Apple could introduce an iPad Mini with an A17 Pro chip, leak suggests
Apple recently unveiled its latest lineup of iPad models after a two-year hiatus. Now, a recent leak suggests that the company could be gearing up for future models, including a 7th-generation iPad mini and a base 11th-generation iPad. According to the discovered identifiers, the alleged iPad mini could be powered by the A17 chipset, which also powers the iPhone 15 Pro models. On the other hand, the next-generation base iPad could feature an A16 chip under the hood.
Leaked iPad models
According to a after On X (formerly Twitter) by user @aaronp613, 14 iPad models were discovered via identifiers found by Nicolás Álvarez. Of these six models, Apple is said to have discontinued them. The list of discontinued models includes two A14 chip-powered base iPad models and four M3 chip-powered iPad Pro models in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, the latter of which ultimately released with an M4 chip instead at its “Let Loose” event in May.
In addition to the 5 iPhone identifiers reported yesterday, the following iPad identifiers were found (and @AppleDBdev ‘s guesses about what this could be):
iPad13.20 – A14 Wi-Fi base model (discontinued)
iPad13.21 – A14 Cellular base model (dismantled)
iPad15.3 – M3 11-inch Pro Wi-Fi…— Aaron (@aaronp613) July 4, 2024
The leak also suggests that Apple is planning to introduce as many as eight iPad models in the future. One of the identifiers is said to be linked to an alleged iPad 11th generation, which could feature Apple’s A16 SoC under the hood. It is speculated that it will be available with both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options.
Another identifier reportedly points to a 7th-generation iPad mini. This tablet could be powered by the 3-nanometer A17 Pro SoC – the same chipset that powers Apple’s flagship iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Notably, the iPad (2022) launched in 2021, while the iPad mini (2021) debuted in 2021, meaning multiple years have passed since Apple last refreshed its lineup.
While Apple launched new iPad Pro models in May, it is rumored to be working on the next-generation of the tablet, and it could be powered by the unannounced M5 chipset that could be developed based on TSMC’s 2-nanometer manufacturing process. The alleged iPad Pro is speculated to come in two size options: 11-inch and 13-inch, similar to existing models, and could be available in both Wi-Fi and cellular configurations.
