iPad mini 3 tear down reveals that it's mostly the same as the iPad mini 2

October 25, 2014

The iPad mini 3 is now the latest Apple device to get the tear-down treatment. iFixit opened the device up to get a look inside, and found what amounts to last year's iPad mini with the addition of a Touch ID sensor, as well as a gold option.

The iPad mini 3 still utilizes the Apple A7 processor, as well as the M7 motion coprocessor. It also has the same 5MP iSight camera, and the 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera. The primary changes this year are the Touch ID sensor, which facilitates Apple Pay, the gold option, and the lower price for the 64GB and 128GB models.

The iPad mini 3 also has an NFC controller, just as the iPad Air 2 does. However, the NFC controller is not connected to any antennas. Instead, the NFC controller is used route communications between applications and the Secure Element that houses your payment information.

What do you think of the iPad mini 3 after this teardown? Sound off below in the comments.

Source: iFixit, Apple