The next iPad mini could receive a notable performance upgrade. According to a leak reported by 9to5Mac, MacRumors found references to the upcoming model in Apple code, including an alleged product icon. Those references reportedly point to an A20 Pro chip, which the source says is also used in the iPhone 18 Pro models released the previous week.
Mark Gurman, as cited by 9to5Mac, expects the new iPad mini to arrive by the end of October. Apple has not confirmed the device, its specifications or its release timing, however, so these details should still be treated as rumours.
An A20 Pro chip is reportedly referenced in Apple code
The key claim in this leak concerns the processor. The next iPad mini would use the A20 Pro, while the current iPad mini, released in October 2024, runs on an A17 Pro. 9to5Mac describes the A20 Pro as the same chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro models.
That would represent a generational shift for Apple’s compact tablet. The references found in the code do not specify expected performance, RAM capacity or the device’s other technical specifications, though. For now, it is therefore not possible to quantify the real-world gap between this potential model and the current iPad mini.
A familiar design with one visible camera change
The icon said to depict the upcoming iPad mini reportedly suggests an overall appearance very close to the current generation. In other words, the leak does not point to a complete redesign of Apple’s smallest tablet.
It does indicate one possible change: the camera may move from the top bezel to the landscape edge, in line with other iPad models. For people who make video calls with the tablet held horizontally, that placement could be more practical. The icon also appears to show a small speaker opening at the top of the display, similar to the one on an iPhone. These details are based on an interpretation of an image found in code, rather than an official Apple presentation.
Improved water resistance and a new speaker system are also mentioned
9to5Mac notes that earlier reports had pointed to an OLED display and a more water-resistant design. Its latest report also says the next iPad mini could offer improved water resistance and a new speaker system.
No protection rating, certification or audio configuration has been provided. Better water resistance should not, therefore, be read as confirmation that the tablet would be fully waterproof. Likewise, the currently available information does not allow for conclusions about the expected sound quality or power of the reported speaker system.
FAQ: what the leak says about the next iPad mini
When could the new iPad mini be released?
According to Mark Gurman, as cited by 9to5Mac, it is expected by the end of October. Apple has not confirmed that timing.
Which chip could power the next iPad mini?
The leak mentions the A20 Pro chip. According to 9to5Mac, it is the same chip used in the iPhone 18 Pro models. The current iPad mini uses an A17 Pro.
Would the iPad mini get a completely new design?
Probably not, based on the alleged icon found in Apple code. It suggests a broadly similar design to the current model, with the camera potentially moved to the landscape edge.
Would the next iPad mini be waterproof?
The source refers to improved water resistance but gives no certification or protection level. It should not be interpreted as confirmation of full waterproofing.
Is an OLED display confirmed?
No. 9to5Mac mentions OLED as an expectation from earlier reports, not as a detail confirmed by the material in this latest leak.
Considerations
If these reports prove accurate, the next iPad mini would combine a newer chip with a largely unchanged design and a handful of hardware adjustments, including the relocated camera, improved water resistance and a new speaker system. Its full specifications, price and availability remain unknown. An Apple announcement will be needed to confirm any of these details.
