'iPad mini 6' rumored to use same A15 chip as 'iPhone 13' range

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iPad edited July 2021
Apple's sixth-generation iPad mini will borrow the design cues of the iPad Air, a report claims, with it also set to include other changes including a magnetic Smart Connector and USB-C.

An early mock-up of the iPad mini 6 [David Kowalski and Pigtou]
An early mock-up of the iPad mini 6 [David Kowalski and Pigtou]


Apple is rumored to be bringing out an updated form of the iPad mini in the fall, in what has previously been described as a major redesign of the tablet. A report on Tuesday doubles down on many of the rumored changes in the overhaul.

The changes for the model, codenamed "J310" according to sources of 9to5Mac, include the claim Apple will use the A15 system-on-chip in the iPad mini. If true, this will give the iPad mini the same chip and potential processing performance as the "iPhone 13" range.

It's not the only A15 chip on the way, with report sources believing a more powerful "A15X" is in development for other iPad models.

In terms of connectivity, it will apparently lose the Lightning port in favor of USB-C, something which has been previously speculated in earlier leaks. The introduction of a magnetic Smart Connector will also bring the iPad mini in line with the iPad Air and iPad Pro, with Apple apparently planning to introduce compatible accessories for the smaller tablet.

Previous rumors about the iPad mini speculated its specifications as being similar in size to previous models but with a larger 8.4-inch to 9-inch screen, no Home button but retaining Touch ID in the power button, and improved speakers.

Support for the second-generation Apple Pencil has been touted, though there is also speculation that a smaller "Apple Pencil 3" could be on the way.

The report sources also claim there will be a new entry-level iPad on the way, codenamed "J181." The model will apparently gain a spec bump from the A12 to the A13.

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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 14
    firelockfirelock Posts: 238member
    My wife has been wanting to replace her old iPad mini 4 for several months now, but I have to tell her to wait until this update happens.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 14
    doozydozendoozydozen Posts: 539member
    Wonder if the smart connector means a Smart Keyboard for the first time in the mini’s history? 
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 14
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 3,924member
    Wonder if the smart connector means a Smart Keyboard for the first time in the mini’s history? 
    I doubt it - the mini’s size precludes a full sized keyboard. To match the width of the mini the keyboard would have to be significantly reduced, affecting its usability. 

    You could have a Smart Keyboard that’s wider than the iPad and then detach it when you don’t need it, but at that point you might as well get a separate BT keyboard. 
    edited July 2021 watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 14
    iloveapplegeariloveapplegear Posts: 113member
    I want one.
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 14
    caladaniancaladanian Posts: 380member
    Smaller(!) pencil 3?! I would dislike this, pencil 2 feels perfect. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 14
    fred1fred1 Posts: 1,112member
    I want one too. Among other reasons, then I won’t have any more devices that don’t charge from USB-C. 
  • Reply 7 of 14
    MplsPMplsP Posts: 3,924member
    fred1 said:
    I want one too. Among other reasons, then I won’t have any more devices that don’t charge from USB-C. 
    You don’t have an iPhone?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 14
    davendaven Posts: 696member
    Do you think I will notice a performance increase versus my original iPad mini? /s
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 14
    kingofsomewherehotkingofsomewherehot Posts: 4,179member
    daven said:
    Do you think I will notice a performance increase versus my original iPad mini? /s
    That depends on how you use it.

    In Safari and Mail and Facebook? ... probably not.
    If you use it for audio and/or video manipulation... then probably so.
    Higher-end games will also take advantage of the better chip.

    But it will, of course extend the future usefulness compared to version 4... including it's ability to run the news versions of iOS.



    watto_cobra
  • Reply 10 of 14
    kencruishkencruish Posts: 1member
    Same information keep repeating few years but never happened,so simple to claim the editor’s fees :D
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 14
    doozydozendoozydozen Posts: 539member
    MplsP said:
    Wonder if the smart connector means a Smart Keyboard for the first time in the mini’s history? 
    I doubt it - the mini’s size precludes a full sized keyboard. To match the width of the mini the keyboard would have to be significantly reduced, affecting its usability. 

    >>then why a smart connector? I haven’t seen it be used in any other application than smart keyboards, weather Apple made or 3rd party.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 12 of 14
    fred1fred1 Posts: 1,112member
    MplsP said:
    fred1 said:
    I want one too. Among other reasons, then I won’t have any more devices that don’t charge from USB-C. 
    You don’t have an iPhone?
    Yes, I do.  It charges from a USB-C charger.
    edited July 2021 watto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 14
    davdav Posts: 115member
    Please retain the headphone 3.5 mm Mini-jack!
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 14 of 14
    kingofsomewherehotkingofsomewherehot Posts: 4,179member
    fred1 said:
    Yes, I do.  It charges from a USB-C charger.
    So does the current Mini... so why do you care if it changes its port from Lightning (just like your iPhone) to USB-C? ... 
    watto_cobra
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