New information emerging for the Apple iPad mini indicates that the company is preparing for a significant design change in its tablet series. According to shared details, Apple plans to introduce its first water-resistant iPad model later this year. The new iPad mini, expected to be announced in October, is anticipated to come with comprehensive innovations not only in terms of durability but also screen technology and processor performance. While none of the company's existing iPad models have an official water resistance certification, the new model is considered to represent the first step in this area.
How will the vibration-based speaker system change the iPad mini?
To date, Apple has not recommended that iPad models come into contact with liquids and does not offer any IP rating for the devices. According to claims, the new iPad mini will feature a body design approaching the level of protection seen in the iPhone series. This aims to allow the tablet to be used more safely in environments with a high risk of water contact, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or poolside. However, the device's specific IP certification is not yet known, and no official confirmation has been made by Apple regarding this.
The most striking technical change behind the water resistance goal is seen in the speaker system. According to claims, Apple is working on a new vibration-based acoustic solution that could eliminate traditional speaker grilles. In this system, sound is produced not through speaker holes but by directly vibrating the flat surfaces that form the tablet's casing. This eliminates one of the most significant openings that could allow water and dust to enter the device.
It also appears that Apple has been working on this technology for a long time. A patent granted to the company in 2014 described a design called a "mechanically actuated panel acoustic system," which vibrates flat surfaces to produce sound. While it's noteworthy that this concept hasn't been used in a commercial product in the intervening years, it is suggested that the new iPad mini could be the first Apple device to utilize this technology.
Aside from water resistance, an OLED screen is among the other significant changes rumored for the new iPad mini. Samsung Display began mass production of OLED panels for the device in June. According to leaks, the device will use an 8.4-inch LTPS-based OLED panel with a 60 Hz refresh rate. For this reason, it is stated that ProMotion technology might not be included in the new model. However, the OLED screen is expected to offer higher contrast, true black levels, and more efficient power consumption compared to an LCD panel.
Regarding the processor, information from various sources has not yet converged. Some codes reportedly accidentally published by Apple point to the A19 Pro processor used in the iPhone Air. In contrast, other data, claimed to have appeared in the macOS kernel debugging kit, suggests that the unannounced A20 Pro chip might be used. Therefore, there is no definitive conclusion regarding which processor the new iPad mini will feature, and the official announcement is expected to resolve this uncertainty.
0 Comments: