A 7th-Gen iPad mini Is Coming along with New Apple Watch Colors
Credit: Daniel Romero / Valen Don / Unsplash
The previously-accurate leaker known as ShrimpApplePro today tweeted about a possible new seventh-generation iPad mini, as well as new color options for the Apple Watch Series 9 and the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
iPad mini 7
In a series of tweets, the leaker said there is evidence that a new iPad model is on the way later this year — most likely a seventh-generation iPad mini.
The tweets add to the pile of comments we’ve seen from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has said that an iPad mini with a minor “spec bump” could be on the way. Well-connected Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kup has also said he expects to see a new iPad begin mass production, likely during the first quarter of 2024.
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ShrimpApplePro’s comments about a new iPad mini were included in a series of tweets that also discussed the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 and the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, which are both expected to debut this September, alongside the new iPhone 15 lineup. The leaker says he’ll reveal more details about the iPad mini will be shared a bit farther down the line.
A spec-bumped iPad mini would likely boast a new processor, possibly the A16 Bionic or A17 Bionic, both of which are expected to be used in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineups, respectively.
The new iPad mini could also receive a spec bump for its front and rear-facing cameras, possibly allowing Apple to bring new camera features to the mini, such as ProRes video, Portrait mode, and other features.
Improved connectivity features, including Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E, may also make it inside the next-gen iPad mini.
New Color Option for Apple Watch Series 9
The leaker also tweeted that the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 aluminum model will be available in a new pink color option.
ShrimpApplePro said the Series 9 will share the same overall design as the current Apple Watch Series 8 and will continue to be available in 41mm and 45mm case sizes.
Assuming the (PRODUCT)RED, Midnight, Starlight, and silver finishes carry over from the Series 8, the new pink would add a fifth color option to the aluminum Series 9 lineup. However, Apple may also shake things up a bit considering the 2021 Apple Watch Series 7 also offered five shades, with blue and green preceding last year’s silver.
Apple already offers a pink finish for its current iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad, and iMac devices, and a pink color option has also been rumored for the upcoming iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus lineups.
Stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 models are said to retain the same traditional gold, silver, and graphite colors as prior generations.
– Apple Watch Ultra 2
Same design.
And I can confirm this year we will have the black titanium this year along with the current standard titanium.
(MKBHD Edition) ? pic.twitter.com/zxsVu0TYKX— ShrimpApplePro ? (@VNchocoTaco) August 1, 2023
Additionally, ShrimpApplePro says the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will be available with a black titanium case in addition to its current “natural” titanium finish.
Earlier this week, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted that Apple had tested the darker finish for the original Apple Watch Ultra, but decided against it. Gurman added that the darker finish could “theoretically” be an option for the upcoming second-generation Ultra due to the popularity of the current model.
For those of you living in a cave (although if you live in a cave, you may already own an Apple Watch Ultra, you rugged individual), the original Apple Watch Ultra, released in 2022, is a more rugged and slightly larger version of the standard Apple Watch and is popular with outdoorsy types that engage in extreme sports, hiking, diving, and similar activities.
As usual, reports such as this should be taken with a grain of your favorite low-sodium salt substitute, as news like this cannot be considered official until Apple debuts the next-generation iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 9, and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
