Apple last refreshed the iPad mini in October 2024 and fans have been waiting since then for the next-gen model. There have been plenty of rumours about an OLED iPad Mini 8 coming soon in 2026. Now, Apple’s own website seems to have given away that the next iPad Mini is just around the corner.
Unreleased iPad Mini Smart Folio Spotted on the Apple Website
First spotted by MacRumours, a new iPad mini Smart Folio with the model number A3632 has appeared on Apple’s French regulatory website. This model number doesn’t match any current or past iPad mini case and the listing sits alongside iPhone 18 Pro accessories that Apple added in September.
For those wondering why this is such a big deal, it's because the iPad Mini 6 and iPad Mini 7 use the same Smart Folio. Apple hasn’t released a new iPad mini Smart Folio since 2021. So, a new case with a new model number suggests the next iPad mini will likely have a different design.
However, this is speculation and might not end up being true. Aside from that, there are also material differences between the current generation Smart Folio and the unreleased one. They are as follows:
| Detail | Current Smart Folio (6th Gen) | New Smart Folio (A3632) |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled content | At least 9% | At least 3% |
| Rare earth elements | At least 3,947 mg | At least 6,610 mg |
| Document date | December 22, 2022 | September 8, 2026 |
The higher content of rare earth material could indicate redesigned magnets for attaching the case to the iPad. This is also a strong indication of a design change and existing iPad Mini models might not fit inside the iPad Mini 8 case.
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iPad Mini 8 Expected Specifications and Pricing
The iPad Mini 8 will follow the two-year refresh cycle of Apple and rumours suggest a big upgrade this time. The biggest addition is expected to come in the form of an OLED display and the A20 Pro chipset from the iPhone 18 Pro models.
As for the refresh rate, there’s no clarity yet. Some leaks say the iPad mini 8 will stick to 60 Hz. However, Gurman claims Apple tested both 60 Hz and 120 Hz ProMotion panels, but he couldn’t confirm which one made the cut.
Here's what else iPad Mini 8 is expected to bring:
- OLED display with thinner bezels
- A20 Pro chipset
- Relocated front camera for landscape video calls
- Redesigned speaker system
- Better water resistance, according to Bloomberg
Lastly, the iPad Mini 8 is rumoured to be costlier than the 7th gen model due to the RAM crisis. Apple is expected to launch the tablet around October 27 or 28, 2026, alongside new OLED MacBook Pro models. So, stay tuned.
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