In a technology column published by PhoneArena, Victor Hristov examines Apple’s newly refreshed iPad mini, arguing that despite gaining a long-awaited OLED screen, the compact tablet misses out on the single hardware feature he wanted most: MagSafe.
An OLED Upgrade Missing a Smooth Refresh Rate
Apple recently updated its compact tablet line by introducing an OLED screen to the iPad mini. Hristov notes that while this change represents the device’s most significant upgrade since the very first generation, the hardware still falls short of standard expectations by omitting the smooth 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate found on less expensive products. Furthermore, Cupertino has retained Touch ID, which the review describes as an inconvenience.
Despite these hardware omissions, Hristov points out that the device remains a compelling option for users dedicated to the Apple ecosystem who prefer a smaller form factor. The tablet easily slips into a jacket or rear jeans pocket, offering a lightweight alternative to larger 11-inch models.
Why Magnetic Wireless Charging Belongs on a Compact Tablet
The core argument centers on the absence of magnetic attachment technology. Hristov explains that MagSafe was the highest item on his personal wishlist for the new hardware release. He details practical use cases, such as mounting the tablet onto a car dashboard stand for navigation—turning an older vehicle setup into a more futuristic interface—or placing the device onto a wireless charging mat on a shelf to keep the battery replenished without managing physical cables.
Pairing magnetic mounting with an iPad version of StandBy could transform the compact screen into a smart display when idle. According to the column, this capability would allow the mini to present calendar appointments, time, and photos at a glance, though StandBy is not available on iPads at the moment.
The Overlap With Apple HomeView and Profit Margins
The piece draws a direct comparison to the Apple HomeView, the 7-inch smart display Apple unveiled last week. Hristov suggests that a versatile iPad mini equipped with magnetic mounting stands could have been replaced by a way more versatile iPad mini. However, he observes the underlying business reality:
Hristov argues that Apple wouldn’t even have to invent anything new: it could bring a familiar iPhone convenience to a device with the right size for that.
Selling two separate devices serves Apple’s bottom line more effectively than tweaking the iPad mini to fit that second role. Hristov acknowledges that this magnetic feature was never backed by substantial rumors or leaks, making it an unfulfilled vision in a corporate landscape cautious of product cannibalization.
Ecosystem Realities and Additional Storage Limitations
Discussing the lack of features like MagSafe on the iPad mini, Hristov points out that Apple avoids introducing it because it is a feature that does not fit Apple’s business logic. While understanding the underlying business logic of storage pricing, the piece notes that users are not the ones benefitting from that.
Apple’s official documentation notes that accessing all Apple Card features requires adding Apple Card to Wallet on an iPhone or iPad that supports and has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA. While Hristov notes he is not sure if magnets would be strong enough to hold 11, or 13-inch iPads, the iPad mini form factor remains suited for the convenience of magnetic desk stands, bedside docks, and kitchen mounts.
