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Apple has quietly confirmed the development of a device that iOS users are hailing as a “game-changer” when it releases.
A programming expert found clues in the tech giant’s backend software that indicated it would work on an iPad 7 mini.
Unlike the iPhone, which gets a new version every year, the iPad mini hasn’t seen a new version released since 2021. Still, the iPad mini 6 has become the second most popular tablet, behind the Pro model released the same year.
Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the new device yet, but industry experts predict it will feature an 8.3-inch all-screen design, including a front-facing camera and a chip similar to that of the iPhone 15.
Apple has quietly confirmed the development of a device that iOS users have been hailing as a “game-changer” if it were to be released. A coding expert found undiscovered clues in the tech giant’s backend software that showed the device was working on an iPad 7 mini
Nicolás Álvarez recently discovered data in Apple’s software that showed new products were in the works, and discovered data identifying the iPad mini 7 will support both cellular and Wi-Fi connections. MacRumors reported.
The report found that the new tablet would reduce the “jelly scrolling” effect, a phenomenon where text and images appear to tilt downward on one side of the screen, forcing users to refresh the page.
That’s a common complaint from iPad users, but Apple could fix it by designing the device to automatically adjust and rotate depending on how you’re holding it.
Industry experts predict that the tech giant will add some of the latest iPad features to the mini model, such as the front-facing camera that launched with the updated iPad Air in May.
The new Mini 7 may also get the updated camera introduced in the Air this year.
The current iPad mini 6 is compatible with the Apple Pencil 2, but the upcoming model will likely also support the Pencil Pro, which also launched in May.
The new Pencil lets users perform tasks by pinching and rolling, so they can take notes, mark up images, and create digital masterpieces.
Squeezing the pen brings up a new palette, allowing users to switch between tools, line patterns, and colors.
Unlike the iPhone, which gets an upgrade 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 that same year
Activating the roll feature allows users to rotate the pen for precise control over the shaped pen and brush.
The improved device also features haptic feedback and hover, allowing users to write, sketch and illustrate without having to touch the iPad with the Pencil.
If Apple sticks to its latest iPad designs, users can also expect the thinnest iPad mini yet, as the new iPad Pro is thinner than the iPod Nano.
According to MacRumors, Apple fans can expect the iPad mini to launch later this year, in September or October.
There’s no pricing information yet, but the iPad mini 6 starts at $350.