Apple recently unveiled its latest lineup of iPad models after a gap of two years. Now, a recent leak suggests that it is preparing to develop future models, including the iPad mini 7th generation and the base iPad 11th generation. According to the discovered identifiers, an alleged iPad mini may be powered by the A17 chipset, which also powers the iPhone 15 Pro models. On the other hand, the next generation of the base iPad may get an A16 chip under the hood.
Leaked iPad models
According to a post made by user @aaronp613 on X (formerly Twitter), 14 iPad models were discovered through the identifiers found by Nicolas Alvarez. Of these, six models have been scrapped by Apple. The list of scrapped models includes two A14 chip-powered base iPad models and four M3 chip-powered iPad Pro models in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, the latter of which was eventually released with the M4 chip at the ‘Let Loose’ event in May.
In addition to the 5 iPhone identifiers reported yesterday, the following iPad identifiers were also found (and @AppleDBdev ‘s guess as to what they might be):
iPad13,20 – A14 Wi-Fi base model (scrapped)
iPad13,21 – A14 Cellular base model (scrapped)
iPad15,3 – M3 11-inch Pro Wi-Fi…— Aaron (@aaronp613) July 4, 2024
The leak also suggests that Apple is planning to introduce eight iPad models in the future. One of these identifiers is linked to the alleged iPad 11th generation, which may feature Apple’s A16 SoC. It is expected to be available with both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options.
Another identifier claims that it refers to the iPad mini 7th generation. This tablet could be powered by the 3-nanometer A17 Pro SoC – the same chipset that also powers Apple’s flagship iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Notably, the iPad (2022) was launched in 2021 while the iPad mini (2021) debuted in 2021, which means it has been several years since Apple refreshed its lineup.
Although Apple launched new iPad Pro models in May, it is rumoured to be developing the next generation of the tablet, and it could be powered by the unannounced M5 chipset that could be developed based on TSMC’s 2-nanometer manufacturing process. The alleged iPad Pro is speculated to come in two sizes: 11-inch and 13-inch, which is similar to the existing models, and it could be available in both Wi-Fi and cellular configurations.
