NewiPad mini announcement suggests iOS 18.1 release date

Apple has released a new iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip, but the device will not have Apple Intelligence capabilities available at launch. The first set of Apple Intelligence features are set to arrive later in October via a software update for iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1. Given that the new iPad mini is available to pre-order today and arrives on Wednesday, October 23, it seems likely that we can expect this software update and Apple Intelligence capabilities to officially launch on or around Monday, October 28.