Apple launched the sixth-generation iPad mini in September 2021, bringing the primary main redesign to the system in its whole historical past – however when is the seventh-generation mannequin anticipated to launch?
Whereas Apple up to date the iPad mini yearly from 2012 to 2016, updates thereafter turned extra rare, with only one minor refresh in March 2019 earlier than 2021’s redesign. As a tool that now appears to stay round for longer in between updates, a {hardware} refresh in 2023 will not be sure, however the seventh-generation iPad mini is the iPad mannequin that’s most actively rumored to probably launch this yr.
There have been few concrete rumors in regards to the new iPad mini as but, however Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has mentioned that an replace this yr with a minor “spec bump” will not be out of the query. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the seventh-generation iPad will start mass shipments in direction of the tip of 2023 or within the first half of 2024 – so whereas a launch this yr is feasible, early 2024 appears almost definitely.
The iPad mini presently accommodates Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. Whereas it’s barely downclocked, the A15 Bionic places the iPad mini on a degree footing with the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, third-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation Apple TV 4K. These six gadgets with the A15 chip are anticipated to stay on sale all through 2023, which means that the chip is more likely to stay fairly prevalent throughout Apple’s product lineups.
Because of this, the present iPad mini will include comparatively trendy chip {hardware} all through the whole thing of this yr. With options like second-generation Apple Pencil assist and Middle Stage, there isn’t any urgent must replace the system this yr and it’s not clear what a brand new mannequin might provide aside from a more recent chip just like the A16 Bionic and extra superior digicam {hardware}.
2023 seems to be shaping as much as be a quiet yr for iPad {hardware} refreshes, and whereas it’s doable we might see some new fashions, the present image means that new iPads this yr are unlikely on the entire. 2024, however, appears to be like like it is going to be a way more vital yr for the iPad lineup.
