Apple Preparing for Release of 7th-Generation iPad Mini

Apple Seventh-generation iPad Mini likely to launch later this year: Here's all you need to know

A recent report by the tipster known as "ShrimpApplePro" suggests that Apple is set to launch at least one new iPad model, possibly the seventh-generation iPad mini. The revamped iPad mini 6 was a major overhaul, packing a new design, an A15 Bionic chip, and USB-C for charging. The device has become a niche fan-favorite among some users since its release, but there have been questions about the future of the product. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also indicates that there might be a minor update to the iPad mini in the current year. Notably, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the seventh-generation iPad mini will enter mass production shortly.

According to ShrimpApplePro, the next-generation iPad mini, as well as new Apple Watch models anticipated to be unveiled later this year, could indicate an earlier release for the compact tablet. Nevertheless, the leaker has announced that further details will be shared at a later date.

Like the 7th-generation ‌iPad‌, a chip upgrade may be the most likely feature coming to the next ‌iPad mini‌ – an aspect supported by other reports. The ‌iPad mini‌ currently contains the A15 Bionic chip. By early 2024, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are expected to be on sale touting the A16 Bionic and A17 Bionic, respectively, meaning that the ‌iPad mini‌ may be most likely to get one of these processors.

A minor spec bump could also include upgrades to the front and rear cameras, potentially bringing features like Photonic Engine to the ‌iPad‌ for the first time. ProRes video recording, Audio zoom, stereo audio recording, Portrait mode, and Portrait Lighting support are all plausible new features in this area.

The latest iPad Pro models brought connectivity upgrades like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to the ‌iPad‌ for the first time. By 2024, it seems highly likely that these capabilities will make their way to the ‌iPad mini‌. It is also possible that Apple Pencil hover, another ‌iPad‌ Pro-exclusive feature, could finally trickle down to the ‌iPad mini‌ in its next incarnation, but little is currently known about exactly what the refreshed device will offer.