Who exactly is the new iPad mini for, though? When the original iPad mini came out in 2012, big iPhones didn't exist yet and a 7.9-inch tablet made sense, filling the gap between the 4-inch iPhone 5 and 9.7-inch iPad 4.

But as iPhones grew, starting in 2014 with the first plus-sized iPhone 6 Plus and its 5.5-inch screen, the need for an iPad mini became less necessary.

In 2019, three years after I reviewed the iPad mini 4, the answer to the question of who the new iPad mini is for remains the same: somebody who wants it.

Apple told me in a briefing that its research shows the form factor is "beloved" and many previous-gen iPad mini owners wanted a new one with faster guts that's compatible with existing accessories.

After using a 256GB Wifi + LTE iPad mini in space gray (it's also available with 256GB of storage in silver or gold) for the last couple of days, I have to agree that it's really not for everyone.

People who are probably happy the new iPad mini exists:

Kids who have smaller hands (anecdotally, I know a couple of parent friends with very young children under the age of 5 who love their iPad minis)

Big people, like my colleague Stan Schroeder who uses his iPad mini like a larger iPhone (yes, these people exist!)

Small businesses where space might be tight and an iPad mini is used as a kiosk or payment terminal

Enterprise such as field workers or IT professionals who need a small and powerful tablet that's easy to carry between locations

Existing professionals such as pilots who use it in place of hefty manuals or as a maps or navigation display

Designers who are increasingly using AR to visualize objects in real spaces

These are just some examples of the type of consumers and professionals I believe the new iPad mini is courting. I admit it's not the most satisfying answer, but it is realistic. The new iPad mini is more function than form. You don't have to get an iPad mini if you think it's too small or serves no purpose in your life. But it's there if it does.