- READ MORE: Apple ‘cancels’ high-end device due to criticism of current model
Apple has quietly confirmed the development of a device that iOS users proclaimed as a ‘game-changer’ if released.
A coding specialist found uncovered clues in the tech giant’s backend software that showed it is working on an iPad 7 mini.
Unlike the iPhone, which is upgraded every year, the iPad mini has not seen a new version since 2021 – but the iPad mini 6 became the second most popular tablet after the Pro model released the same year.
Apple has not officially confirmed the new device, but industry experts have predicted it will boast an 8.3-inch all-display design, including a front-facing camera and include a chip on par with the iPhone 15.
Apple has quietly confirmed the development of a device that iOS users proclaimed as a ‘game-changer’ if released. A coding specialist found uncovered clues in the tech giant’s backend software that showed it is working on an iPad 7 mini
Nicolás Álvarez recently spotted data in Apple’s software that showed new products in the works, uncovering identifiers that the iPad mini 7 will support both cellular and Wi-Fi, MacRumors reported.
The report suggested that the new tablet would cut down on ‘jelly scrolling,’ which happens when text and images on one side of the screen appear to tilt downward – forcing users to refresh the page.
That has been a major complaint among iPad users, but Apple could fix it by designing the device to automatically adjust and rotate depending on how you hold the device.
Industry experts have predicted that the tech giant could add some of the latest iPad features to the mini model, such as the front-facing camera launched in May with the redesigned iPad Air.
The new mini 7 may also see the updated camera launched in the Air this year.
The current iPad mini 6 is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, but the upcoming model will likely support the Pencil Pro, also released in May.
The new Pencil lets users perform tasks by squeezing and barrel rolling to take notes, mark up images and create digital masterpieces.
Squeezing the pen creates a new pallet, allowing users to switch between tools, line designs and colors.
Unlike the iPhone , which is upgraded every year, the iPad mini has not seen a new version since 2021 – but the iPad mini 6 (pictured) became the second most popular tablet after the Pro model released the same year
By activating the barrel roll, users can rotate the pen for precise control of the shaped pen and brush tools.
The upgraded device also comes with haptic feedback and hover, which lets users write, sketch and illustrate without touching the Pencil to the iPad.
If Apple sticks with the latest iPad designs, users could also see the thinnest iPad mini yet – as the new iPad Pro is thinner than the iPod Nano.
MacRumors suggested that Apple fans could see the release of the iPad mini toward the end of this year, either September or October.
And while there has been no news about pricing, the iPad mini 6 starts at $350.