Apple’s next-generation iPad mini will reportedly use the A20 Pro chip and move its front-facing camera to the landscape edge, according to new details found in Apple’s own code.
The discovery, made by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, includes references and product imagery for the unreleased iPad mini. The images suggest Apple will retain the familiar overall design while making several important changes around the display and speakers.
Most notably, the new iPad mini is identified as using the A20 Pro chip, the same generation of processor found in Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models. That would settle earlier reports that had left the tablet’s processor uncertain between the A19 Pro and A20 Pro.
The front-facing camera also appears to have moved to the landscape edge of the display. That would bring the iPad mini into line with Apple’s other current iPads and make video calls more naturally centered when the tablet is used horizontally.
The leaked imagery also shows a small groove at the top of the display glass that appears to be connected to the speaker system.
That detail lines up with earlier reporting from Bloomberg that Apple has been developing a redesigned speaker system for the new iPad mini. The system is expected to use vibration-based technology as part of Apple’s efforts to improve the tablet’s water resistance.
The Apple Post reported earlier this week that the new iPad mini is expected to launch in October with an OLED display, improved water resistance and a significant performance upgrade.
OLED is expected to be the headline display change, replacing the LCD panel used by the current model with technology capable of deeper blacks and improved contrast. Previous reports have suggested the display may be slightly larger, although ProMotion is not currently expected.
The current iPad mini was introduced in October 2024 with the A17 Pro chip. Moving to A20 Pro would represent a three-generation jump and give Apple’s smallest tablet considerably more processing headroom for Siri AI and future software features.
The presence of product imagery and hardware references inside Apple’s code adds further evidence that the new model is close to release. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has said Apple is aiming to launch the next iPad mini by the end of October.
Apple has not announced an October event, meaning the new iPad mini could arrive through a Newsroom announcement if the company does not hold another presentation this fall.
