Apple is rumored to be simply weeks away from introducing an up to date iPad mini. This is what the rumor mill expects what options it’ll have, and what it in all probability wont.
The final replace to the iPad mini was in September 2021, making it shut to a few years since Apple refreshed the pill. The lengthy improve hole makes Apple’s smallest pill a first-rate candidate for an improve within the not-too-distant future.
With an Apple Occasion on September 9, that improve may arrive as a part of Apple’s wave of product launches.
Over the previous couple of years, the iPad mini has been the topic of rumors and hypothesis, which has now come to a head. That is what’s presently anticipated of Apple’s seventh era of its pint-sized slate.
iPad mini upgrades: In all probability taking place quickly
A 3-year hole between updates is not a assure that modifications are on the way in which quickly. Apple may simply wait till a later time to replace the iPad mini if it needs.
For instance, in August 2023, it was anticipated that an replace would arrive within the fall of that yr, which turned out to be flawed. Others believed an replace wasn’t on the way in which till 2024.
What does assist the case of a possible improve is reviews that Apple shops are low in inventory of the iPad mini in varied configurations. The identical report added that the iPad mini is taken into account “constrained” internally.
As Apple tends to scale back inventory on merchandise earlier than an replace arrives, this definitely helps the 2024 replace rumors.
Add within the push for Apple Intelligence throughout Apple’s {hardware} traces, and an replace turns into much more probably.
iPad mini upgrades: Show
The display screen of the iPad mini was an 8.3-inch LCD model within the present sixth-generation launch. Based mostly on the shortage of chatter about show tech, issues might keep the identical in most methods.
That would come with the 1,488 by 2,266 decision, and the LCD tech. Present estimates are that OLED will arrive on the iPad mini someday in 2026.
The factor that will change is the “jelly scrolling” problem from the iPad mini 6. After launch, customers found a wobbly impact when scrolling, brought on by the show refreshing slower on one facet than the opposite.
If all Apple did was replace the internals of the iPad mini, it might take into account the way it constructs its shows extra this time round, minimizing the possibility of jelly scrolling.
Whereas there’s at all times a slim sliver of hope for ProMotion to be included from the iPad Professional household, it appears unlikely this time round. In October 2023, leaker claimed the iPad mini 7 would not have the 120Hz show of its Professional-grade counterparts.
iPad mini upgrades: A processor overhaul
If historic traits are any indication, the iPad mini will get a strong chip, however not the highest-end one, when it is replace. We’re anticipating the identical to occur this time round.
This all comes all the way down to Apple Intelligence.
Since it’s anticipated that Apple will allow Apple Intelligence assist on the iPad mini, it is smart that the chip inside it has been upgraded to match.
With customers more likely to be turned off a brand new iPad mini if it would not embrace Apple Intelligence versus the M-series fashions, this provides Apple extra of a motivation to make the change.
As to what the replace may very well be, there are just a few potentialities.
One possibility is using an M-series chip, following the lead of the iPad Air. With it upgraded to the M2 and priced comparatively with the iPad mini, it would not be unreasonable for Apple to maneuver the smallest mannequin to the identical chip, or presumably the M1.
If Apple would not go for the M-series, then it might want to go for a more moderen A-series chip than the A15 included within the sixth-gen mannequin.
Meaning Apple ought to be utilizing an A17 Professional chip at a minimal. The iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max each use the chip and had been the primary units to have the ability to use Apple Intelligence, making it an apt alternative.
Apple might go one step additional, by including the A18 to the iPad mini as an alternative, matching the iPhone 16 era. That is nonetheless a risk, as it might play into Apple’s tendency to not replace the iPad mini every year.
iPad mini upgrades: Cameras
Apple has been slowly shifting the front-facing digital camera of its iPads. Whereas beforehand they had been situated on the brief facet, making it the highest digital camera when the iPad is held in portrait orientation, it has been migrating over to the lengthy edge.
This has confirmed helpful for customers who’ve gotten used to utilizing the iPad in panorama orientation whereas video calling others. The transfer has already been made within the iPad, the iPad Professional, and iPad Air, leaving the iPad mini the final to make the change.
The rear digital camera is more likely to proceed to be a 12-megapixel sensor, mirroring the variations within the iPad Air and Tenth-gen iPad. Nevertheless, Apple may presumably add a 48-megapixel digital camera, matching the one utilized in current-gen iPhones.
iPad mini upgrades: Pencil
One space that is extensively open to hypothesis is whether or not Apple will make any modifications to the Apple Pencil scenario.
The present-gen mannequin helps the USB-C Apple Pencil in addition to the second-gen stylus. Nevertheless, with the introduction of the Apple Pencil Professional, Apple might embrace assist for that one as an alternative of the second-gen mannequin.
If Apple does transfer the entrance digital camera place, the shifting of inner elements might drive the adoption of the Apple Pencil Professional anyway.
iPad mini upgrades: Small modifications
If the iPad mini does become a spec-bump replace, you in all probability will not see many main modifications for the {hardware}, save for just a few essential ones. Apple may alter different parts, but it surely has little cause to take action except it overhauled the mannequin.
There’s not been any rumors a few swap away from Contact ID to Face ID, but it surely may change it. Wi-Fi 6 may presumably change to Wi-Fi 6E, and the 5G mobile connectivity may keep comparatively static too.
The panorama audio system, the twin microphones, and even 64GB and 256GB capacities are equally probably.
Nevertheless, no-one will actually know what’s new with the mannequin till Apple really reveals it off for the primary time.