Skip to main content

Next-generation iPad Mini and 9th-gen iPad tipped before iPhone 13 launch

We’re hearing last-minute hints and rumors about new iPad models ahead of Apple’s “California Streaming” event, which is already expected to see the release of the iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, AirPods 3, and potentially some accessories later today. The rumors concern a new iPad Mini and 9th-generation iPad, which we weren’t expecting to see at this event. There was earlier word that these would be launched alongside a new MacBook in a separate event in October.

Larger iPad Mini

Gizmodo Japan noticed an accessory listing that seems to confirm rumors about the iPad Mini, according to reporting from MacRumors. An Amazon listing for an Elecom glass screen protector has since been removed, but the protector was for an 8.38-inch “small” iPad. This corroborates display analyst Ross Young’s claim that the iPad mini 6 would have an 8.3-inch display. The size difference is due to a design change that mimics the iPad Air, with narrower bezels and no Home button.

Recommended Videos

Ninth-generation iPad

MacRumors also reported on rumors shared by Weibo account @PandaIsBald, which suggests we may see the ninth generation of Apple’s entry-level iPad during the event. The iPad has been sold out at some stores for weeks. This could be due to chip shortages, but may also be in preparation for the launch of a new iteration of Apple’s most affordable tablet.

Apple event will end speculation

We’ll soon find out if the rumors are true. You can watch “California Streaming” live at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET today, September 14, on Apple TV-compatible devices and YouTube.

Sandra Stafford
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Sandra Stafford is a Mobile team writer. She has three years of experience writing about consumer technology. She writes…
The problem with the new iPad mini
2024 iPad mini in the hands of a person.

Apple surprised everyone yesterday by introducing an updated iPad mini. What was less surprising was the package itself. It has the same look and feel, but it's doused in a few new colors and riding atop the might of A17 Pro silicon to enable Apple Intelligence.

“Built for Apple Intelligence,” says the company in its press headline. The tablet’s 8.3-inch screen has been blessed with support for Apple Pencil Pro, which bestows tricks like pressure recognition for strokes, hover, barrel roll, haptic feedback, and Find My support.

Read more
Apple just announced a new iPad mini. Here are all the big upgrades
The Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro).

Apple has announced an all-new iPad mini. This seventh-generation model, which has long been anticipated, features an A17 Pro chip designed to support Apple Intelligence. Visually, it looks just like the last iPad mini, but there are some key upgrades under the hood.

The A17 Pro chip, also found on the iPhone 15 Pro series, features a 6-core CPU that delivers 30% better performance than the previous model. Its 5-core GPU also offers improved graphics performance. In addition to an A17 Pro chip, the 2024 iPad mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP primary camera, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro.

Read more
The M4 iPad Pro might be in trouble
Home Screen of the M4 iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro (2024) is undoubtedly the best tablet you can buy. Unfortunately, it's also the most expensive. That's almost certainly why we're hearing news that demand for the tablet has dropped sharply.

DSCC’s Ross Young recently published a report noting that the M4 iPad Pro has been struggling recently following its promising May debut. According to the supply chain analyst, Apple initially expected to ship as many as 10 million panels of the 11-inch and 13-inch tablets. However, that number will likely drop to as little as 7 million before the end of the year. That's certainly not good.

Read more