Taiwan-based DigiTimes recently published a report hinting at a potential release of a smaller-sized iPad in the latter part of the year. The outlet’s discussion on the stagnating worldwide tablet demand in H2 2023 predicts a revival in Apple’s market portion, particularly due to orders for a new “small-size” iPad in Q4 2023.
Quoting the report:
“…Apple’s inventory replenishment needs in the third quarter and orders for a new small-size iPad in the fourth quarter…”
Although DigiTimes sources its information directly from parts suppliers of iPhones and other Apple products, it’s essential to approach its interpretations with caution. The site has demonstrated varying degrees of accuracy in the past when predicting Apple’s movements.
Notably, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, earlier this year, indicated that an iPad mini with a minor spec improvement might be in the pipeline. Reinforcing this claim, an insider known as “ShrimpApplePro” recently disclosed that a seventh-generation iPad mini was undergoing development at Apple, and they claimed evidence of at least one new iPad model being released this year.
However, there is a mix of opinions on the topic. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, as early as January, anticipated that the seventh-generation iPad mini’s mass production would most likely commence in Q1 2024. Moreover, Kuo recently mentioned that he was not expecting any new iPad launches this year.
On the subject of potential hardware upgrades, the present sixth-generation iPad mini is equipped with the A15 Bionic chip. In comparison, the newly unveiled iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are powered by the A16 and A17 Pro chips. Possible enhancements to the upcoming iPad mini could encompass better front and rear cameras, possibly introducing the Photonic Engine to the iPad series for the first time.
Moreover, with the latest iPad Pro models receiving connectivity improvements like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, similar upgrades are conceivable for the next iPad mini.