iPad mini 4 slims Apple's smallest tablet even more

Apple has updated its smallest tablet, introducing the iPad mini 4. Now just 0.65 pounds, the smaller, lighter version of the iOS slate played a quiet second-fiddle to the much larger iPad Pro, but comes in at a much lower price, catering for those who don't want the professional-style support for Apple Pencil.

The specifications are pretty much in-line with the existing iPad mini 3, which suggests the big changes have been in shrinking down the bulk even further.

As for pricing, the iPad mini 4 will start at $399. It'll come in three different colors: silver, space gray, and rose gold.

That makes it the same price as the larger-screened iPad Air, though the two will presumably target slightly different audiences.

The Air, for instance, is likely to be popular with those watching videos; the iPad mini 4, meanwhile, makes for a more comfortable ereading experience, not to mention even managing to squeeze into a coat pocket.

The news means Apple's tablet range has now expanded to five models in total. The iPad mini 2 will remain on-sale as the cheapest point of entry, priced at $269.