Apple enthusiasts are in for a treat this month as the tech giant gears up for two significant events that promise to unveil new products. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated iPad mini, set to feature groundbreaking upgrades, and a vanilla iPad that is expected to debut next year. This article delves into what we can expect from these upcoming releases, based on credible reports and leaked information.
Tomorrow, Apple is expected to introduce the HomeView hub, aimed at revolutionizing smart home technology alongside other gadgets like smart locks and thermostats. Following this initial event, the second of the two planned for October will focus on the new iPad mini and Mac updates.
The latest iteration of the iPad mini, released in 2024, provided a significant performance upgrade by swapping the A15 chipset for the A17 Pro and doubling the RAM from 4GB to 8GB. While the performance enhancements were welcomed, the design and features remained largely unchanged. The upcoming iPad mini is set to be a game changer, as it is rumored to be the first iPad to come equipped with an OLED display, distinguishing it from Apple’s existing LCD models.
According to renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, this latest iPad mini will mark the last iPad update for Apple in 2026, wrapping up the year's offerings.
Current Vanilla iPad from 2025
In addition to the iPad mini, there is anticipation regarding a new vanilla iPad. However, it appears that fans of this model will have to wait until next year for its release. The current version, released last year, enhanced its performance with a new chipset and increased RAM from 4GB to 6GB but did not meet the requirements for Apple Intelligence. It also upgraded its display size from 10.9” to 11.0” IPS LCD.
The upcoming vanilla iPad is expected to feature an A19 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and capabilities for advanced AI features such as Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, thanks to its improved specifications. Connectivity options will include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth, and Thread, alongside a sub-6GHz 5G version equipped with the Apple C1X modem, as revealed through a code leak.
New models of the iPad Pro are also anticipated to arrive next year, and rumors suggest an updated iPad Air may follow suit, marking the fourth consecutive yearly refresh for that line.
Source (paywall) | Via
