Apple’s freshly launched iPad mini model trims down its color palette, now available in only two finishes. The new options—Midnight and Starlight—replace the wider choices offered in previous generations. Midnight takes the place of Space Gray as the darker tone, while Starlight carries over as the lighter hue.
Earlier models had featured four colors: the outgoing A17 Pro version included Blue, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray, while the sixth-generation iPad mini came in Pink, Purple, Starlight, and Space Gray—before the 2024 update swapped out Pink for Blue. The reduction to just two finishes is the smallest lineup since the second-generation iPad mini.
Accessories & Pricing
To add variety, there’s a new TechWoven Smart Folio case available in Navy Blue and Taupe. It’s a $79 accessory with a two-panel design that lets users adjust viewing angles.
Pricing for the new iPad mini starts at $699 for the Wi-Fi model and $849 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. Pre-orders open Wednesday, October 28, and units will begin shipping on Friday, November 6.
The decision to narrow the color range appears timed with the debut of the OLED iPad mini, signaling a focus on core finishes while attracting buyers through more prominent material or tech upgrades.
This shift has potential implications. Reducing color options can streamline production and reduce waste, but risks alienating those who enjoy personalization. What remains to be seen is whether Apple will lean on accessories and finish supplements in future launches, or if these two finishes become the new permanent standard.
