JAKARTA - Apple is reportedly preparing the latest generation of the iPad mini which will be the first iPad with a waterproof design. The tablet is expected to launch in October 2026 and bring a number of major updates, ranging from OLED screens to the latest generation processor.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is developing a new design that provides water protection equivalent to the iPhone line. If realized, the iPad mini will be Apple's first tablet to have official water resistance certification.
Currently, none of the iPad models have an IP rating. Apple also does not recommend all iPad models in the market for use in wet or water-exposed environments.
To realize the design, Apple is said to be developing a vibration-based speaker system that no longer requires a conventional speaker hole. The sound is produced through vibrations on the surface of the device's body, eliminating one of the main paths for water and dust to enter the device.
This approach is different from the technology used on the iPhone. On the phone, Apple relies on adhesives and gaskets to protect the speaker hole and other components from water ingress.
Until now it is not known what level of IP certification the latest iPad mini will have. For comparison, the iPhone currently has IP68 certification which allows the device to survive in water up to a depth of six meters for 30 minutes.
The technology of a speaker without a hole is actually not new for Apple. In 2014, the company filed a patent for a mechanical panel-based acoustic system that produces sound through vibrations on the surface of the device without requiring a speaker grille.
The more enclosed design is also expected to make the iPad mini more competitive with e-reader devices such as the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Libra Color, which have already offered waterproof features for reading activities near the pool or in the bathroom.
In addition to water resistance, the latest iPad mini is also rumored to carry an OLED screen. If true, this device will be the second iPad line to use an OLED panel after the iPad Pro. The technology offers higher contrast, deeper black colors, and more efficient power consumption than LCD panels.
A report from South Korean media, ETNews, said Samsung Display has started mass production of OLED panels for the device. Another source revealed that the screen used is 8.4 inches in size with LTPS technology and a 60Hz refresh rate, so it is estimated that it does not support the ProMotion feature.
In the performance sector, Apple is also said to be preparing a significant improvement. A number of information leads to the use of the A19 Pro chip previously used on the Air iPhone. However, other evidence found in the macOS kernel testing device indicates that Apple will actually equip the latest iPad mini with the A20 Pro chip which has not yet been announced.
Apple last updated the iPad mini in October 2024 by introducing the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support. Currently, the device is sold starting at $599 after a price adjustment in June 2026. Previous reports also mentioned that the OLED version could be priced around $100 more expensive, although this estimate was made before the latest price increase.
Until now, Apple has not given an official confirmation regarding the specifications and launch schedule of the latest generation iPad mini. All information is still based on reports and leaks from various sources.
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