Apple appears to be preparing another update to its compact tablet range, with leaked images pointing to a new iPad mini model that could arrive as soon as October. The leak suggests the company is continuing with the iPad mini line despite the arrival of its larger foldable iPhone, giving consumers another small-screen option within Apple’s device range.
The leaked information comes from Apple code MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered. The files reportedly include images of the next-generation iPad mini, while other reports point to changes including a new speaker system, water resistance, and an upgraded processor. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported that Apple could introduce the updated tablet by late October.
New iPad mini shows changes to its front design
The leaked images show an iPad mini with a repositioned front-facing camera for landscape use. This would bring the smallest iPad into line with Apple’s other recent iPad models, which have increasingly moved towards landscape-oriented cameras for video calls and other uses. The new images also show a small opening or groove at the top of the display glass, believed to connect to the tablet’s redesigned speaker system.
The iPad mini 8 is expected to succeed the seventh-generation model, which launched in October 2024. The latest leak suggests the new tablet could use Apple’s A20 Pro chip, although earlier reports pointed to an A19 Pro processor. The latest Apple code discovery is therefore more significant because it provides additional evidence that the device is being considered for the A20 Pro.
Apple is also reportedly preparing a more water-resistant design for the next iPad mini. Gurman previously reported that the company was developing a vibration-based speaker system that could reduce or eliminate the need for conventional speaker openings. The latest leaked images appear to support that earlier information, although Apple has not officially confirmed the design or its water-resistance capabilities.
iPad mini remains separate from Apple’s foldable iPhone
The timing of the new tablet would put it in an interesting position within Apple’s product range. The iPad mini has an 8.3-inch display, while the main screen on the reported iPhone Duo is considerably closer in size to a conventional smartphone display. This similarity could make the two products appear to compete for customers looking for a larger portable screen.
Nevertheless, pricing and purpose differ significantly. The current iPad mini starts at $599 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model, while the iPhone Duo is reported to start at $1,999 with 256GB of storage. The substantial price gap leaves room for the iPad mini to serve customers who want a compact tablet without paying the premium associated with a foldable smartphone.
The new tablet is also expected to bring display improvements. Previous reports suggest Apple could move the iPad mini from LCD to OLED, potentially with a slightly larger panel. A separate report suggests an increase from 8.3 inches to around 8.7 inches, although Apple has not confirmed either the display size or the final specifications.
If the reported October launch window is accurate, the iPad mini could become one of several Apple products introduced during a busy period for the company. MacRumors has reported that the next iPad mini, HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K could all be announced around October. However, Apple has yet to provide an official launch schedule for these products.
HomePod mini 2 could arrive in new colours
Apple also appears to be preparing a second-generation HomePod mini. Images found in Apple’s code reportedly identify the product as the HomePod mini 2 and show five colour options: green, pink, blue, white and black. MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris made the discovery again and provided visual evidence that Apple is working on an updated version of its small smart speaker.
The colour selection would represent a noticeable change from the current range. The existing HomePod mini is available in yellow, orange, blue, white and midnight. At the same time, the leaked second-generation model appears to replace several of those options with green, pink and black. The new blue version is also reportedly lighter than the current blue finish.
The external design is expected to remain broadly familiar, with the leaked images showing a similar compact, fabric-covered speaker. Apple has been linked to a new HomePod mini for several years, and reports suggest an updated chip could eventually support newer Siri features. However, the latest leak does not confirm the full hardware specification or final feature set.
Apple introduced the original HomePod mini in October 2020 at a starting price of US$99, before later increasing it to US$129. A new model would therefore arrive nearly six years after the first-generation speaker, potentially allowing Apple to update the hardware while refreshing its colour range. MacRumors reports that the leaked product is likely to launch before the end of 2026, with October considered a possible timeframe.
