Leaked images and code from Apple suggest the company is preparing to launch a next-generation iPad mini, a new HomePod mini, and a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, likely as early as October, according to reports from MacRumors. The information was uncovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, who found product images and identifiers within Apple’s own code.
iPad Mini 8 Hardware Upgrades
The upcoming iPad mini, referred to as the iPad mini 8 in some reports, will be powered by the A20 Pro chip. Leaked artwork of the device reveals a significant change to the front-facing camera, which has been moved to the long edge for landscape positioning. This transition brings the small tablet in line with other iPad models, addressing the issue where the current Center Stage camera sits on the short edge and remains off-center during landscape video calls, according to AppleInsider.
Visuals of the device’s front show a small groove cut into the top of the display glass, similar to the design of the iPhone, which is presumed to be for the speaker. This detail follows reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman regarding a new vibration-based speaker system and increased water resistance. While the images only show the front of the tablet, the power and volume buttons remain located on the top of the device. Additional rumors suggest the new model may feature an OLED display and a slightly larger screen.
New HomePod Mini Colors and Performance
The second-generation HomePod mini is expected to maintain the same physical design as the first generation but will introduce a new color palette. According to macerkopf.de, the device will be available in five colors: green, pink, blue, white, and black. The new blue variant is described as being lighter than the blue used in the current model, which is sold in yellow, orange, blue, white, and midnight.
Under the hood, the HomePod mini is expected to feature a more powerful chip to provide support for Siri AI.
Apple TV 4K Fourth Generation
Evidence in the code points to the arrival of an Apple TV 4K (4th generation),
ending a four-year wait for a new model. A leaked image suggests the new version will retain the same external design as the current model, meaning improvements will be internal.
Technical specifications for the new Apple TV 4K are varied across reports. Some evidence suggests an A19 or A19 Pro chip, while other reports mention an A17 Pro chip or newer. The device is expected to see a significant memory increase to either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, up from the 4GB found in the 2022 model which uses the A15 Bionic chip. Other reported internal upgrades include:
- Siri AI support and Apple Intelligence
- An Apple-developed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support
- A redesigned Siri Remote
Expected Launch Timeline
While the presence of artwork in the code indicates preparations are underway, it does not establish a firm announcement date. However, October is a common month for Apple product launches. Mark Gurman has specifically predicted the iPad mini could launch by the end of October, while also noting that new Apple TV and HomePod mini models with Siri AI support remain on track to launch this year.
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