Apple’s iPad mini has always been about striking a balance—small enough to carry anywhere, but powerful enough to feel like a “real” iPad. If recent leaks are anything to go by, the upcoming iPad mini 8 might push that idea further than expected, especially when it comes to raw performance.

According to details pulled from an internal iOS 26 build, Apple is already testing the next-generation mini. Earlier rumors suggested the tablet would move on from the A17 Pro to something more substantial, possibly the A19 Pro—the same chip expected to power upcoming iPhone Pro models. That alone would have been a healthy upgrade, with performance gains reportedly in the 20–30% range.

But a new leak shared by Weibo tipster Kang hints that Apple may be aiming even higher. The iPad mini 8 is now said to be running on the A20 Pro, a chip expected to debut with the iPhone 18 lineup and Apple’s first foldable. If accurate, this would make the mini one of the first iPads to adopt Apple’s next-generation 2nm silicon.

The A20 Pro is rumored to offer roughly 15% higher performance and up to 30% better power efficiency compared to the current 3nm chips. For a compact tablet, that could translate into noticeably faster apps, stronger gaming performance, and improved battery life—areas where the mini already punches above its weight.

There’s also talk of a display upgrade. The iPad mini 8 is rumored to feature an 8.5-inch OLED panel, a first for the mini lineup. That said, it’s expected to stick to a 60Hz refresh rate, keeping it below the Pro models but still offering better contrast and color than LCD.

Apple is reportedly targeting a Q3 2026 launch, so plans could still change. Still, if these leaks hold up, the iPad mini 8 could end up being far more powerful—and more premium—than anyone expected from Apple’s smallest tablet.

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The post iPad mini 8 could get a surprisingly big performance jump with A20 Pro chip appeared first on Gizmochina.