- READ MORE: Apple ‘cancels’ high-end device over criticism of current model
Apple has quietly confirmed the development of a device that iOS users have hailed as “revolutionary” if released.
A coding specialist found clues in the tech giant’s backend software that showed it is working on an iPad 7 mini.
Unlike the iPhone, which is updated every year, the iPad mini hasn’t seen a new version since 2021, but the iPad mini 6 became the second most popular tablet after the Pro model released the same year.
Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the new device, but industry experts have predicted it will feature an 8.3-inch all-screen design, include a front-facing camera, and pack a chip on par with the iPhone 15.
Apple has quietly confirmed the development of a device that iOS users have hailed as a “paradigm shift” if released. A coding specialist has discovered clues in the tech giant’s backend software that show it is working on an iPad 7 mini
Nicolas Alvarez recently discovered data in Apple’s software that showed new products in development, uncovering identifiers that the iPad mini 7 will support both cellular and Wi-Fi, Mac Rumors reported.
The report suggested the new tablet would reduce “jelly scrolling,” which occurs when text and images on one side of the screen appear to tilt downward, forcing users to refresh the page.
This has been a major complaint among iPad users, but Apple could address it by designing the device to automatically adjust and rotate depending on how you hold it.
Industry experts have predicted that the tech giant could add some of the iPad’s latest features to the mini model, such as the front-facing camera launched in May with the redesigned iPad Air.
The new mini 7 could also see the updated camera launched on the Air this year.
The current iPad mini 6 supports the Apple Pencil 2, but the next model will likely support the Pencil Pro, also released in May.
The new Pencil allows users to accomplish tasks by squeezing and twisting the pen to take notes, mark up images and create digital masterpieces.
Pressing the pen creates a new palette, allowing users to switch between tools, line designs, and colors.
Unlike the iPhone, which is updated every year, the iPad mini hasn’t seen a new version since 2021, but the iPad mini 6 (pictured) became the second most popular tablet after the Pro model released the same year.
By activating barrel twist, users can rotate the pen for precise control of the shaped pen and brush tools.
The updated device also comes with haptic feedback and swipe functionality, allowing users to write, draw and illustrate without touching the iPad with the Pencil.
If Apple sticks with the latest iPad designs, users could also see the thinnest iPad mini yet, as the new iPad Pro is thinner than the iPod Nano.
MacRumors suggested that Apple fans could see the iPad mini launch towards the end of this year, either in September or October.
And while there’s been no word on pricing, the iPad mini 6 starts at $350.