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Apple's own files reveal what's inside the next two iPads. The smallest model will get the chip from the iPhone 18 Pro and a front camera in a new location, while the entry-level iPad will finally get Apple Intelligence. However, one of the two devices will be significantly delayed.
For months, the supply chain has pointed to an October launch of the iPad mini 8. Now, evidence has surfaced from Apple's own code – both for the iPad mini and the entry-level iPad. This was discovered by Aaron Perris, who analyzed the files for MacRumors: the files reveal details of the iPad mini 8, including official product images, and the technical specifications of the 12th-generation iPad.
The product images of the iPad mini 8 show only the front. The code for the iPad 12 contains only technical specifications, no images.
Key Facts at a Glance
- According to Apple's code, the iPad mini 8 will get the A20 Pro – the same chip as the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo.
- The front camera of the iPad mini moves to the long side, with a small cutout at the top edge of the display.
- The iPad 12 gets the A19, 8 GB of RAM, the N1 wireless chip and the C1X modem – and thus Apple Intelligence.
- The iPad mini 8 is expected to be released in October, while MacRumors estimates the iPad 12 will not be released before spring 2027.
- Today, the iPad (A16) costs from 499 euros, the iPad mini (A17 Pro) from 679 euros.
iPad mini 8: A20 Pro instead of A19 Pro
Previous findings in Apple code had linked the iPad mini 8 to the A19 Pro, the chip found in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air. In the overview of all rumors surrounding the iPad mini 8, it was therefore considered the most likely candidate, with the A20 Pro only a possibility in case of a late launch. The current discovery now names the newer chip.
The two scenarios are not mutually exclusive. The A19 Pro discovery is the older one, and the unveiling of the A20 Pro in the iPhone 18 Pro on September 9th falls between them. The iPad mini 8, with its October launch, will only appear after that.
For the iPad mini, this would be a significant step. The current model uses the A17 Pro from the iPhone 15 Pro; with the A20 Pro, the small tablet skipped two chip generations. The comparison between the A20 Pro and A19 Pro, using benchmark results from both iPhone generations, illustrates just how substantial this last step is. Whether Apple has installed the full-power version in the iPad mini isn't clear from the code – the predecessor used a variant with five instead of six graphics cores.
iPad mini 8: Front camera on the long side
The most noticeable change concerns the front-facing camera. According to Apple's specifications, the current iPad mini has it located on the short top edge next to the top button, oriented for portrait mode. All other current iPads already have it on the long side, as detailed in theiPad buying guide for the entire range. The iPad mini 8 will follow suit.
During video calls in landscape mode, the camera is positioned centrally above the image instead of at the side; in portrait mode, this is reversed. A Magic Keyboard that permanently puts the tablet in landscape mode is not available for the iPad mini: it is the only current iPad without a Smart Connector.
The images also show a small cutout at the top of the display glass, similar to the earpiece on the iPhone. MacRumors interprets this as part of a new speaker system. This aligns with earlier Bloomberg reports that Apple is using a speaker design with vibration technology in the iPad mini 8, requiring fewer openings in the casing and offering water resistance for the first time in an iPad. The top button with Touch ID and the volume buttons remain on the top.
| Feature | iPad mini (A17 Pro) | iPad mini 8 according to code found |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A17 Pro | A20 Pro |
| Front camera | short side (portrait format) | long side (landscape format) |
| Buttons | Top | Top |
| Cutout at the edge of the display | – | Yes |
The OLED display, long considered the most important innovation, cannot be gleaned from the code. Evidence for it still comes from the supply chain, where Samsung Display is said to have started mass production of the panels in June.
iPad 12: A19, N1 and C1X
The code for the entry-level iPad confirms what has been suggested in the rumor mill surrounding the 12th generation iPad for months: The device will get the A19 chip from the iPhone 17 and 8 GB of RAM. The A18 was also rumored at one point.
The most significant consequence concerns Apple Intelligence. The current iPad (A16) is the only model in the lineup without support; Apple's AI features require at least an A17 Pro or an M-series chip for the iPad. With the A19, this requirement is removed in the entry-level segment.
In addition, the N1 wireless chip and the C1X modem are included. Both are already found in the iPad Air and the iPad Pro. This would bring the cheapest iPad up to par with the more expensive models in terms of wireless connectivity.
| Feature | iPad (A16) | iPad 12 according to code found |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A16 | A19 |
| Apple Intelligence | no | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | WLAN 6, Bluetooth 5.3 | N1 (WLAN 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread) |
| Mobile modem | Qualcomm | C1X |
| RAM | – | 8 GB |
The code contains no information regarding design or colors. Originally, the iPad 12 was slated for release in spring 2026, but it has yet to appear. The iPad (A16) was released in March 2025, and the iPad Air with the M4 chip in March 2026. We expect Apple to maintain this release cycle for the iPad 12 and not unveil it before spring 2027.
Two iPads, two schedules
Unlike information from suppliers or leakers, this time the information comes from Apple's own files, including official product images for the iPad mini. One limitation remains: MacRumors does not publish the files itself, so independent verification is not possible.
The finished product images in the code for the iPad mini 8 suggest an imminent release. We expect it to arrive sometime in October, as indicated by supply chain reports since the summer. For the iPad 12, there is no such indication of an imminent release date.
Anyone wanting an iPad with Apple Intelligence today will have to opt for the iPad mini, starting at €679; the iPad (A16) at €499 doesn't offer these features. If you're planning to buy an iPad mini, the few weeks until its successor are released are worth it. However, the wait for the entry-level iPad is uncertain and likely to be several months.
Would you wait until spring for the iPad 12 to get Apple Intelligence – or is the iPad mini 8 in October the better choice for you? Let us know in the comments which one you'd prefer.
