Report: there's a new iPad mini coming later this month and vanilla iPad coming next year

Apple's Next iPad Mini Rumored for Late October Launch with OLED

Get ready for a potential Apple surprise! Reports suggest that a brand-new iPad mini is poised for a debut later this month. This upcoming release marks a significant upgrade for Apple's compact tablet line.

iPad Mini: A Leap Forward in Display Technology

The current iPad mini, a performance-focused iteration of the 2021 model, arrived in 2024 with an upgraded A17 Pro chipset and doubled RAM to 8GB, unlocking Apple Intelligence in supported regions. However, significant design changes were absent. The upcoming iPad mini is rumored to break new ground by being the first iPad to feature an OLED display. This move contrasts with Apple's continued use of LCDs in other iPad models, including the recently refreshed iPad Air series with their 60Hz IPS LCD panels.

Vanilla iPad Delayed Until Next Year

While the iPad mini is getting an imminent update, the standard "vanilla" iPad model is expected to wait until next year. The current 2025 iPad model, while offering a chipset and RAM upgrade (now 6GB), didn't meet the requirements for Apple Intelligence. It also saw a minor screen size increase from 10.9-inch to 11.0-inch IPS LCD.

Future iPad Innovations and Connectivity

The next-generation vanilla iPad is anticipated to pack the Apple A19 chipset with 8GB of RAM, ensuring full compatibility with Apple Intelligence and upcoming AI features. Connectivity is also set to see a boost, with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, and Thread support powered by Apple’s N1 networking chip. A sub-6GHz 5G variant is also expected, utilizing the Apple C1X modem, according to insights from a code leak.

Beyond the iPad, the report hints at new iPad Pro models arriving next year. Further out, speculation points to new MacBook Air and Neo models, along with the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e series in 2027. An update for the iPad Air series is also a possibility, marking a potential fourth consecutive year of updates for the popular line.

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