Apple’s iPad mini has always tried to hit a sweet spot. It’s small enough to slip into a bag and go anywhere, yet powerful enough to feel like a full-fledged iPad. If the latest leaks are to be believed, the upcoming iPad mini 8 could take that idea to a whole new level, especially when it comes to performance.
Early signs of a big upgrade
According to information spotted in an internal iOS 26 build, Apple is already testing the next version of the iPad mini. Earlier rumors pointed to a move away from the A17 Pro chip, with many expecting the tablet to get the A19 Pro, the same processor likely to power future iPhone Pro models. That would already be a solid step forward, with performance improvements said to be around 20 to 30%.
But a newer leak shared by Weibo tipster Kang suggests Apple might be planning something even more ambitious. The iPad mini 8 is now rumored to be running on the A20 Pro, a chip expected to launch with the iPhone 18 lineup and Apple’s first foldable device. If this turns out to be true, the mini could be among the first iPads to use Apple’s next-generation 2nm silicon.
What the A20 Pro could mean for the mini
The A20 Pro is said to deliver about 15% higher performance and up to 30% better power efficiency compared to today’s 3nm chips. For a compact tablet, that could mean quicker app launches, smoother gaming, and longer battery life. These are areas where the iPad mini already performs surprisingly well, and this upgrade could push it even further ahead.
A possible display upgrade
There are also whispers about a screen upgrade. The iPad mini 8 is rumored to come with an 8.5-inch OLED display, which would be a first for the mini line. While it’s expected to stick with a 60Hz refresh rate, keeping it below the Pro models, an OLED panel would still bring richer colors and deeper contrast compared to the current LCD screen.
Looking ahead to 2026
Apple is reportedly aiming for a Q3 2026 release, so there’s still time for plans to change. Even so, if these leaks prove accurate, the iPad mini 8 could end up being much more powerful and more premium than most people expect from Apple’s smallest tablet.
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