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The iPad mini is poised for a major performance leap. According to internal code notes, Apple is preparing a new generation of the compact tablet, which will be equipped with the A19 Pro chip for the first time. This processor is planned for the next iPhone generation and promises significant improvements in speed and graphics performance.
The information came to light through an accidentally released Apple code that clearly hinted at new devices. Among them is the iPad mini, codenamed J510/J511, which is expected to feature the A19 Pro chip. The same chip is expected in the iPhone 17 Pro models, which will be released in September of this year. The technical upgrade demonstrates that Apple is focusing on high-end performance even with the smallest iPad.
A19 Pro chip in the iPad mini
The A19 Pro will not only deliver more CPU performance, but also, and most importantly, an upgrade to the GPU. Compared to the standard A19, the Pro has more GPU cores, which should be particularly noticeable in graphics-intensive applications. Apple is also apparently planning an intermediate version of the chip in which one GPU core is deactivated. This so-called binned version is to be used in the iPhone 17 Air, but is not planned for the iPad mini. The current iPad mini, launched in 2024, uses the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro models. The switch to the A19 Pro represents a significant leap in processing power. This will not only make the device faster but also better utilize future iPadOS features.
Possible release date
There's no concrete launch date for the new iPad mini yet. Rumors suggest that Apple is also working on a model with an OLED display. This could be released as early as 2026, but possibly as late as 2027. Whether the A19 Pro will be incorporated into the iPad mini before then, or whether both developments will coincide, is currently unclear.
Other iPad plans from Apple
The leaked code also contains references to an updated entry-level iPad, codenamed J581/J582. This model is expected to feature an A18 chip and could be unveiled as early as next spring. This would allow Apple to refresh its tablet lineup at several performance levels—from the most affordable version to the compact high-end model.
Apple sets new performance standards with the iPad mini
With the A19 Pro chip, the next iPad mini is likely to be one of the most powerful compact tablets on the market. The combination of a handy size and the power of a flagship iPhone makes it particularly attractive for applications that require high performance in a small space. While the exact timeline is still unclear, there are many indications that Apple intends to develop the iPad mini into a true performance flagship in a mini format in the coming years. (Image: Shutterstock / WML Image)
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