iPad Mini 3: UK Price, Release Date, and Specs - Everything You Need to Know

Apple unveiled the latest incarnation of the iPad mini - the iPad mini 3 - at an event in Cupertino, California, on 16 October.

The 7.9inch device is not a massive departure from last year's model, though it does include some important updates.

iPad Mini 3: Specs and updates

The only major update to the iPad mini is the inclusion of the Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the Home button, a feature previously exclusive to the iPhone 5s and both models of the iPhone 6.

This allows users to take advantage of Apple's new NFC payment system Apple Pay, which will feature on iOS 8.1, however this is initially only available in the US.

The actual design of the device has not changed from predecessors, with the lightning connector, speakers, volume controls and sleep/wake button all still in the same place.

It also features the same 5MP camera and the same A7 chipset and M7 coprocessor as last year's model.

Unlike the iPad Air 2, the iPad mini 3 didn't benefit from the same slmming revamp, meaning the smaller tablet is no longer separated by size - it is an inferior tablet in terms of hardware too.

With the release of the 5.5in iPhone 6 Plus, customers may look to the phablet rather than the small tablet.

iPad Mini 3: Price and release date

The iPad mini 3 with Wi-Fi models will be available for a suggested retail price of £319 for the 16GB model, £399 for the 64GB model, and £479 for the 128GB model.

Wi-Fi and Cellular models will be available for a suggested retail price of £419 for the 16GB model, £499 for the 64GB model, and £579 for the 128GB model.

The original iPad mini is now available for £199, while the iPad mini 2 will cost £239.

Pre-orders for the iPad mini 3, which will be available in gold, silver and 'space grey', will begin from tomorrow, 17 October.