The iPad mini 4 is a smaller iPad Air 2

While the iPad Pro was clearly the star tablet of Apple's big event this morning, the company also quickly announced the iPad mini 4.

For all intents and purposes, the iPad mini 4 is a smaller version of last year's iPad Air 2. Other than screen size, the processor is the only key difference between the two tablets. The iPad mini 4 uses the iPhone 6's A8 processor, while the iPad Air 2 has a slightly beefier A8X processor. Nonetheless, the iPad mini 4 still has enough grunt to utilise all of iOS 9's new multi-tasking capabilities.

In addition, Apple has slimmed down the iPad mini 4 to 6.1mm, the same thickness as the iPad Air 2.

The iPad mini is available now in a choice of silver, gold or space grey. At time of writing, any orders made through Apple's website will ship within four to six business days. Pricing is as follows:

16GB iPad mini 4, Wi-Fi only: AUD$569
64GB iPad mini 4, Wi-Fi only: AUD$699
128GB iPad mini 4, Wi-Fi only: AUD$829

16GB iPad mini 4, 4G: AUD$729
64GB iPad mini 4: 4G: AUD$859
128GB iPad mini 4: AUD$989

The iPad mini 4 replaces the iPad mini 3 in Apple's tablet family, with the TouchID-less iPad mini 2 staying on board as an entry-level model.

The iPad mini 2 starts at AUD$369 for a 16GB Wi-Fi only model.