According to a report from MacRumors, Apple’s next iPad mini could be significantly more powerful than its predecessor. The publication claims that the rumored iPad mini could feature Apple’s A20 Pro chip, and if you haven’t heard the name yet, that’s because it’s slated to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in 2026.
Not long ago, there were rumors that the eighth-generation iPad mini would feature the A19 Pro chip, which also powers the iPhone 17 Pro models. While this would also have resulted in a significant performance increase compared to the A17 Pro chip in the current generation iPad mini, the A20 Pro could be a huge leap for the iPad mini and give it enough headroom to last for several years.
The iPhone 18 Pro chip on the iPad mini sounds pretty exciting
The publication cites the codenames mentioned in a “macOS kernel debug kit” as the source. However, it also mentions that Apple may be testing an iPad mini with the A20 Pro chip (an unreleased chip). In addition, the choice of processor also depends on the device’s launch schedule, but there is no consensus here either.
On the one hand, some sources suggest that Apple could release a new iPad mini in early 2026. In this case, it would either rely on the A19 Pro chip or be the first device to have the A20 Pro chip (which seems unlikely to me).
However, when the next-generation iPad mini launches in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 series, the chances of seeing the A20 Pro chip would be higher. In this case, Apple won’t just refresh the iPad mini with a silicon upgrade; it would make the Mini the flagship (and, not to mention, newest) piece of hardware.
In addition to the chipset rumor, the alleged iPad mini is also said to have an OLED screen, possibly around 8.5 inches (measured diagonally). If successful, the iPad will receive a highly anticipated display upgrade that could boost its sales. An OLED panel with deeper blacks and richer colors would provide a truly premium visual experience on an iPad mini.
If you’re thinking about getting a relatively small but equally powerful iPad, you might want to wait until next year, when Apple could unveil the new iPad mini with the A19 Pro or A20 Pro chip and an OLED screen. Keep in mind that the information provided here is based on an early leak and the company could change its path as the product gets closer to completion.
Most recently, an iOS 26 code leak also indicated a significant increase in performance for the entry-level iPad with the A19 chip.
