Apple’s next iPad mini could be a much bigger upgrade than a simple processor refresh. A new leak from Apple’s own code has revealed the A20 Pro chip, a redesigned front camera position, and a new speaker design for the upcoming iPad mini. The information was discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, who found references to the unreleased tablet inside Apple’s software code along with product imagery. The images only show the front of the device, so changes to the rear and side design remain unknown.
A20 Pro chip is the biggest surprise
The most notable detail is the processor. According to the leaked Apple code, the iPad mini 8 will use the A20 Pro chip. This would be a significant jump from the A17 Pro used in the current iPad mini, which Apple launched in October 2024. Apple’s current model was built around Apple Intelligence and an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display.
The A20 Pro is also used in the latest iPhone 18 Pro models, according to the latest reporting. That does not automatically mean the iPad mini will have exactly the same performance configuration, but it shows how much newer the processor could be compared with the current model.
Earlier reports had suggested Apple was considering a major processor upgrade, with the A19 Pro and A20 Pro both appearing in the rumor cycle. The latest code discovery provides stronger evidence for the A20 Pro specifically, although Apple has not officially announced the tablet.
The front camera is finally moving
The leaked product image also reveals a practical design change. Apple appears to have moved the front-facing camera from the short edge to the landscape edge of the display. This is the same general positioning Apple has already adopted on newer iPad models.
For people who frequently use an iPad mini for FaceTime or video meetings while holding it horizontally, the change should put the camera in a more natural position. It also means the iPad mini could become the final iPad in Apple’s lineup to receive the landscape camera arrangement.
The leaked image still shows the power and volume buttons on the top of the device, while the overall design appears similar to the current model.
A new speaker system could enable water resistance
There is another interesting detail near the top of the display: a small groove that appears to be related to the speaker. This lines up with earlier reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman about Apple developing a vibration-based speaker system for the next iPad mini. Instead of relying on conventional speaker openings, the technology could use parts of the device’s body to produce sound.
That change matters because Apple is also reportedly working on improved water resistance for the iPad mini. No current iPad has an official water-resistance rating, so this would represent a notable change for the product line. However, the exact protection level of the new model has not been confirmed.
OLED display is still expected
The latest leak does not confirm the display technology, but previous reports have pointed to an OLED display for the next iPad mini. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is planning an OLED iPad mini for release by the end of October. Earlier reporting also suggested a slightly larger display, although the exact size remains unconfirmed.
If the OLED report is accurate, the display could be one of the most noticeable changes for everyday users, while the A20 Pro would provide the larger performance upgrade underneath.
Launch date remains unconfirmed
Apple has not announced the iPad mini 8, its price, or its exact specifications. However, the appearance of product images and references inside Apple’s own code suggests development is at an advanced stage. Gurman has previously reported that Apple could launch the new iPad mini by the end of October. That timing is also consistent with reports of several new Apple products expected during the company’s late-2026 product cycle.
For now, the A20 Pro chip, landscape camera, and redesigned speaker area have the strongest evidence from the latest leak. OLED, increased water resistance, and other changes remain based on earlier reporting and should still be treated as unconfirmed until Apple makes an official announcement.
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