Rumored new iPad mini 6 could feature A15 chip from iPhone 13, USB-C

Ipad Mini 6 Power Button Render
Ipad Mini 6 Power Button Render (Image credit: Jon Prosser / FrontPageTech)

What you need to know

  • Multiple rumors indicate Apple has a new iPad mini in the works.
  • It is expected to feature a new design and updated internals.
  • A new report says that includes an A15 processor and a USB-C port.

A new report says that Apple's rumored upcoming iPad mini will feature the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13 and a USB-C connector, as well as a smart connector like current iPads.

According to 9to5Mac the new iPad mini will feature the A15 chip expected to debut in the iPhone 13. This will be based on current 5nm manufacturing processes, and we've previously heard the iPhone 13's chip will be made using a new N5 Plus manufacturing technique.

9to5Mac also says that according to sources the new iPad mini will have a USB-C connector and a Smart connector like the iPad Air and the iPad Pro.

We've previously heard multiple rumors stating the iPad mini 6 could feature a redesign to bring it up to speed with the rest of the iPad lineup, including thinner bezels and a squarer design. In June Jon Prosser reported that the new iPad would feature the aforementioned redesign, no home button, Touch ID in the iPad's power button, USB-C, and a new smaller Apple Pencil. It has also been suggested the iPad mini could feature 5G support.

Much of this information was reiterated by Mark Gurman who says the new iPad mini will be the products "biggest redesign" in its nine-year history, against pointing to no Home Button and other changes. The only release window Gurman gave was that the iPad mini was set for a fall launch.

If the iPad mini delivers on expectations it could turn out to be one of the best iPads Apple has ever made.

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9