Apple Launching 8.5-Inch iPad Mini Next Year, Analyst Claims

Apple will be releasing a new 8.5-inch iPad Mini in 2021 after unveiling a bigger model later this year, a noted analyst claims.

In a research note, famed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple will be releasing a new 8.5-inch iPad in the first half of 2021, MacRumors reported. The analyst claimed that this will be a refresh to the iPad Mini, which was last refreshed early last year.

8.5-inch iPad Mini

The current iPad Mini sports an A12 Bionic chip, a front camera that's better than the one on its predecessor and has support for the first-generation Apple Pencil. Kuo didn't specify what upgrades and changes Apple could include in the upcoming refresh, except that it will have an 8.5-inch display. He did, however, say that it will ship with a 20W power adapter.

Kuo's new note echoes what he said earlier, stating that Apple will be releasing a new iPad Mini during the first half of 2021. At that time, however, he said that Cupertino could increase the device's display size, bumping it up to 9 inches.

MacOtakara reported that the same time that according to a Chinese supplier, the new iPad Mini will use a Lightning connector instead of USB-C.

10.8-inch iPad

Aside from this, Kuo also expects Apple to release a new 10.8-inch iPad later this year, within the second half of 2020. He didn't provide details regarding the device's expected specs and features. He only said it will ship with a 20W power adapter in the box, like the smaller iPad.

Kuo didn't say if this upcoming device will be a refresh of the existing 10.2-inch iPad or the 10.5-inch iPad Air. Previously, however, he said a 10.8-inch iPad Air will be arriving within the second half of 2020. Another report earlier said this device will be mass-produced starting in the third quarter of the year.

20W chargers?

Kuo mentioned that both iPad models will come with 20W power adapters. On the other hand, he said he expects that the upcoming iPhone 12 lineup will not come with any charger in the box and that the 20W power adapters will be an optional accessory that iPhone 12 buyers will need to buy separately.