Updated September 30 with more details including expected pricing.
Apple released the latest versions of the iPad Pro and iPad Air in May 2024, but the last update to the regular iPad was the 10 generation model, back in October 2022, and the iPad mini sixth-generation came out in September 2021. Both seem due an upgrade, no? Here's what we're expecting and when, and there have been more reports suggesting exactly what's coming, and what might be delayed, plus pricing thoughts.
Let's start with the pricing which is likely to be on par with current iPad mini prices, that is, it will start from $499 for the basic level of storage and wi-fi only connectivity. The U.K. pricing is likely to also match the current model, at £499. That's more than the entry-level iPad, and that's something which has always been the case for the mini, not least because it has traditionally included a display with a higher pixel density than the larger model.
For reference, the iPad 10 generation display has a display with 264 pixels per inch resolution, while the iPad mini has 326ppi. That's exceptional for the iPad range: both the iPad Pro and iPad Air have 264ppi resolution in each model, though the latest Pro models have switched to an OLED screen technology.
Some iPad mini users have reported witnessing "jelly scrolling" where the images can look fragmented when scrolling in landscape orientation. At least one rumor has claimed that this will be diminished or eliminated in the next iPad mini.
There were no iPads seen at the September special event. October seems likely, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. He said recently, "There are also new iPads in the works, including an upgraded mini version. They're on deck for Apple's October event alongside the M4 Macs."
Apple phased out the iPad ninth-generation when the Pro and Air launched. This was the only iPad with a Home Button on the front. The 10-gen model was already in the range but this dropped in price significantly. It's possible that the launch of an 11-generation iPad will see the 10-gen retire, or it could stay in the range at its lower price and the new model could arrive with a higher price sticker.
After all, every model of the iPhone 16 series is capable of Apple Intelligence, and Apple might want to add this to the new iPad, which would mean a much more powerful processer than the current model, either the A17 Pro or A18, I would guess. Either way, that suggests a higher price than the current 10-generation iPad.
The mini has always had a longer time between updates. Previous reports have said that the main selling point of the new mini will be the processor, suggesting both that the processor will be a big leap forward and the design will not change (as that would be a major selling point, too, if it did). My guess is the mini will have a more powerful processor than the iPad, likely the A18 or (less likely) the A18 Pro.
Gurman has predicted an October event. Last year, this was held on October 30, just before Halloween, lending the keynote the tagline "Scary fast". I'd expect the same sort of timeframe this year, perhaps on Monday, Oct. 28 or the week after, Monday, Nov. 4. Apple Intelligence arrives at some point in October and it makes sense to me that new hardware that's Apple Intelligence-capable should arrive at or after the software is released.
Reports from display expert Ross Young have suggested that the screens for the regular iPad will start shipping in October. That's a timeline that could mean the 11-gen model might not reach stores until 2025. Which could mean we'll only see the iPad mini (plus new Macs) at the next special event.