iPad Mini 4
The iPad Mini 4 is a compact tablet computer developed and marketed by Apple Inc. as the fourth generation of its iPad Mini line.[1] It was announced on September 9, 2015, during an Apple event and released on September 25, 2015.[2] Featuring a 7.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2048×1536 pixels at 326 pixels per inch (ppi), the device measures 203.2 mm × 134.8 mm × 6.1 mm and weighs 0.65 pounds (298.8 grams) for the Wi-Fi model, making it Apple's thinnest and lightest iPad Mini at the time.[1] Powered by the 64-bit Apple A8 chip with an integrated M8 motion coprocessor, the iPad Mini 4 includes 2 GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 16 GB to 128 GB.[2][1] It introduced Touch ID fingerprint authentication to the Mini series via a home button sensor, supporting Apple Pay, and features an 8-megapixel rear iSight camera capable of 1080p video recording alongside a 1.2-megapixel front FaceTime HD camera for 720p video.[1] The tablet provides up to 10 hours of battery life over Wi-Fi or 9 hours over cellular data, with connectivity options including 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and optional LTE support in select models.[1] Available in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray finishes, it was priced starting at $399 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi model.[1] The iPad Mini 4 shipped with iOS 9 and remains compatible with iPadOS up to version 15.8.5, though it does not support iPadOS 16 or later due to hardware limitations.[3] Notable for its fully laminated display with anti-reflective coating, the device emphasized portability and performance for tasks like reading, media consumption, and light productivity, bridging the gap between smartphones and larger iPads.[1]History
Announcement and Release
The iPad Mini 4 was announced on September 9, 2015, during Apple's "Hey Siri" special event held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.[4] The event primarily focused on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, but also introduced the first-generation iPad Pro alongside the updated iPad Mini line. Apple positioned the iPad Mini 4 as a significant refinement over the iPad Mini 3, featuring a slimmer 6.1 mm profile—18% thinner than its predecessor—and enhanced performance equivalent to a compact version of the iPad Air 2, with a 30% faster CPU and 60% faster graphics.[4] The company emphasized its ultraportable design, ideal for on-the-go activities like reading e-books, browsing the web, and consuming media, while maintaining the 7.9-inch form factor for one-handed use.[5] Pre-orders for the iPad Mini 4 began on September 12, 2015, via Apple's online store and authorized retailers.[6] The device became available for in-store and online purchase starting September 25, 2015.[6] Initial pricing began at $399 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi-only model, $499 for the 64 GB Wi-Fi model, and $599 for the 128 GB Wi-Fi model. Wi-Fi + Cellular models added $130 to each storage tier ($529, $629, and $729, respectively).[4][7] These configurations were offered in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold finishes. The iPad Mini 4 launched with a global rollout in over 40 countries, including major markets such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and various European and Asian nations, available through Apple Stores, carriers, and online channels.[2]Discontinuation
Apple discontinued the iPad Mini 4 on March 18, 2019, alongside the announcement of its successor, the fifth-generation iPad Mini.[8][9] The device's discontinuation followed a period without significant hardware updates since its September 2015 debut, during which Apple prioritized larger-screen models amid shifting consumer preferences toward bigger tablets like the iPad Pro and the affordable 9.7-inch iPad introduced in 2017.[9][10] This market evolution, influenced by the rise of phablet-sized smartphones filling the niche for portable media consumption, reduced demand for compact tablets.[11] In the lead-up to its full retirement, Apple streamlined the iPad Mini 4's lineup by phasing out lower-capacity models. The 16 GB and 64 GB variants were discontinued in fall 2016, and the 32 GB option followed on March 21, 2017, leaving only the 128 GB configuration available at a reduced price of $399.[10][7] Post-announcement, Apple ceased all manufacturing of the iPad Mini 4, with existing stock liquidated through official stores and authorized retailers over the ensuing months.Design
Physical Characteristics
The iPad Mini 4 adopts a compact and portable form factor, with dimensions of 203.2 mm (8.0 in) in height, 134.8 mm (5.3 in) in width, and 6.1 mm (0.24 in) in depth.[1] This design makes it significantly thinner than its predecessors, such as the iPad Mini 3, which measures 7.5 mm in depth.[12] The device weighs 298.8 g (10.54 oz) for the Wi-Fi model and 304 g (10.73 oz) for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, contributing to its lightweight profile suitable for one-handed use.[1] It features an aluminum enclosure available in Space Gray, Silver, or Gold finishes, providing durability and a premium aesthetic.[13][1] Key external interfaces include a Touch ID-integrated Home button for secure unlocking, a volume rocker on the side, a top-mounted On/Off-Sleep/Wake button, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a Lightning connector at the bottom.[1] Due to the thinner profile (6.1 mm vs. 7.5 mm for the iPad Mini 3) and minor adjustments in overall dimensions (height of 203.2 mm vs. 200 mm), the iPad Mini 4 is not compatible with cases designed for the iPad Mini 2 or 3.[1][12]Display
The iPad Mini 4 is equipped with a 7.9-inch Retina display that employs LED-backlit IPS LCD technology, supporting multi-touch input for intuitive interaction.[1] This screen size and type contribute to a compact yet immersive viewing experience suitable for media consumption and productivity tasks.[1] The display delivers a resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels at a pixel density of 326 ppi, ensuring sharp and detailed visuals comparable to larger iPad models.[1] Additional enhancements include a maximum brightness of 450 cd/m², which aids visibility in various lighting conditions, along with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating to maintain clarity and ease of cleaning.[14] The fully laminated construction bonds the touch layer, digitizer, and LCD, minimizing internal reflections and reducing perceived glare for improved image quality.[1] Relative to the iPad Mini 3, the Mini 4's display introduces an anti-reflective coating that significantly lowers reflectance to about 2%, resulting in 2.5 to 3.5 times higher contrast in ambient light and better outdoor performance.[14]Hardware
Processor and Memory
The iPad Mini 4 is powered by the Apple A8 system on a chip (SoC), a 64-bit dual-core processor based on the Cyclone architecture clocked at 1.5 GHz.[1][15] This SoC, fabricated on a 20 nm process by TSMC, represents an evolution from the A7 in prior iPad Mini models, offering improved efficiency and performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing and media consumption.[15] Complementing the main processor is the integrated M8 motion coprocessor, which handles data from the device's accelerometer, gyroscope, and other sensors to enable features like fitness tracking and precise motion detection without burdening the primary CPU.[1] The A8 also incorporates a PowerVR GX6450 graphics processing unit (GPU) with four cores, supporting hardware-accelerated graphics for smooth rendering in games and apps optimized for Metal, Apple's graphics API introduced around the same period.[16][15] The device features 2 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, which supports efficient multitasking under iOS 9, including slide-over and picture-in-picture modes, though it limits more demanding workflows compared to contemporaries.[17][15] This configuration mirrors the A8 setup in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus but with a slightly higher clock speed, providing capable performance for the iPad Mini 4's compact form factor; however, it trails the iPad Air 2's A8X SoC, which includes three CPU cores and an eight-core GPU for superior multitasking and graphics-intensive applications.[15][18]Storage, Connectivity, and Battery
The iPad Mini 4 featured non-upgradable internal flash storage in capacities of 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB for both Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular models.[1] Storage options evolved over time: in September 2016, the 16 GB and 64 GB models were discontinued, a 32 GB model was introduced at the entry-level price of US$399, and the price of the 128 GB model was reduced to US$499; in March 2017, the 32 GB model was discontinued, leaving the 128 GB model as the sole configuration available thereafter, now priced at US$399.[19][20] Connectivity options included 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) support and MIMO for improved performance.[1] The device also supported Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless peripherals and audio.[1] Wi-Fi + Cellular models offered optional 4G LTE connectivity with up to 20 bands and maximum downlink speeds of 150 Mbit/s, along with GPS and GLONASS for location services.[1] All models used a Lightning connector for charging, data transfer, and accessory connections, with a 3.5 mm headphone jack also present.[1] The iPad Mini 4 was equipped with a built-in 19.1 Wh (5124 mAh) rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, providing up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing, video playback, or music listening, and up to 9 hours on cellular data.[1][21] It shipped with a 10 W USB power adapter for charging via the Lightning port, though compatible higher-wattage adapters could be used safely without exceeding the device's supported rate.[22]Cameras and Audio
The iPad Mini 4 features an 8-megapixel rear iSight camera with an f/2.4 aperture, supporting autofocus, hybrid IR filter, backside illumination, and auto image stabilization.[1] It enables 1080p HD video recording at 30 frames per second, slow-motion video at 120 fps, time-lapse video with stabilization, and 3x digital zoom, along with features such as panorama shots up to 43 megapixels, auto HDR for photos, burst mode, tap-to-focus, and photo/video geotagging.[1][21] The front-facing FaceTime HD camera provides 1.2-megapixel photos with an f/2.2 aperture, backside illumination, and 720p HD video recording at 30 fps.[1] Additional capabilities include auto HDR for photos and videos, improved face detection, burst mode, exposure control, and Retina Flash for enhanced low-light selfies.[1] For audio, the device includes built-in dual stereo speakers located along the bottom edge, optimized for landscape orientation playback to deliver separated left and right channels.[1][23] It also has dual microphones positioned near the rear camera for calls, video recording, and audio capture, supporting stereo sound recording during video.[1][21] The iPad Mini 4 integrates several sensors with its M8 motion coprocessor, including a three-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, and ambient light sensor, which enhance camera and audio functionality by providing motion data for stabilization, orientation-aware recording, and environmental adjustments.[1]Software
Initial Release and Features
The iPad Mini 4 launched with iOS 9.0 pre-installed, which Apple released on September 16, 2015, just days before the device's availability on September 25, 2015.[24][2] This operating system brought enhanced productivity tools tailored for iPad users, including multitasking options like Slide Over for quick app access in a floating window, Split View for running two apps side-by-side, and Picture-in-Picture mode for watching videos while using other applications.[25] iOS 9 integrated security features with the device's hardware, notably the Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the Home button, allowing users to unlock the iPad Mini 4 securely and authorize Apple Pay purchases without entering a passcode.[1] Built-in applications such as Safari for browsing, Mail for email management, Photos for media organization, and Notes for document creation received updates in iOS 9, including a redesigned Notes app with sketching capabilities on compatible models, proactive Siri for context-aware suggestions and natural language queries, and Low Power Mode to optimize battery usage by reducing background activity and visual effects.[24][26] Accessibility support in iOS 9 emphasized inclusivity, with features like VoiceOver providing a gesture-based screen reader for visually impaired users, Zoom enabling magnification of screen content, and built-in closed captions for video playback to assist those with hearing difficulties.[27] These tools, accessible via the Settings app, allowed customization to meet diverse user needs right from launch.[27]Updates and Long-term Support
The iPad Mini 4 launched with iOS 9 in September 2015 and supported subsequent major software upgrades, including iOS 10 in 2016, iOS 11 and iOS 12 in 2017 and 2018, respectively, iPadOS 13 in 2019, iPadOS 14 in 2020, and iPadOS 15 in 2021 as its final major version.[28] These updates provided incremental enhancements in performance, security, and user interface, though later versions like iPadOS 14 and 15 omitted certain advanced features—such as Universal Control and some AR capabilities—due to hardware constraints.[29] iPadOS 14 introduced key features like resizable widgets on the Home Screen and the App Library for organized app management, improving multitasking and personalization on the device.[30] iPadOS 15 further expanded functionality with Focus mode for customized notifications, alongside refinements to multitasking tools like Quick Notes.[31] These updates extended the device's usability for everyday tasks, though the A8 processor limited full access to some iPadOS 15 capabilities, such as advanced camera effects.[32] The most recent update, iPadOS 15.8.5, was released on September 15, 2025, primarily addressing security vulnerabilities with patches for issues in WebKit and other system components.[33] Apple has confirmed that the iPad Mini 4 is incompatible with iPadOS 16 and later due to its A8 chip and 2 GB of RAM falling short of the minimum hardware requirements for newer features like Stage Manager.[34] While minor security updates may continue for a limited period under Apple's support policy, the lack of major version compatibility has led to declining app support, as developers increasingly optimize for iPadOS 16+.[33]Variants
Model Differences
The iPad Mini 4 was available in Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, distinguished primarily by connectivity options and associated hardware. The Wi-Fi model, identified by model number A1538, lacks cellular capabilities and features FCC ID BCGA1538 for regulatory compliance in the United States.[19] This variant supports standard Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) on dual bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with MIMO and Bluetooth 4.2, weighing approximately 0.65 pounds (298.8 grams).[1] The Wi-Fi + Cellular model, identified by model number A1550, is available globally, including North America and China (with example order numbers like MH3K2LL/A), supports a Nano-SIM tray for cellular connectivity, and weighs slightly more at 0.67 pounds (304 grams).[35][36] This model enables UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz), GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900 MHz), and LTE across bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, and 41 for data-only service.[1] All models offered storage options of 16 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB at launch in September 2015, with the Wi-Fi and Cellular variants available in each capacity.[1] A 32 GB option was introduced on September 7, 2016.[7] The 16 GB and 64 GB options were discontinued on September 7, 2016, the 32 GB option was discontinued on March 21, 2017, leaving the 128 GB as the remaining configuration until the overall product line ended in March 2019.[7][20] Regional adaptations included specific compliance for markets like China, where the Wi-Fi model (A1538) carried CMIIT ID 2015AJ3767 and supported the same core Wi-Fi bands, though local regulations influenced packaging and certifications without altering core hardware.[37] The Cellular model in China utilized the global A1550 configuration with appropriate regional certifications, ensuring compatibility with local LTE networks within the standard band support.[35]| Model | Connectivity | Key Regions | LTE Bands (Cellular Only) | Storage Options | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1538 | Wi-Fi only | Worldwide (FCC ID: BCGA1538) | N/A | 16/32/64/128 GB (phased availability) | 0.65 lb (298.8 g) |
| A1550 | Wi-Fi + Cellular | Global (including North America and China; e.g., MH3K2LL/A) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 16/32/64/128 GB (phased availability) | 0.67 lb (304 g) |