Apple might be delaying the launch of the iPad mini 6 until later this year.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities (via MacRumors), the next iteration of the iPad Mini sporting the M1 chip will launch in the second half of 2021.
Initially, it was expected to arrive in the first half of 2021, but the delay makes sense considering the worldwide chip shortage.
Previous leaks and rumors have stated the iPad mini 6 will feature a larger display but not a redesigned form-factor like the iPad Pro and iPad Air. It is said that the tablet will feature the same Touch ID home button complete with thick bezels and all. Think of it as an eighth generation iPad, but smaller.
It is also believed that the new iPad mini 6 will keep the Lightning port and will not make the jump to USB-C. This leaves the base model iPad and the iPad mini using the older port in the iPad lineup.
Kuo also notes that Apple is working on a model of the iPad mini with a Mini-LED display. Just like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, this will allow the tablet to output bright images and deeper blacks.
Kuo expects the latest iPad models to help Apple’s tablet sales moving forward, leading up to the launch of the new iPad mini later this year.
