The timing of the new release has taken many by surprise. Apple’s smallest iPad has a faster processor, more storage and support for Apple Intelligence.

After a three-year gap, Apple has finally updated the iPad mini. Here's what's changed in the seventh-gen model compared to the previous release.

Starting at $499 for the base model, the seventh-gen iPad Mini has the same chassis as its predecessor, but with a few upgrades including a new processor, support for Apple Intelligence, and double the storage. It also works with the latest Apple Pencil Pro. It's available for preorder now and ships October 23.