More evidence has emerged that Apple is working on the iPad mini 6, and considering that the mini’s design hasn’t altered much since 2012 original, a radical new design may have a significant impact on the tiny tablet industry.
Technology company Technordo has claimed to have obtained an aluminum mold of the mini 6, according to the most recent rumor. These are sometimes used by case manufacturers to guarantee a proper fit, and if the pictures are true, they would suggest a significant change for Apple’s smallest tablet.
We should be able to get a good look at the new iPad mini next month when Apple is scheduled to host a number of launch events, but in the meanwhile, what changes can we expect between the $399 iPad mini that Apple now sells and the new iPad mini that will be released? Here’s all we know about the situation thus far.
1.iPad mini 6 vs iPad mini 5: A fresh design style
According to the modifications seen in the video above, what has previously been teased has come to fruition. Apple’s current tendency towards squared-off edges, according to several sources, will continue with the iPad mini 6, culminating in a device that resembles a shrunk-down version of the iPad Pro in 2021. One notable difference is that there would be no Home button, instead, a fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button, similar to the most current iPad Air.
That is a significant departure from the iPad Mini 5, which returned to Apple’s lineup in 2019 after a four-year hiatus. Design-wise, though, there was nothing to distinguish it from the iPad mini 4, which had in turn hardly altered since the tablet’s debut in 2012: rounded corners with wide, thick bezels on both sides.
2.iPad mini 6 vs iPad mini 5: A significant increase in screen size
The largest screen size increase for the iPad mini 6 is considered to be the most intriguing feature of the device. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted last year that a new iPad mini will come with a screen size ranging between 8.5 and 9 inches, and more recently, it has been rumored that the ultimate screen size would be 8.4 inches. This is a significant improvement over the iPad mini 5’s 7.9-inch display, which was released in 2012.
While this may seem alarming to lovers of the iPad mini’s tiny form factor, it has been claimed that this increase in screen size would have no effect on the device’s total footprint, which is good news for consumers. According to leaked information from Jon Prosser, the iPad mini 6 will measure 206.3mm x 137.8mm x 6.1mm, which is just 3mm higher and broader than the current device.
3.iPad mini 6 vs iPad mini 5: Specs are improved because of the use of a more recent Apple processor.
The iPad mini 5 is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic processor, which was also used to power the iPhone XS series of smartphones. It would not be unexpected to learn that the iPad mini 6 will be replaced by a newer model in 2021 since it is currently considered to be a little outdated.
The extent of the improvement, on the other hand, is up for dispute. A few sources claim that the iPad mini 6 will not be equipped with the expected A15 processor from the iPhone 13, with the sources differing on how out of date the chipset will be. According to Jon Prosser, the A14 Bionic processor will be used in the iPhone 12, while Chinese tech blog MyDrivers earlier claimed the A13 chip used in the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE will be used.
However, there is always hope: according to one rumor, the iPad Mini 5 will finally be able to compete with the iPhone 13.
4.iPad mini 6 ves iPad mini 5: a slew of new connectivity options
Regardless of whether or not the chipset has been sufficiently updated to your satisfaction, Apple is expected to make significant advances in the area of connection. According to Prosser, the iPad mini 6 will feature 5G on the cellular version, while other reports claim that it will follow the iPad Pro in moving from the Lightning connection to the USB-C port and adding the clever connector for additional clip-on keyboard compatibility, similar to the iPad Pro.
There are no such features on the iPad mini 5, but it was notable for being the first in the series to accept the Apple Pencil – albeit just the first-generation model. Hopefully, the next-generation model will go even farther in this regard by including support for the second-generation model.
4.iPad mini 6 versus iPad mini 5: How Do They Compare?
There are still a lot of questions to be answered about the iPad mini 6, particularly in terms of internal specifications, where there is a lot of disagreement — but even if it only receives a modest internal upgrade, it appears to be a significant improvement over the previous generation, which is looking a little dated in 2021.
I myself possess an iPad mini 5 and find it to be an excellent companion for covering events when used in conjunction with the Apple Pencil and the excellent Notability app. The reported features of the iPad mini 6 seem to be attractive to me, even if the calendar for live in-person events remains rather empty as a result of the continuing epidemic in the United States.
More information on the iPad mini 6 should be available very shortly. And, with so many questions still unanswered, this may be one of the most intriguing launches Apple has planned for the autumn season.
