Mark Gurman, a reputable reporter, has mentioned that Apple is developing an 11th-generation iPad that will come with a significantly lower price than the current model. Yet, the iPad mini (7th generation) is poised to be the more intriguing tablet on the horizon.
The iPad mini is overdue for an update since the sixth generation has been on the market since 2021, making it the oldest iPad in Apple’s current lineup.
Here’s a glimpse into what we know about the upcoming generation of Apple’s compact tablet.
iPad mini 7: Insights from leaks and rumors
Speculations around the next iPad mini suggested it might feature an OLED display. However, that might be a postulated feature for a future generation, as reports indicate that an 8.7-inch OLED mini has been under development but is unlikely to debut until 2026. Additionally, the upcoming iPad mini is unlikely to be a foldable device, as Apple is currently focused on the production of a large foldable slated for 2025, followed by a folding iPhone in 2026. An enhanced display with ProMotion could be a possibility to address user concerns about scrolling issues, although this prediction is more of a concept rather than a probability, as it would require significant engineering modifications according to display expert Ross Young.
The most probable upgrade for the 2024 iPad mini would be its processor. The current model is equipped with the aging A15 Bionic chip seen in the iPhone 13 series, making it dated for Apple’s standards. The new iPad Pros are anticipated to be launched with M3 or possibly M4 processors, while the new iPad Air might receive the M2 chip. Even the base iPad features a newer processor, the A14.
According to a previous report by Ming-Chi Kuo, the new processor is expected to be the highlight of the upcoming iPad mini. While the introduction of an M-series chip is plausible, Apple might opt for another iPhone processor, probably the A16 found in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15.
Another aspect that could benefit from an upgrade is the storage capacity, currently starting at a modest 64GB and reaching up to 256GB. Increasing both the minimum and maximum storage options would be a welcomed improvement, aligning the iPad mini with the storage configurations offered for the iPhone 15, ranging from 128GB to 512GB.
