Apple’s next iPad mini has surfaced in the company’s own code, revealing several changes planned for the eighth-generation model. The leaked files point to an A20 Pro chip, a landscape-oriented front camera and a new speaker system.
The code also contains product images of the new iPad mini, although they only show the front of the device. That leaves any changes to the rear or side design unknown, but the files provide a look at some of the hardware changes Apple is preparing.
A Landscape Camera Is Coming To The iPad Mini
The iPad mini 8 will reportedly move its front-facing camera to the landscape edge of the display. Apple has already made this change on its other recent iPad models, leaving the iPad mini as the last model in the lineup without a landscape front camera.
The leaked images show a small groove cut into the top of the display glass, similar to the speaker opening found on the iPhone. The volume and power buttons remain on the top edge, so the change appears focused on the camera and speaker arrangement rather than a complete redesign of the tablet.
The A20 Pro Will Power The New Model
The iPad mini 8 is also expected to move to Apple’s A20 Pro chip. The current iPad mini uses the A17 Pro, making the processor one of the main hardware upgrades expected with the new generation.
The A20 Pro has not been confirmed by Apple, but its appearance in the leaked information matches reports pointing to a new iPad mini arriving later this year.
Apple Is Changing The Speaker System
The speaker system is another area expected to change. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple is developing an all-new vibration-based speaker for the next iPad mini, along with water resistance.
The icons found in Apple’s code appear to support that report. Apple has not provided details about the new speaker system, so it is still unclear how the design will work or whether it will change the tablet’s audio performance.
OLED And A Larger Display Are Also Rumored
The iPad mini 8 has also been linked to a slightly larger display and an OLED panel. That would be a change from the current model’s LCD screen, although neither detail is confirmed by the leaked images.
The front-facing images do not provide enough information to determine the exact display size or panel technology, so those changes remain part of the existing rumors around the new model.
iPad Mini 8 Could Arrive In October
The presence of the new iPad mini in Apple’s code suggests the launch may be getting closer. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects Apple to introduce the tablet by the end of October.
Apple has not announced the iPad mini 8 or confirmed its release date, pricing or full specifications.
