New iPad mini 2022 leaked with big upgrade — and it’s coming soon

New iPad mini 2021 leaked with large upgrade — and information technology'due south coming soon

(Image credit: Future)

Despite ongoing supply chain issues, Apple ended 2020 with a flurry of new tech. And information technology looks like we might not take besides long to expect before the first Apple branded products of 2021 are released.

Japanese site Mac Otakara has sourced data from Apple tree'southward supply chain about the upcoming iPad mini 6 — and it sounds like it won't be as 'mini' as before. While the current smallest iPad released in 2019 has a 7.9-inch screen, the new model will be considerably larger, with a reported 8.four-inch display.

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How much this will actually touch its size in the hand remains to be seen, equally the report notes that the device will take slimmer bezels. It's possible that the screen-to-body ratio volition be so improved that information technology's really a similar size and weight.

Just smaller bezels doesn't indicate an incoming design overhaul. Instead, Mac Otakara's report indicates that the new iPad mini volition look similar to the iPad Air 3. In other words, the Bear upon ID dwelling house push will live to fight another day, as will the Lightning port — the new iPad mini apparently won't be emulating the almost bezel-free design of the latest iPad Pros this time around.

A size increase for the iPad mini has been on the cards for a while. Concluding May, Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo predicted that 2021 would encounter an iPad mini with a screen betwixt 8.5 and 9 inches in the beginning half of the twelvemonth, possibly with a mini LED display.

iPad mini 6 release date

While this report makes no mention of the display tech involved, it seems the sources are in agreement on the release date. Mac Otakara states that the refreshed iPad mini will be unveiled in March. And given the rumor is that Apple is planning on releasing all-new iPad Pros around that time, don't be too surprised if Apple tree announces a tablet themed event before likewise long.

A March 2021 release date would be two years to the month since the iPad mini was last refreshed, which may seem a piffling slow compared to Apple's other flagship products, but it could be worse.

Before the last model emerged, there hadn't been a new iPad mini since September 2015, and many feared the form cistron had been completely abased, only for it to return with Apple Pencil support and a True Tone display. While the changes likely won't be as dramatic this time around, an upgrade is still extremely welcome.

Freelance correspondent Alan has been writing nearly tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are plant all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more than likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.