By Emma Reynolds 
The 7th Generation iPad Mini has put to rest the specter of the ‘jelly scrolling’ problem. Or has it? Apple aficionados and tech enthusiasts alike are breathing a sigh of relief, as initial reviews suggest that the irksome issue has been addressed. However, there’s a caveat that adds an unexpected layer of complexity to the narrative.
First, let’s revisit the origins of this issue. The ‘jelly scrolling’ problem emerged with the 5th Generation iPad Mini, leaving users with a disconcerting visual experience. As they scrolled through their devices, the content seemed to ‘wobble’ or ‘jelly,’ disrupting the seamless flow that Apple users have come to cherish. There was an outcry from the community, a call for Apple to eliminate this distracting phenomenon, which seemed out of place in Apple’s otherwise polished products.
With the arrival of the iPad Mini 7, it appears that Apple has heard and addressed these cries. The ‘jelly scrolling’ problem, according to early reviews, seems to be a ghost of the past. But, as we’ve hinted earlier, there’s a rather significant footnote to this largely positive development.
The problem is fixed – but only in landscape mode. This is where the plot thickens. While users can enjoy jelly-free scrolling when the device is held horizontally, the issue reemerges when it is held in portrait mode. For users who primarily use their iPad Mini in landscape mode, this could be a non-issue. However, for those who prefer portrait mode, the problem remains as irksome as ever.
The question then arises: why this discrepancy? Why has Apple managed to fix the issue in one orientation but not the other? The answer lies in the refresh rates of the screen. Apple has chosen to utilize a variable refresh rate that adjusts depending on the content being viewed. In landscape mode, the refresh rate is consistent across the screen, eliminating the ‘jelly’ effect. However, in portrait mode, the refresh rate varies, leading to the reappearance of the problem.
This revelation could potentially affect the purchasing decisions of prospective iPad Mini 7 buyers. For those who use their device primarily in landscape mode, the iPad Mini 7 is a welcome upgrade, free of the dreaded ‘jelly scroll.’ However, for portrait mode aficionados, the device might not seem as appealing.
The iPad Mini 7 and its partial solution to the ‘jelly scroll’ problem is emblematic of the broader tech landscape. It reminds us that technological advancement often comes with unanticipated setbacks, and that even the most robust solutions sometimes leave room for improvement.