What are all the differences between the iPad mini 6th Gen (iPad mini 6) models?

Please note that the iPad mini 6th Gen models all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS support and more and is quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these devices on the used market.

There are three iPad mini 6th Gen models released in 2021 -- often called the iPad mini 6 series -- the iPad mini 6 (Wi-Fi Only), iPad mini 6 (Wi-Fi/Cell US/Global), and iPad mini 6 (Wi-Fi/Cell China). These models vary by the location originally sold, connectivity, battery life, identifiers, and price.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad mini 6th Gen)

Device Similarities

All iPad mini 6 models share the same general design with rounded corners and flat sides, weigh about 2/3 of a pound and have a black front. Back color options for the aluminum housing include a dark "Space Gray," warm gray "Starlight," Pink, and Purple. Unlike earlier iPad mini models, the iPad mini 6 are the first to no longer have a "Home" button.

All iPad mini 6 share the same fully-laminated 8.3" LED-backlit 2266x1488 "Liquid Retina" display (326 ppi, 500 nits brightness), with an antireflectant coating, wide-color (P3) support , and True Tone technology. All also pack the same 2.9 GHz Apple A15 "Bionic" processor with six CPU cores and five GPU cores, 4 GB of RAM, and support for 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth 5.0. All three models are offered with either 64 GB of 256 GB of internal storage, as well.

Each iPad mini 6 also has a "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor embedded in the top button, two cameras -- a 12 megapixel 1080p "Ultra Wide" front camera and a 12 megapixel "Wide" 4K rear camera -- a USB-C port and a magnetic connector on the side. This magnetic connector supports both the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen and Apple Pencil (USB-C), but only the Apple Pencil 2nd Gen is capable of magnetic charging.

iOS Support Similarities

The iPad mini 6 models first shipped with iPadOS 15.

They support iPadOS 16 with the exception of the advanced Stage Manager, Reference Mode, Accessibility Detection, and Virtual Memory Swap features; and they support iPadOS 17, but lack support for the minor Screen Distance and External Camera for FaceTime features.

The iPad mini 6 models also support the current version of the iPadOS -- iPadOS 18 -- but lack support for Apple Intelligence (AI).

Identification Differences

When placed side-by-side, the Wi-Fi only and cellular iPad mini 6 models can be differentiated visually because the Wi-Fi only model has a completely solid aluminum back and the cellular capable models have a subtle line at the top of the back of each tablet.

However, it is not possible to visually distinguish the two cellular-capable iPad mini 6 devices and it is easy to mix up the iPad mini 6 with later iPad mini models, as well. Accordingly, one of the best methods for external identification is via Model Number.

Model numbers are listed in small type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad mini 6:

iPad mini	Model No
iPad mini 6 (Wi-Fi Only)	A2567
iPad mini 6 (Wi-Fi/Cell US/Global)	A2568
iPad mini 6 (Wi-Fi/Cell China)	A2569

Initially, the mainland China-only iPad mini 6 probably will not often be found on the other side of the great firewall, but over time, it inevitably will find its way around the world on the used market.

All iPad models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iPadOS. For example, the Wi-Fi +Cellular configuration of the iPad mini 6 in purple with 256 GB of storage sold in the United States is MK8K3LL/A.

To pinpoint an exact iPad mini 6 by a number of other different identifiers, please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

As noted at the beginning of this Q&A, the iPad mini 6 models have significant differences in connectivity. All iPad mini 6 models support 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (dual band) as well as HT80 with MIMO. They support Bluetooth 5.0, as well.

All cellular-capable iPad mini 6 models support A-GPS in addition to UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz), but 4G LTE and 5G cellular connectivity varies accordingly:

iPad mini	Model	5G & 4G LTE Bands
6 (Wi-Fi Only)	A2567	None
6 (Wi-Fi/Cell US/Global)	A2568	n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
6 (Wi-Fi/Cell China)	A2569	n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71

For battery life, Apple estimates that all iPad mini 6 models provide up to ten hours of runtime on Wi-Fi whereas the cellular-equipped ones provide up to nine hours of runtime while using a cellular network.

All cellular-capable iPad mini 6 models shipped unlocked. In the United States, the applicable device works with all major carriers, but some carriers may still require activation or configuration before it will work properly -- or at all -- on their network.

The iPad mini 6 (Wi-Fi/Cell US/Global) model supports both a physical Nano SIM and an eSIM whereas the iPad mini 6 (Wi-Fi/Cell China) model only supports a physical Nano SIM.

Pricing Comparison Chart

All iPad mini 6 color options cost the same amount. Pricing is differentiated by capacity and connectivity alone:

Capacity:	64 GB	256 GB
Wi-Fi Only Price:	US$499	US$649
Wi-Fi/Cellular & A-GPS Price:	US$649	US$799

For original pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.

Comparison Summary

Ultimately, the iPad mini 6 models are differentiated from one another by connectivity and battery life. At the time it was first released, the iPad mini 6 represented a big step up from earlier iPad mini models and it definitely was the best option if you wanted the smallest Apple tablet you could buy. New iPad mini models are a bit faster and more capable, but the iPad mini 6 certainly remains well worth consideration on the used market at a discount price.

Just between the iPad mini 6 Wi-Fi and cellular options, and ignoring later models, EveryiPad.com tends to prefer the Wi-Fi only selection and just occasionally tether to another cellular connected device when Wi-Fi is unavailable (and it usually is), but this is very much a personal choice. The jump from Wi-Fi to cellular originally cost a steep extra US$150 (plus added monthly service costs), which is a substantial difference, but it could have been worth it to you for added convenience or if you don't already have a mobile device where tethering is an option. On the used market, the price difference may be more modest and prices will be lower all around, too.

iPad mini Purchase & Sale Options

There are plenty of places to buy a new or used iPad mini. However, purchasing from a solid company with extensive Apple knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City may have used iPad models in stock, as well. All Macs and devices are available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.