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| Artistic representation of iPad mini (7th generation). |
A major leak from an internal build of the upcoming iOS 26 has spilled the beans on Apple’s product roadmap, and one device, in particular, is turning heads: the next-generation iPad mini. Slated to be the 8th iteration of Apple’s beloved compact tablet, the so-called iPad mini 8 isn’t just getting a mild refresh—the latest intel suggests it’s about to become a pocket-sized performance monster, offering incredible value for fans of smaller screens.
For months, the rumor mill churned with predictions that the new iPad mini would simply inherit the A19 Pro chip from the current iPhone Pro lineup—a solid upgrade in its own right, offering a 20-30% performance bump over the A17 Pro. However, the latest findings, dug up from the iOS 26 code, point to something far more ambitious.
According to a detailed summary by noted leaker ‘Kang’ on Weibo, the iPad mini 8 is now expected to be equipped with the A20 Pro chip. This is the same next-generation silicon anticipated to power the iPhone 18 series and the rumored iPhone Fold. The significance of this cannot be overstated. For the full breakdown from the original source, you can view Kang’s Weibo post here.
The A20 Pro represents a monumental leap in Apple’s chip design philosophy. It is expected to be Apple’s first chip built on an advanced 2-nanometer manufacturing process, a move that promises substantial gains over the current 3nm-based A19 family. Early projections suggest the new architecture could deliver up to 15% more raw power and a staggering 30% improvement in power efficiency. This means the iPad mini 8 won’t just be faster; it will also likely boast exceptional battery life, making it an ideal companion for mobile gaming, creative work, and on-the-go productivity.
To understand the magnitude of this generational jump, it’s helpful to look at the progress between recent chips. For a detailed technical comparison of the A17 Pro versus the A19 Pro, which the A20 Pro will far surpass, sites like CPU Monkey provide excellent insights, which you can find here.
But the upgrades aren’t limited to the engine under the hood. The leak also suggests the iPad mini 8 will finally make the long-awaited jump to an OLED display. The screen is tipped to grow slightly to 8.5 inches while offering the perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast ratio that OLED technology is famous for. One potential caveat for pro-motion enthusiasts is that the refresh rate may remain capped at 60Hz, not the 120Hz ProMotion found on higher-end iPad Pro models.
As for when we can expect to see this compact powerhouse, the current timeline points to a release in Q3 of 2026. It’s crucial to remember that these specs, while exciting, are based on pre-release software and internal testing. Plans can and do change, so the final product may differ. Apple, as always, has made no official announcements and will likely keep its cards close to its chest until launch day.
If these leaks hold true, the iPad mini 8 is poised to shatter expectations. By packing a flagship, future-proof chip designed for iPhones yet to be released into its iconic small form factor, Apple could be creating the ultimate sleeper hit—a device that proves immense power doesn’t require a massive screen.