iPad mini 6 in 2023

Francesco Pretelli
3 min readMar 26, 2023

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Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash

After more than a year with the iPad mini, here is what I like, what I don’t and what I wish for the next version:

What is good:

  • Form factor — very light, easy to carry around
  • Great for media consumption
  • Great for browsing and general internet usage
  • Great for gaming (but still limited by iPadOS)

Specifically, for gaming :

  • Perfect with PS Remote play
  • Very good with Gamepass (but a dedicated app would be better)
  • Limited emulation (because of Apple. There are workarounds with AltStore or Developer account but it’s not simple)
  • Some nice native games

What I don’t like:

  • TouchID on the side (almost never works)
  • iPadOS limits and optimization (wasted space, WebKit only browsers, no sideloading, etc.)

What I wish for next version:

  • Promotion screen
  • FaceID
  • Smaller bazels, like the iPad Pro
  • More ram
  • Front camera on the side, like the new iPad

ChatGPT review

The iPad Mini has been a favorite among users who are looking for a portable and lightweight tablet. With its small form factor, it’s easy to take it anywhere and use it for browsing, media consumption, and gaming. After more than a year with the iPad Mini, here is a review of what I like, what I don’t like, and what I hope for in the next version.

What is good
The form factor of the iPad Mini is undoubtedly one of its best features. It’s small and light, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods. This makes it perfect for users who are always on the go, such as students or professionals who need a device to take to meetings or classes.

The iPad Mini is also great for media consumption. The small screen size is perfect for watching videos and movies, and the device’s stereo speakers provide an excellent audio experience. It’s also ideal for browsing the internet, and the touch screen makes navigation a breeze.

For gamers, the iPad Mini is a great option, with PS Remote play working perfectly, and Gamepass working very well, albeit without a dedicated app. The device’s limitations with emulation due to Apple’s restrictions may pose some challenges for some users, but there are workarounds available with AltStore or Developer accounts.

What I don’t like
The TouchID on the side of the iPad Mini is one of its most significant flaws. It’s not very accurate, and users often have to try several times before unlocking the device. Additionally, iPadOS limitations can be frustrating for some users. There is a lot of wasted space on the screen, and some websites only work on WebKit-based browsers. Furthermore, there’s no sideloading, which makes it challenging to install third-party apps.

What I wish for next version
In the next version of the iPad Mini, several improvements would be great. A promotion screen would be an excellent addition, as it would make media consumption even more enjoyable. FaceID would be an improvement over TouchID, as it’s more accurate and faster. Additionally, smaller bezels, like those on the iPad Pro, would make the device look more modern and sleek.

More RAM would be helpful for users who want to use the iPad Mini for multitasking, as well as for running more intensive apps. Lastly, a front camera on the side, like the new iPad, would be a great addition for video calls and selfies.

Overall, the iPad Mini is a great device for users who are looking for a portable and lightweight tablet. It’s perfect for media consumption, browsing, and gaming, although there are some limitations with iPadOS. With some improvements in the next version, such as a promotion screen, FaceID, smaller bezels, more RAM, and a front camera on the side, the iPad Mini could be even better.

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Francesco Pretelli
Francesco Pretelli

Written by Francesco Pretelli

Engineering Manager - Tokyo. I write about everything, from tech to daily stuff.

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