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Rumor: Apple to debut seventh-generation iPad mini in second half of 2024

Given that more than 800 days have passed since Apple last updated its iPad mini tablet, a flurry of rumors has emerged as to when Apple might update the unit and what to expect from these updates.

Apple released the current iPad mini in September 2021, with new features at the time including a larger 8.3-inch display, a USB-C port, a Touch ID power button, the A15 Bionic chip, 5G support on cellular models, a 12-megapixel rear camera with Center Stage support, compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, and more.

It’s rumored that Apple could begin mass production of the seventh-generation iPad mini in the second half of 2024. Per noted supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the device would be manufactured in July or later. Apple rarely announces new products in July or August, so the next iPad mini will most likely be unveiled in September or October next year based on the rumored production timeframe.

The updated iPad is expected to feature the following changes:

  • As part of a routine spec bump, the next iPad mini will likely be equipped with a faster A16 Bionic chip at a minimum.
  • Upgraded front and rear cameras are rumored for the new iPad mini. The current model has a 12-megapixel rear camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture and a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture.
  • New color options are rumored for the new iPad mini. The current ‌model is available in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, and Purple.
  • It is likely that the next iPad mini will support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, enabling faster Wi-Fi speeds with a supported router, and improved Bluetooth connectivity. Apple already added Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support to the latest iPad Pro, iPhone 15 Pro models, and most new Macs.
  • The new iPad mini is rumored to have a rotated screen assembly to reduce the effect of “jelly scrolling” screen tearing in portrait orientation. This visual effect can cause text or images on one side of the screen to appear to be tilted downwards because of a mismatch in refresh rates.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via MacRumors