Apple could be introducing new iPad mini with 'biggest upgrade in years'
Following the release of Apple’s latest range of iPhone models, a new iPad mini is rumored to be in the works with the ‘biggest upgrade in years’.
It is thought that Apple will introduce the new iPad at its ‘Welcome Home’ event scheduled to take place today (October 13) in New York City.
In contrast with the tech giant’s previous ‘Surprise and Shine’ event last month which unveiled the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, this one will focus more heavily on the firm’s range of smart-home products.
As reported by Bloomberg, this includes the likes of Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub, with name suggestions for it including HomePad and HomeView, although the company hasn’t yet confirmed what the device will be known as.
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It is thought that the hub will be a dedicated control center for your home, with it mounted onto the wall or placed on a counter. It will likely have a screen, a speaker, and a camera.
Another rumored product is the iPad mini 8, which might be set to be announced today, although some reports suggest it could be launched in a separate event later this month.
Apple’s upcoming iPad mini 8
According to a report by Zdnet, this model could be set to become the iPad mini’s biggest update in the last five years.
The next-generation tablet is expected to feature a major display upgrade, with rumors suggesting the iPad mini 8 could ditch its current LCD screen in favour of OLED technology, offering deeper blacks and improved contrast, alongside a more powerful A20 Pro chip.
Other potential upgrades include a landscape-oriented front camera and improved water resistance, although Apple has yet to confirm the device or its specifications.
The last time Apple provided an update of the iPad mini was two years ago when it introduced the A17 Pro Chip.
According to Bloomberg, the new version will have the A20 Pro chip, which is the same as the iPhone 18 Pro, and the device is rumored to cost $799, which will mean a $200 price hike from its current model.
Apple introduced the first iPad mini back in October 2012, unveiling a smaller, more portable version of its popular tablet designed to be used comfortably in one hand.
The original model featured a 7.9-inch display, an Apple A5 chip, front and rear cameras and up to 10 hours of battery life.
It was 23% thinner and 53% lighter than the third-generation iPad, and the device went on sale in November 2012.