Apple iPad mini 6 (2021) release date, rumours, features, and specifications

Apple iPad mini 6 (2021) release date, rumours, features, and specifications 

Apple's iPad mini was updated with new internals for the fifth generation of the 7.9-inch tablet in 2019, but the design remained unchanged, meaning it hasn't received a visual refresh in over six years.

There are numerous rumours indicating that a new iPad mini is in the works, and it appears as though we may finally see a design update as well.

Here's everything we've learned so far about the Apple iPad mini 6.

Release date and price

Apple does not currently have any scheduled events, but it typically launches new iPads in October.

Given that the new iPad mini 6, or iPad mini 2021, is expected to arrive "later this year" and "this fall," we'd pencil in October as an educated guess, but nothing has been confirmed and there are currently no rumours detailing a specific date.

We typically don't learn about Apple events until much closer to the date, so we shouldn't expect to learn about the iPad mini's release date for quite some time yet if October is accurate.

The current iPad mini 5 is priced at £399 in the United Kingdom and $399 in the United States. That was more expensive than the iPad mini 4, so we'd anticipate the new iPad mini to be priced similarly or slightly higher.

Design

According to rumours, the iPad mini 6 could see the most significant design refresh in the line's history since 2013. Squarer edges have been rumored, in keeping with the iPhone 12 models, new iMacs, and iPad Pros, as well as slimmer bezels and a larger display within the same footprint.

Additionally, it is claimed that the iPad mini 6 will relocate the Touch ID button from the bottom of the display to within the top-mounted power button, similar to the iPad Air (2020).

The new iPad mini's aluminum frame is said to measure 206 x 137.8 x 6.1mm - slightly taller and wider than the iPad mini 5 - and it will be available in black, silver, and gold color options.

Display

According to reports, the new iPad mini will feature a larger display than the original. It has not been specified how much larger, though the iPad Air (2020) increased in size by 0.4-inches when the design was changed to match the iPad mini 6 design.

If this is the case, the iPad mini 6 could feature an 8.3-inch display in the same footprint as the iPad mini 5, which features a 7.9-inch display. The resolution will almost certainly increase slightly to maintain the same pixel density as the previous model - 264ppi - but we do not anticipate a significant increase.

Although the iPad mini 5 is already compatible with the Apple Pencil, it is possible that the iPad mini 6 will support a smaller Apple Pencil. We wouldn't be surprised if the design includes a magnetic strip for charging the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, similar to the iPad Air.

Hardware and specifications

The Apple iPad mini 6 is said to be powered by an A14 Bionic chip and to support 5G connectivity.

There are currently no details on storage capacities - though the current iPad mini 5 is available in 64GB and 256GB configurations.

At the bottom of the device, there appear to be dual speakers, one on either side of what appears to be a USB Type-C port.