Apple’s next iteration of the iPad mini is shaping up to be one of the most significant updates in the product’s history, with new leaks pointing toward a leap in both display technology and internal performance. While a previous seventh-generation model arrived as recently as October 2024, internal software analysis first reported by MacRumors, now suggests that Apple is planning to equip its successor with an unreleased A20 Pro chip. This comes after a leaked macOS kernel debug kit that briefly appeared on Apple’s website, containing codenames for unannounced hardware.
The transition to the A20 Pro chip would represent a major power boost for the compact tablet. This silicon is expected to debut in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and will reportedly be manufactured using TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process, offering superior efficiency and thermal management compared to current 3nm designs. While earlier rumors suggested an A19 Pro chip for the next mini, analysts believe Apple may have shifted its strategy to align the tablet with its 2026 flagship processors.
The hardware overhaul is rumored to extend beyond the processor to include a long-awaited OLED display. Adopting OLED technology would provide the iPad mini with much higher contrast, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles than the current Liquid Retina LCD. To complement this high-end screen, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that Apple is developing a vibration-based speaker system. By using sound-emitting surfaces instead of open grilles, Apple could potentially remove speaker holes entirely, leading to the first iPad with an official water-resistance rating.
Current industry timelines suggest that this redesigned iPad mini could be unveiled as early as next year. This would follow Apple’s tradition of infrequent updates for the mini line, such as the three-year gap between the sixth and seventh generations. When it does arrive, the combination of pro-tier silicon and a refined, more durable design may lead to a price increase of roughly $100 over the current $499 starting price.
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