Apple is already preparing iPad mini 8 - the tablet will receive the processor of the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro
You might also think this is a mistake, because the 7th generation iPad mini was released less than a year ago, and the 6th generation iPad mini has been in use for three years. However, information in the iPadOS operating system code indicates that Cupertino is already working on a descendant codenamed J510/J511.
Here's What We Know
The new iPad mini should receive an A19 Pro processor, which is a significant improvement over the seventh-generation 17 Pro. This processor should appear in the iPhone 17 Pro. Moreover, the iPhone 17 Air will get a stripped-down A19 with one video core disabled, while the iPad mini may get a full-fledged Pro chip.
In addition, there are rumours that the new iPad mini will get 12 GB of RAM. The current generation has 8 GB of RAM.
What it could mean
This is unusual, as the company usually uses simpler processors in the base iPad and iPad mini. It's hard to say for sure what the reason for this generosity is, as the company is currently making many changes to its ecosystem. The new design of iOS/iPadOS with "liquid glass" requires more computing power. The introduction of artificial intelligence, which is processed locally on the device, also requires a chip with a powerful neural module and more RAM. Ultimately, the new iPad could become the controlling chain in the new smart home ecosystem that Apple is preparing.
In addition, previous rumours suggested that the new iPad mini would feature an OLED display made by Samsung. Back then, rumours indicated that the updated device would be released in the first half of 2026.
Bottom line.
Apple has clearly planned a lot of announcements for the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. This news may upset users who have recently purchased the 7th generation iPad mini, but in general, the company has become much more active, which is good news.
Source: www.macrumors.com
