iPad mini 7 could be a spec-bump instead of a full update
Malcolm OweniPad mini 6
Apple's update to the iPad mini 7 may not be a massive change from the iPad mini 6, claims a leaker, with only a change to the chip now expected.
The last update to the iPad mini was in September 2021, with an update to the seventh generation a possibility for Apple in the coming months. However, if a leaker is correct, there may not be that much change on the horizon for the pint-sized tablet.
In a Tuesday tweet by @Tech_Reve about the iPad mini 7, "supposedly only the AP changed from iPad mini 6." The AP refers to the Application Processor, or in this case, the A15 Bionic chip used in the sixth-generation iPad mini.
If taken at face value, that would infer the next release could be simply a spec-bump update, rather than a larger refinement or overhaul in design.
The leaker further adds that the iPad mini 7 "still doesn't have 120Hz" for the display. Since the ProMotion system that can enable 120Hz is limited to the iPad Pro lineup, this isn't entirely unsurprising.
Tech_Reve did previously share a Weibo leak on the A17 Pro six months ahead of the iPhone 15 Pro launch, albeit with supposed Geekbench 6 results that were somewhat higher than what Apple actually released in the models.
While there are still some questions about Tech_Reve's accuracy, the rumors about an iPad mini update in late 2023 or early 2024 certainly help their position. Add in that a spec bump update isn't entirely out of the ordinary for Apple, and it seems a fairly likely proposition.
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14 Comments
If Apple updates the mini, I’d expect they make a case for it rather than look like they really don’t care at all.
When the hardware already exceeds the needs of 99.9% of the target market, what changes make sense beyond keeping the SoC current? Better than letting it wither on the vine for years.
Practically speaking, it’s too late in the year, Apple should’ve announced something right before back to school, late August early September? That is, if you’re looking to sell any significant number of units through the end of the year.
Back to school and the Christmas season can’t be missed if at all possible. (And I think Apple has missed it for the a new M2 24” iMac, and a upgraded iPad mini.) A late August early September release would have been awesome.
Nothing has come out to replace 120Hz on the Pro iPads. Meaning, Apple only has a handful of banner features to distinguish Pro from others, and charge more for it. Until a new one comes along to replace the existing ones, nothing will trickle down to the mid and low tiers. Hence why 120Hz and Face ID have been held hostage on iPad Pro for so many years.