iPad Mini (1st generation)

iPad Mini

iPad Mini in Slate
Developer	Apple Inc.
Manufacturer	Foxconn, Pegatron[1]
Product family	iPad Mini
Type	Tablet computer
Generation	1st
Release date	November 2, 2012
Discontinued	June 19, 2015
Operating system	Original: iOS 6.0.1 Current: iOS 9.3.5, released August 25, 2016
System-on-chip used	Apple A5 2nd Generation (32nm)
CPU	1 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9
Memory	512 MB DDR2 RAM
Storage	16, 32, or 64 GB flash memory[2]
Display	7.9-inch (200 mm) diagonal LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology 1024 x 768 px at 163 PPI 4:3 aspect ratio
Graphics	PowerVR SGX543MP2
Input	Multi-touch touch screen
Camera	Front-facing 1.2MP and rear-facing 5MP
Connectivity	All models Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n @ 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Bluetooth 4.0 GSM LTE 700 / 2,100 (Band 4) MHz UMTS / HSPA+ / DC-HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1,900 / 2,100 MHz GSM / EDGE 850 / 900 / 1,800 / 1,900 MHz CDMA LTE 750 / 850 / 1,800 / 1,900 / 2,100 (Band 1) MHz CDMA / EV-DO Rev. A & B 800 / 1,900 / 2,100 MHz UMTS / HSPA+ / DC-HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1,900 / 2,100 MHz GSM / EDGE 850 / 900 / 1,800 / 1,900 MHz [2]
Power	Built-in rechargable Li-Po battery 3.72 V 16.5 W·h (4,440 mA·h),[3] 10hr life
Online services	iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, Game Center, iCloud
Dimensions	200 mm × 134.7 mm × 7.2 mm (7.87 in × 5.30 in × 0.28 in)
Weight	Wi-Fi 308 g (0.679 lb) Wi-Fi + Cellular: 312 g (0.688 lb)
Successor	iPad Mini 2
Website	www.apple.com/ipad-mini/

The first-generation iPad Mini (stylized and marketed as iPad mini) is a mini tablet computer designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced on October 23, 2012, as the fifth major product in the iPad line and the first of the iPad Mini line, which features a reduced screen size of 7.9 inches, in contrast to the standard 9.7 inches. It features similar internal specifications to the iPad 2, including its display resolution.

The first generation iPad Mini received positive reviews, with reviewers praising the device's size, design, and availability of applications, while criticizing its use of a proprietary power connector, its lack of expandable storage, and the lack of Retina display.

History

On October 16, 2012, Apple announced a media event scheduled for October 23 at the California Theatre in San Jose, California.^[4][5] The company did not predisclose the subject of the event, but it was widely expected to be the iPad Mini. On the day of the event, Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced a new version of MacBook family and new generations of the MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and the iMac before the fourth-generation iPad and the iPad Mini. It was released on November 2, 2012, in nearly all of Apple's markets.^{[6][7][8][9][10]} The 32 GB and 64 GB models were discontinued with the release of its successor, the iPad Mini 2, on October 22, 2013. After almost 3 years on June 19, 2015, the remaining 16 GB model was discontinued as well.^[11]

• 
  The California Theatre, where the iPad Mini was announced on October 23, 2012
• 
  Size comparison between iPad Mini and iPad 3rd/4th generation.

Features

Software

The iPad Mini shipped with iOS 6.0.^[12] It can act as a hotspot with some carriers, sharing its Internet connection over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB,^[13] and also access the App Store, a digital application distribution platform for iOS that is developed and maintained by Apple. The service allows users to browse and download applications from the iTunes Store that were developed with Xcode and the iOS SDK and were published through Apple. From the App Store, GarageBand, iMovie, iPhoto, and the iWork apps (Pages, Keynote, and Numbers) are available.^[14] The latest version is currently iOS 9.3. In iOS 7.1 there are many hidden features such as swiping your finger down from the top of the iPad to bring down notifications, weather and the calendar. Another hidden feature to iOS 7.1 is swiping your finger up from the bottom for the iPad to bring up airplane mode, WiFi, Bluetooth, do not disturb and lock rotation, also music, camera and volume.

The iPad Mini comes with several pre-installed applications, including Siri, Safari, Mail, Photos, Video, Music, iTunes, App Store, Maps, Notes, Calendar, Game Center, Photo Booth, and Contacts.^[15] Like all iOS devices, the iPad can sync content and other data with a Mac or PC using iTunes, although iOS 5 and later can be managed and backed up with iCloud. Although the tablet is not designed to make telephone calls over a cellular network, users can use a headset or the built-in speaker and microphone and place phone calls over Wi-Fi or cellular using a VoIP application, such as Skype.^[16] The device has dictation, using the same voice recognition technology as the iPhone 4S. The user speaks and the iPad types what they say on the screen provided that the iPad is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.^[13]

The device has an optional iBooks application, which displays books and other ePub-format content downloaded from the iBookstore.^[17] Several major book publishers including Penguin Books, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan have committed to publishing books for the device.^[18] Despite being a direct competitor to both the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook,^[19] both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble offer e-reader apps for the iPad.^[20][21]

On September 17, 2014, iOS 8 was released to the first generation iPad Mini and all Apple Devices.^[22] However, some newer features of the software are not supported due to relatively aged hardware that was shared on the iPad 2.

On September 16, 2015, the iPad Mini received the iOS 9 update. But it doesn't have the new multitasking features featured on the other iPads.

On June 13, 2016, Apple announced the iOS 10 update - with some major updates to the mobile operating system. However, the iPad Mini did not receive this update (along with other devices using the A5 processor including the iPhone 4S, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), and iPod Touch (5th generation)^[23]) due to hardware limitations.

While Apple stopping the latest iOS updates for the iPad Mini was expected by many in the industry, it has however lead to some criticism, as the device was on sale until June 2015 and by June 2016, no further versions of the operating system beyond iOS 9 will be made available to the tablet.^[24]

Hardware

There are four buttons and one switch on the iPad Mini, including a "home" button near the display that returns the user to the home screen, and three aluminum buttons on the right side and top: wake/sleep and volume up and volume down, plus a software-controlled switch whose function varies with software updates.^[8] The tablet is manufactured either with or without the capability to communicate over a cellular network. All models can connect to a wireless LAN via Wi-Fi. The iPad Mini is available with 16, 32, 64 GB of internal flash memory, with no expansion option. Apple sells a "camera connection kit" with an SD card reader, but it can only be used to transfer photos and videos.

The iPad Mini features partially the same hardware as the iPad 2. Both screens have resolutions of 1024 x 768, but the iPad Mini has a smaller screen and thus higher pixel density than iPad 2 (163 PPI vs 132 PPI).^[8] Unlike the iPad 2, it has 5 MP and 1.2 MP cameras and the Lightning connector. The system-on-chip is A5, which is the same one found in the later revision of the iPad 2 (32 nm). The audio processor is the same found in iPhone 5 and iPad 4th generation, which allows the iPad Mini to have Siri and voice dictation unlike the iPad 2. The graphics processor (GPU) of the iPad Mini is the same one found in the iPad 2 (PowerVR SGX543MP2).^[25] The iPad Mini was initially featured with slate and silver colors, however on the release of the Mini 2 the slate color was changed to space gray; the silver color remained.^[26]

Accessories

Apple Lightning connector

The Smart Cover, introduced with the iPad 2, is a screen protector that magnetically attaches to the face of the iPad. A smaller version is now available for iPad Mini. The cover has three folds, which allow it to convert into a stand, held together by magnets.^[27] Smart Covers have a microfiber bottom that cleans the front of the iPad, and wakes up the unit when the cover is removed. It comes in six colors of polyurethane.^[28][29]

Apple offers other accessories, including a Bluetooth keyboard, several types of earbuds or headphones and many adapters for the Lightning connector.^[30] AppleCare and free engraving are also available for the iPad Mini.^[31][32]

Reception

Reviews of the first generation iPad Mini have been positive,^{[33][34][35][36][37][38]} with reviewers praising the device's size, design, and availability of applications, while criticizing its use of a proprietary power connector and its lack of expandable storage and Retina display.^[39][40][41] The device competes with tablets such as the Amazon Kindle Fire HD, Google Nexus 7, and Barnes & Noble Nook HD.^[39][42] Joshua Topolsky of The Verge praised the industrial design of the iPad Mini, however panned its lack of Retina display and price.^[43]

Criticism

The original iPad Mini was criticized for its use of a proprietary power connector, its lack of expandable storage, and the lack of Retina display.

Timeline

Source: Apple press release library^[44]

See also

• Comparison of tablet computers
• List of iOS devices

References

1. Lai, Richard (September 17, 2012). "Pegatron reportedly nabs 50 to 60 percent of iPad mini orders, breaks up Foxconn's monopoly". Engadget. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
2. "iPad mini - Technical specifications". Apple. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
3. "iPad Mini Wi-Fi Teardown". iFixit. October 31, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2012.
4. "iPad mini launch: Apple's sends invitations for iPad mini unveiling". BGR. October 16, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
5. Lowensohn, Josh (October 16, 2012). "iPad Mini, anyone? Apple sets Oct. 23 event | Apple - CNET News". News.cnet.com. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
6. "Apple iPad mini will be Available on November 2". Gadgetian. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
7. "iPad Mini Release Date Is November 2nd (For Wi-Fi Models)". WebProNews. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
8. "Apple – iPad - Compare iPad models.". Apple. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
9. "Apple iPad Mini Available for Pre-order in Thailand". Retrieved November 3, 2012.
10. "Vodafone offers new iPad range across NZ".
11. Apple quietly pulls original iPad mini from web site and Apple Store
12. iPad Mini LTE models set to ship in five days November 12, 2012
13. "The new iPad: It's a Breakthrough because it features are.". Apple. March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
14. Ankan Deka, Jim (September 14, 2011). "iPad – the Musician's Genie". EF News International. Eastern Fare Music Foundation. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
15. "The new iPad – Amazing iPad apps, built right in.". Apple. March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
16. Sarno, David (January 29, 2010). "Apple confirms 3G VoIP apps on iPad, iPhone, iPod touch; Skype is waiting". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
17. Patel, Nilay (January 27, 2010). "The Apple iPad: starting at $499". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
18. Topolsky, Joshua (January 27, 2010). "Live from the Apple 'latest creation' event". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved February 4, 2010.
19. "Apple tablet due March, to get Kindle-killer book deal?". Electronista. MacNN. December 9, 2009. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
20. "Free Kindle Reading Apps". Amazon.com. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
21. "Free NOOK app for iPad, Download eReader app – Barnes & Noble". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
22. "Which iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models will get iOS 8? Find out here". Tech Times. June 4, 2014. Retrieved June 4, 2014.
23. Rossignol, Joe. "List of iOS 10 Compatible iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch Models [Updated]". Retrieved 2016-06-15.
24. "If you have one of these iPhones or iPads, you won't get iOS 10". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2016-06-15.
25. "16 Reasons for the Apple iPhone 5 64GB". Versusio. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
26. iPad Mini vs iPad Mini 2. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
27. "iPad 2 Smart Cover Teardown". iFixit. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
28. "Apple – Smart Cover". Apple. March 2, 2011. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
29. Wright, Josh (October 24, 2011). "iPad 2 Smart Cover colors revised". Macgasm. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
30. "iPad must-haves. And fun-to-haves". Apple. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
31. AppleCare for iPad at Apple.com
32. Engraving and Giftwrap at Apple.com
33. "iPad mini review". gdgt. May 13, 2013. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
34. "iPad mini review". Engadget. October 30, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
35. "iPad mini review". The Guardian. October 31, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
36. "Apple iPad mini review". BGR. November 6, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
37. "With The New iPad, Apple Accelerates; With The iPad Mini, It's Pedal To The Metal". TechCrunch. October 30, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
38. "iPad mini review". The Verge. October 30, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
39. "iPad Mini review: More than just a smaller face". CNN. November 6, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
40. "iPad mini - review". The Guardian. October 31, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
41. "iPad mini review". Engadget. October 30, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
42. "iPad Mini: Everything You Need to Know". Gizmodo. October 23, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
43. Topolsky, Josh (October 30, 2012). "iPad mini review". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
44. Apple Inc. (2010–2011). Press Release Library. Retrieved April 3, 2011.

External links

• iPad Mini – official site