that's enough for me.

Outside of those two issues you experienced, I think one of the biggest things that would improve the iPad Mini experience (from my limited few days) is scaling the UI. I feel the iPad Mini is a wonderful device but it's the little things that bring the overall package down. I don't feel Apple put as much energy into the product in comparison to their other products unfortunately ?

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

I had this exact same experience. Had an iPad Mini 6 for 2 days and couldn't justify keeping it. I already have an iPad Pro 12.9 and I realised that's enough for me.

Outside of those two issues you experienced, I think one of the biggest things that would improve the iPad Mini experience (from my limited few days) is scaling the UI. I feel the iPad Mini is a wonderful device but it's the little things that bring the overall package down. I don't feel Apple put as much energy into the product in comparison to their other products unfortunately ?

Exactly. Apple decided to let iPadOS/iOS do its own thing when it came to scaling on a device size that has never been used before and sure enough it tanked. Apple doesn't care about the Mini just like the don't care about the iPhone Mini. It doesn't move a lot of units compared to the rest of the lineup, devs have to make special accommodations for it, and Apple tends to price these outside of reality so the only people that are willing to buy them are the "hardcore" Mini lovers. We pay a premium for the form factor when others get size/latest tech.

 

[spiderman0616]

Exactly. Apple decided to let iPadOS/iOS do its own thing when it came to scaling on a device size that has never been used before and sure enough it tanked. Apple doesn't care about the Mini just like the don't care about the iPhone Mini. It doesn't move a lot of units compared to the rest of the lineup, devs have to make special accommodations for it, and Apple tends to price these outside of reality so the only people that are willing to buy them are the "hardcore" Mini lovers. We pay a premium for the form factor when others get size/latest tech.

It sounds like you think the iPad mini exists so that Apple can spite the people who like it. That doesn’t make a ton of sense.

 

[dmk1974]

I just bought a Mini 6 Cellular for my wife for Mother's Day to replace her Mini 5 Cellular. Seems good so far. I like the larger screen real estate, especially for watching shows in landscape mode. The volume button position takes a little getting used to, but I like how they change the vol +/- depending on which orientation you are viewing. Touch ID button seems fine (wish they would do that on the iPhone as well). Does seem faster than the 5 as well, and SpeedTest was faster since on 5G now vs LTE. The change from lightning to USB-C isn't bad since she has a MacBook Air M1 and can use the same cord. Great for browsing on the couch/bed/throne or on airplane.

I may need to upgrade my Mini 5 now as well

 

[BrianSoCal]

I had this exact same experience. Had an iPad Mini 6 for 2 days and couldn't justify keeping it. I already have an iPad Pro 12.9 and I realised that's enough for me.

Outside of those two issues you experienced, I think one of the biggest things that would improve the iPad Mini experience (from my limited few days) is scaling the UI. I feel the iPad Mini is a wonderful device but it's the little things that bring the overall package down. I don't feel Apple put as much energy into the product in comparison to their other products unfortunately ?

Thanks for this, I‘ve been trying to justify a Mini, when I am perfectly happy with my 12.9. ?

 

[Rafterman]

I liked the Mini's specs and no, I didn't notice any jelly. But the one thing they didn't upgrade, much to my disappointment, was storage. I was hoping for 512GB. Even the iPhone Mini has a 512GB version. But they upgraded every spec on it except the 256GB max storage. 512GB should be the max for every non-Pro model of iPad. Especially with 4K video now.

 

[kristalsoldier]

I liked the Mini's specs and no, I didn't notice any jelly. But the one thing they didn't upgrade, much to my disappointment, was storage. I was hoping for 512GB. Even the iPhone Mini has a 512GB version. But they upgraded every spec on it except the 256GB max storage. 512GB should be the max for every non-Pro model of iPad. Especially with 4K video now.

Equally, they should have had 128GB as the minimum storage on the Mini. I did not want the 256GB option and having no choice had to opt for the 64GB version. Luckily my work flow doesn’t demand much higher storage from the Mini, but others may require the storage. It’s probably obvious why Apple does this sort of a thing because this is not just an oversight or mistake. It’s a deliberate decision on the part of Apple.

 

[rui no onna]

Equally, they should have had 128GB as the minimum storage on the Mini. I did not want the 256GB option and having no choice had to opt for the 64GB version. Luckily my work flow doesn’t demand much higher storage from the Mini, but others may require the storage. It’s probably obvious why Apple does this sort of a thing because this is not just an oversight or mistake. It’s a deliberate decision on the part of Apple.

64GB base storage wouldn't have been too bad if Apple had at least offered a 128GB model for $50 more like they do with iPhones.

 

[kristalsoldier]

64GB base storage wouldn't have been too bad if Apple had at least offered a 128GB model for $50 more like they do with iPhones.

The fact is they didn’t. Secondly, like I said, this was a deliberate decision. They’d rather we make the jump from 64GB TO 256GB and pay the price instead of as you mentioned we have the benefit of a gradual update cadence. Of corse, Apple would say 64GB users can and probably leverage cloud storage, which as you and I and all of us know is just nonsense. But we play the cards we are dealt with.

 

[geta]

Even though 128GB would be the perfect size for the Mini, i can still manage with 64GB storage.

Hopefully the next base Mini model will come with 128GB and 8GB memory, then ill have a reason to upgrade…

 

[dmk1974]

I just bought a Mini 6 Cellular for my wife for Mother's Day to replace her Mini 5 Cellular. Seems good so far. I like the larger screen real estate, especially for watching shows in landscape mode. The volume button position takes a little getting used to, but I like how they change the vol +/- depending on which orientation you are viewing. Touch ID button seems fine (wish they would do that on the iPhone as well). Does seem faster than the 5 as well, and SpeedTest was faster since on 5G now vs LTE. The change from lightning to USB-C isn't bad since she has a MacBook Air M1 and can use the same cord. Great for browsing on the couch/bed/throne or on airplane.

I may need to upgrade my Mini 5 now as well

Well that didn't take long. Found a like-new open box at Best Buy.

Aside from the official Apple folio case, what is the best one that most folks like? I don't plan to get the Apple Pen and prefer decent grip, lightweight. Thanks!

 

[spiderman0616]

Well that didn't take long. Found a like-new open box at Best Buy.

Aside from the official Apple folio case, what is the best one that most folks like? I don't plan to get the Apple Pen and prefer decent grip, lightweight. Thanks!

I really like the Apple folio for mine, but my second favorite for the mini has always been the Speck one that has been available since the first models. I'm sure you've seen it before--the one with the little clasp. Looks like they now make a mini 6 version of it: https://speckproducts.com/collections/ipad-mini-6th-generation/products/ipm7-bf

I had my mini 3 in one of these the whole time I owned it. It's a great case.

 

[dmk1974]

I really like the Apple folio for mine, but my second favorite for the mini has always been the Speck one that has been available since the first models. I'm sure you've seen it before--the one with the little clasp. Looks like they now make a mini 6 version of it: https://speckproducts.com/collections/ipad-mini-6th-generation/products/ipm7-bf

I had my mini 3 in one of these the whole time I owned it. It's a great case.

Thanks. I like the ones that the fronts fold like the Apple, but used to have the "pleather" backing for a softer grip. Most have either the magnet back or a rigid back (one has TPU). These are the ones I'm eyeing:

1. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CGSB7MS/
2. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CH7R8Q7/
3. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CDRBN3Z/
4. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09G6YBLCY/

 

[rogueGT]

I got the iPad mini 6, 256gb. After reading the comments here and holding it, i felt that was the perfect companion to take on a trip to sydney with me for 3 days.

Out of FOMO, i decided to take my 12.9” M1 iPad pro.

The IPad mini on the plane, and travel really shone.. but whenever I’m having a chance, i feel that the ipad 12.9“ with keyboard is so irreplaceable! I’m literally squinting at the small , but very portable screen.

I think the answer is the iPad mini cannot replace the bigger iPads, but rather to compliment it..

 

[aajeevlin]

I got the iPad mini 6, 256gb. After reading the comments here and holding it, i felt that was the perfect companion to take on a trip to sydney with me for 3 days.

Out of FOMO, i decided to take my 12.9” M1 iPad pro.

The IPad mini on the plane, and travel really shone.. but whenever I’m having a chance, i feel that the ipad 12.9“ with keyboard is so irreplaceable! I’m literally squinting at the small , but very portable screen.

I think the answer is the iPad mini cannot replace the bigger iPads, but rather to compliment it..

Seems like in this case a MacBook Air and iPad mini would be better combo. As weight wise I don’t think iPad Pro 12 with keyboard is any lighter than the MacBook Air.

I had the iPad Pro 12 once, most while I was still doing research and needed to read lots of journal PDF. Beyond that I really can’t do much with it. I feel the iPad mini would be a good compliment like you said. But for me to go with MacBook Air.

 

[Zorori]

Thanks. I like the ones that the fronts fold like the Apple, but used to have the "pleather" backing for a softer grip. Most have either the magnet back or a rigid back (one has TPU). These are the ones I'm eyeing:

1. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CGSB7MS/
2. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CH7R8Q7/
3. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CDRBN3Z/
4. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09G6YBLCY/

I have the TomTok magnetic folio and a cheaper one. The TomTok feels nicer/leatherish but is a little heavier.

I can’t stand the covers that clip around. The magnetic folios are great as they give just enough protection and are easy to remove for reading, etc.

 

[dmk1974]

Seems like in this case a MacBook Air and iPad mini would be better combo. As weight wise I don’t think iPad Pro 12 with keyboard is any lighter than the MacBook Air.

I had the iPad Pro 12 once, most while I was still doing research and needed to read lots of journal PDF. Beyond that I really can’t do much with it. I feel the iPad mini would be a good compliment like you said. But for me to go with MacBook Air.

I've tinkered with the devices over the years as well as to which complement each other best for me.

iPhone: portablility everywhere
iPad Mini: consumption device (light and easy to hold and much lager screen than iPhone)
MacBook Air: productivity device (light, good size, and powerful enough for me)
Mac Mini: hub of the house, desktop option, main media backup with external drive

I think the larger iPads are a great option if you do want to consolidate into a single hybrid tablet/computer for sure.

 

[Rafterman]

I wish the Mini offered at least 512GB max. They upgraded almost every part of it from the 5, except the most obvious - storage. Offer 128/256/512 options. 64GB - with 4K video now being a thing - is pointless now.

Edit: LOL, oops, just saw I made a similar comment earlier this week. Memory in old age going...

 

[3Rock]

I'm so used to facial ID, on my other two Apple products that if the mini came out with this I am all in. ?

 

[subjonas]

I've tinkered with the devices over the years as well as to which complement each other best for me.

iPhone: portablility everywhere
iPad Mini: consumption device (light and easy to hold and much lager screen than iPhone)
MacBook Air: productivity device (light, good size, and powerful enough for me)
Mac Mini: hub of the house, desktop option, main media backup with external drive

I think the larger iPads are a great option if you do want to consolidate into a single hybrid tablet/computer for sure.

With only one exception due to circumstances, I have the same exact setup, same functions, and it has worked beautifully for me for the last 7 years. The circumstance being that I need pencil input on a >12” screen, so I opt to use a 12.9” iPad instead of a MBA. But if I didn’t the need pencil, it would be exactly the same setup as yours.

 

[aajeevlin]

I've tinkered with the devices over the years as well as to which complement each other best for me.

iPhone: portablility everywhere
iPad Mini: consumption device (light and easy to hold and much lager screen than iPhone)
MacBook Air: productivity device (light, good size, and powerful enough for me)
Mac Mini: hub of the house, desktop option, main media backup with external drive

I think the larger iPads are a great option if you do want to consolidate into a single hybrid tablet/computer for sure.

I like your summary. For for iPad Pro to get there at least for me who is into software dev and just been random tinker I need to be able to have some file system and able to code on it. I tried to make iPad Pro “the one” but just can’t make it happen

 

[bigdog5142]

I just picked up one at the $399 price point…and I gotta say I’m LOVING it! I use it as a reader and content consumption device. It may turn into a notebook as well. love the form factor and weight. I can take this thing anywhere along with an  Pencil and can get some work done as necessary!

My 12.9 iPad Pro M1 and MK is my main device that I do mobile work on and my 2019 MBP 16” is my desktop that I use with a 32” ultra wide.

 

[Dealmans]

$399 lol, base model is near double that here. $AU