There’s a new iPad coming to UK stores this month and it’s a mini but mighty upgrade from the US technology giant. Apple has just confirmed that a reboot to its popular mini range of tablets will be available from late October and despite its diddy design, it packs quite a punch. This new device is now powered by the ludicrously speedy A17 Pro chip which Apple says will offer users a 30 percent boost over the previous A15-powered mini.

That should mean faster app loading, improved gameplay and much slicker graphics on the 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. That processor also means the 2024 iPad mini is ready for Apple Intelligence which is coming to the UK later this year.

For those not in the know, Apple Intelligence is a smart free upgrade that will help perform numerous tasks such as writing emails, finding information more quickly and offering instant photo retouching without you needing a degree in Photoshop.

It will also let you create customised images just by typing in a description of what you want along with bringing ChatGPT integration for the first time. It’s a very smart new feature that’s only expected to get better in future.

Along with Apple Intelligence, another big upgrade is being able to use the improved Apple Pencil Pro on this device. This accessory offers features such as screen interactions via gentle squeezes and double taps. That means you can launch menus and change tools without having to tap through endless settings. Rotating the barrel changes the orientation of the shaped pen and brush tools, just like pen and paper.

Apple Pencil Pro also features support for Find My, and pairs, charges, and is stored through a new magnetic interface on the new iPad mini. That should make it far less likely to get lost.

Other extras on this smaller tablet include fast Wi-Fi 6E, a 12MP wide rear camera and long battery life.

“There is no other device in the world like iPad mini, beloved for its combination of powerful performance and versatility in our most ultraportable design. iPad mini appeals to a wide range of users and has been built for Apple Intelligence, delivering intelligent new features that are powerful, personal, and private,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With the powerful A17 Pro chip, faster connectivity, and support for Apple Pencil Pro, the new iPad mini delivers the full iPad experience in our most portable design at an incredible value.”

It will be available to pre-oder today and ships next week.

It comes in colours including blue, purple, starlight, and space grey, and starts from £499.