Code Leak Exposes Apple’s Next-Gen iPad Mini and Entry-Level iPad

Major Upgrades Coming to Apple’s Tablet Lineup iPad enthusiasts have reason to be excited, as a recent software code leak has offered a sneak peek into the future of Apple’s tablet family. The details suggest powerful new chips are coming to both the compact iPad mini and the affordable entry-level iPad, promising significant performance boosts and bringing advanced features like Apple Intelligence to more users.
iPad mini to Leapfrog to A19 Pro Power The most surprising revelation is for the iPad mini, which the leak ties to the unannounced A19 Pro chip family. This would represent a monumental leap in performance from its current A15 Bionic chip, positioning the smallest iPad as a portable powerhouse for gaming, creativity, and productivity. While this update may still be some time away, it signals Apple’s serious commitment to its compact tablet. The leak also mentions a potential shift to OLED display technology for the mini, though likely not before 2026.
Entry-Level iPad Gets an AI Brain The popular and budget-friendly iPad is also slated for a significant upgrade. According to the leak, a refreshed model is planned for early 2026, equipped with the A18 chip. This is a crucial update, as the A18’s Neural Engine capabilities would be sufficient to support Apple Intelligence features, bringing on-device AI to one of Apple’s most accessible products. The design and price point are expected to remain largely the same.
Part of a Larger Refresh These iPad updates are just two components of a much broader hardware roadmap that was unintentionally revealed. The leak also points to new versions of the Apple TV, HomePod mini, Vision Pro, and Apple Watch. It’s clear that Apple is working on a coordinated, multi-year plan to enhance the processing power and feature set of its entire device ecosystem, with its custom A-series and M-series silicon at the core of this strategy.