Next iPad mini may debut with A19 Pro chip from upcoming iPhone 17 Pro

Apple ipad mini

Apple appears to be preparing a major performance upgrade for its next-generation iPad mini. According to internal code accidentally made public, the compact tablet,  internally identified as J510 and J511, will run on the yet-to-be-released A19 Pro processor, the same high-end chip expected to power the iPhone 17 Pro models launching this September.

The discovery suggests Apple is continuing its trend of equipping the iPad mini with top-tier silicon from its Pro iPhone line. The current iPad mini, released in 2024, features the A17 Pro, a chip introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro series. Moving to the A19 Pro would provide a notable jump in both CPU and GPU performance, improving everything from gaming and creative apps to multitasking and Apple Pencil responsiveness.

The A19 Pro is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most powerful mobile chips to date, with more GPU cores than the standard A19. Reports also point to an intermediate version, a “binned” A19 Pro with one fewer GPU core, that could find its way into the rumoured iPhone 17 Air. By opting for the full A19 Pro, the next iPad mini would benefit from Apple’s most capable graphics hardware in the mobile lineup, potentially closing the gap with the iPad Pro for some workflows.

While the processor upgrade looks almost certain based on the leak, the timing of the new iPad mini’s release is less clear. Multiple reports have pointed to a redesign featuring an OLED display, which would bring deeper blacks, higher contrast, and improved energy efficiency compared to the current LCD. However, launch predictions vary widely: some suggest 2026 as the earliest possible date, while others say the update might not arrive until 2027.

The leaked code also revealed Apple’s work on a refreshed entry-level iPad, codenamed J581 and J582. This more affordable model is said to be moving to the A18 chip, positioning it as a capable but cost-conscious option in Apple’s tablet range. The low-cost iPad could launch as early as spring 2026, though Apple has not confirmed any details.

If the iPad mini does receive the A19 Pro, it would be one of the most powerful small-form tablets on the market, appealing to users who want flagship performance in a highly portable device. That could make it especially attractive to students, digital artists, and professionals who need power without the size of a standard iPad Pro.