Is The New IPad Mini Worth Upgrading From The 5th Gen Model

For years, the iPad Mini has held a unique place in Apple’s lineup—a compact powerhouse ideal for readers, artists, travelers, and students who want full iPad functionality in a pocket-friendly form. If you're still using the 5th generation iPad Mini released in 2019, you might be wondering whether it's time to upgrade to the latest model.

The 6th generation iPad Mini, released in 2021, brought sweeping changes—some subtle, others transformative. While it maintains the same 8.3-inch footprint, nearly every internal and external component received an overhaul. But does that translate into meaningful improvements for everyday users? Let’s examine the differences in performance, design, accessories, software support, and real-world usability to determine if the upgrade is truly justified.

Design and Display: A Modern Redesign

The most immediate difference between the 5th and 6th gen iPad Minis is the design language. The older model feels like a relic of the pre-iPhone X era—thick bezels, a Home button with Touch ID, and a 4:3 aspect ratio that hasn’t evolved since 2012. In contrast, the new iPad Mini embraces modernity with narrower bezels, no Home button, and Face ID enabled via the top-mounted sensor.

The screen remains at 8.3 inches but now uses a laminated, fully laminated display with improved brightness (500 nits), anti-reflective coating, and True Tone. It supports the second-generation Apple Pencil magnetically—which wasn’t possible on the 5th gen due to its flat edge design.

Tip: If you use your iPad Mini outdoors or in bright environments, the newer model’s higher brightness and anti-reflective finish make a noticeable difference in readability.

Physical Comparison Overview

Feature	iPad Mini 5 (2019)	iPad Mini 6 (2021)
Display Size	7.9 inches	8.3 inches
Bezels	Thick, symmetrical	Narrower, asymmetrical (landscape shift)
Biometric Security	Touch ID (Home button)	Face ID (top button)
Apple Pencil Support	1st gen (via Lightning)	2nd gen (magnetic pairing & charging)
Port	Lightning	USB-C
Orientation in Landscape	Home button on right	Home button on left (due to camera placement)

The shift in landscape orientation can be jarring at first. The front-facing camera now sits along the left edge when held horizontally, which means video calls may feel awkward during group meetings—your face appears off-center. This was a deliberate trade-off to accommodate the larger screen within a similar body size, but it’s worth noting if you frequently use Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime.

Performance: Generational Leap in Speed and Efficiency

Under the hood, the upgrade is dramatic. The iPad Mini 5 used the A12 Bionic chip—still capable, but aging fast in 2024. The iPad Mini 6 steps up to the A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13), delivering significantly faster CPU and GPU performance, better machine learning capabilities, and improved power efficiency.

In practical terms, this means smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and future-proofed compatibility with demanding apps like Procreate, Affinity Designer, and Adobe Fresco. Games run at higher frame rates, and augmented reality (AR) experiences are more stable and responsive.

“With the A15 chip, the iPad Mini 6 isn’t just faster—it stays cooler under load and handles complex workflows that would stutter on older models.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

If you’re someone who uses your iPad Mini beyond casual browsing—say, for note-taking with split-screen apps, editing documents, or light photo work—the performance gain alone may justify the upgrade.

Apple Pencil and Productivity: A Game-Changer for Creatives

One of the biggest quality-of-life improvements is native support for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. Unlike the 5th gen, which required plugging in the 1st gen Pencil via Lightning for pairing and charging, the new model allows magnetic attachment to the side for both.

This change enhances convenience dramatically. You can attach the Pencil while working, charge it hands-free, and double-tap to switch tools (if enabled). For artists, students, or professionals marking up PDFs, this seamless integration makes digital inking feel more natural and less fussy.

The smaller form factor of the Mini has always made handwriting and sketching slightly challenging compared to the 11” or 12.9” iPads, but the updated Pencil support reduces friction enough to make it viable for regular creative use.

Tip: Enable ‘Double-Tap’ on the Apple Pencil settings to quickly switch between eraser and pen—this small feature saves dozens of taps per session.

Real-World Example: Student Use Case

Sophie, a university pre-med student, used her iPad Mini 5 for lecture notes with the 1st gen Apple Pencil. She often forgot to charge the Pencil separately and struggled with interrupted note-taking when the battery died mid-class. After upgrading to the iPad Mini 6, she found that simply attaching the Pencil after class kept it charged consistently. The ability to flip the device without worrying about Pencil connectivity allowed her to annotate diagrams in anatomy lectures more fluidly. “It’s not revolutionary,” she says, “but it removed enough pain points that I actually enjoy taking notes now.”

Software Support and Longevity

As of 2024, the iPad Mini 5 runs iPadOS 17 but will likely not receive iPadOS 18 or beyond. Apple typically provides around five years of software updates, and with the 5th gen launched in March 2019, its lifecycle is nearing its end.

In contrast, the iPad Mini 6 launched in September 2021 and already supports iPadOS 17. Given Apple’s update patterns, it should receive updates through at least 2027, possibly longer. That extra three years of security patches, feature updates, and app compatibility is crucial for long-term ownership.

Consider this: newer versions of popular apps increasingly require features tied to modern hardware—such as background processing enhancements, ARKit improvements, or advanced handwriting recognition. Without ongoing OS support, even a functional device becomes progressively less useful.

Upgrade Checklist: Is It Time?

• ✅ Are you experiencing slow app launches or crashes with multitasking?
• ✅ Do you use (or want to use) the Apple Pencil regularly?
• ✅ Is your current device showing signs of battery degradation?
• ✅ Do you rely on your iPad for work, study, or creative projects?
• ✅ Have you hit the storage limit (128GB max on Mini 5)?
• ✅ Are you concerned about missing future iOS/iPadOS updates?

If three or more apply, the upgrade is likely worthwhile.

Camera and Audio Improvements

The rear camera jumps from 8MP on the Mini 5 to 12MP on the Mini 6, supporting Smart HDR 3 and better low-light performance. While no one buys an iPad for its camera, having a sharper lens helps when scanning documents, capturing whiteboards, or shooting quick reference images.

The front camera sees a more significant upgrade—from 7MP FaceTime HD to a 12MP Ultra Wide lens with Center Stage. This feature automatically pans and zooms during video calls to keep you in frame, even if you move around. For remote learners or hybrid workers, this adds a professional touch to virtual meetings.

Audio is also improved. The Mini 6 retains stereo speakers but repositions them based on orientation, ensuring consistent left/right channel balance regardless of how you hold it. The result is a richer, more immersive soundstage for videos and audiobooks.

Should You Wait for a Future Model?

Rumors suggest Apple may release an iPad Mini 7 in late 2024 or 2025, potentially featuring the A17 chip, OLED display, or additional RAM. However, there’s no confirmation yet, and waiting could mean missing out on current benefits.

Moreover, given that the Mini 6 arrived four years after the Mini 5, another extended gap is likely. Unless you need cutting-edge specs or plan to keep your device for eight+ years, holding out may not be practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old Apple Pencil with the new iPad Mini?

No. The iPad Mini 6 only supports the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. The 1st gen Pencil is incompatible due to different pairing and charging mechanisms.

Is USB-C really better than Lightning?

Yes. USB-C offers faster data transfer (useful for photographers moving files), supports alternate accessories like external microphones or displays (via adapters), and aligns with global charging standards. Many users appreciate using the same cable across devices.

Does the new iPad Mini have overheating issues?

Some early reports noted thermal throttling during sustained workloads, especially in hot environments. However, Apple addressed this in later firmware updates. Most users won’t encounter issues unless running intensive games or video exports for long periods.

Step-by-Step Upgrade Timeline

1. Week 1: Back up your iPad Mini 5 via iCloud or computer.
2. Week 2: Purchase the iPad Mini 6 and 2nd gen Apple Pencil (if needed).
3. Day of Setup: Restore from backup, re-download essential apps, and pair accessories.
4. First 3 Days: Recalibrate muscle memory for landscape orientation and test Face ID angles.
5. First Week: Explore new features like Center Stage, Split View with Slide Over, and Pencil double-tap gestures.
6. After 30 Days: Evaluate whether the upgrade met your expectations and adjust settings accordingly.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The answer depends on your usage pattern and expectations.

Upgrade if:

• You're a student or creative relying on Apple Pencil.
• You multitask heavily or use pro-grade apps.
• Your current device is slow, low on storage, or no longer receiving updates.
• You value modern features like USB-C, Face ID, and Center Stage.

Hold off if:

• You only use your iPad for streaming, web browsing, and email.
• You’re satisfied with current performance and accessories.
• Budget is tight—the upgrade cost (device + new Pencil) can exceed $600.

For casual users, the iPad Mini 5 remains functional. But for anyone pushing their device beyond basic tasks, the 6th gen delivers tangible, lasting improvements in speed, usability, and longevity.

Conclusion

The new iPad Mini isn’t just an incremental update—it’s a thoughtful redesign that brings the smallest iPad into the modern era. From the A15 chip to magnetic Apple Pencil support, USB-C, and extended software support, it addresses long-standing limitations while preserving the portability that defines the Mini line.

If you’ve been on the fence, consider what you use your iPad for today—and what you’ll need it to do over the next three to five years. Technology evolves quickly, and staying on older hardware risks falling behind in app compatibility, security, and productivity.

Upgrading isn’t mandatory, but for many, it’s a smart investment in continued performance and peace of mind.

💬 Have you upgraded from the iPad Mini 5? Share your experience, tips, or regrets in the comments below—your insights could help others make the right decision!