Apple may have just spilled the beans on the next iPad mini – and the upgrade could be far bigger than anyone expected.
Hidden in Apple’s own code, a reference to codenames J510/J511 suggests the upcoming compact tablet will run on the mighty A19 Pro chip, the same powerhouse expected to debut in the iPhone 17 Pro this September.
Unlike the regular A19, the A19 Pro is rumored to pack more GPU cores, delivering a serious boost for gaming, creative apps, and heavy multitasking. There’s also talk of a slightly cut-down Pro variant, with one fewer GPU core, set for the iPhone 17 Air. If true, the A19 Pro could push the iPad mini from being a ‘cute travel companion’ into genuine laptop-replacement territory for many users.
The current iPad mini, launched in 2024, sports the A17 Pro chip – the same processor as the iPhone 15 Pro – so Apple repeating that leap to the latest Pro-class silicon makes perfect sense. But this time, the jump in performance could be huge, with better graphics, improved efficiency, and even potential for future Apple Intelligence features.
While the release date remains a mystery, speculation suggests a possible launch next year. Separately, whispers in the rumor mill mention an OLED iPad mini in the works, potentially arriving in 2026 or 2027. Meanwhile, Apple is also reportedly prepping an updated entry-level iPad (codenamed J581/J582) with the A18 chip, expected to launch next spring.
If the A19 Pro really delivers as promised, the next iPad mini might finally shed its ‘small but compromised’ image and become one of the most powerful ultra-portable devices on the market.