iPad mini 2021 release date, design, specs: Apple is removing the home button and adopts flat design

Apple fans who are still patiently waiting to hear about a new iPad mini have just received an interesting update from well-known insiders. The smallest Apple tablet lineup is expected to get a refresh with a model that would carry several design features previously added to the iPad Pro and iPad Air.

It has been a while since Apple updated the iPad mini design, and the drought will reportedly end with the next device. Front Page Tech’s Jon Prosser reported they have received CAD images, live photos, and schematics from their sources that reveal what the upcoming tablet would look like. Prosser did not share the actual files, but he did work with artist RendersbyIan to produce 3D renders based on the materials they received.

One of the design tweaks that can be spotted easily is the rumored smaller bezels. The overall redesign makes the rumored iPad mini look more like a smaller version of the latest iPad Air. It also makes the upcoming tablet look more modern.

The renders suggest the next iPad mini will sport the flat back and edges, which seems to be Apple's favorite design layout at the moment. It can be recalled that Apple first unveiled the latest iPad Air with the same appearance last September. A similar design was then brought to the iPhone 12 series in October. Then, last April, the redesigned 24-inch iMac was launched donning thinner screen bezels and a flat form factor as well.

Meanwhile, the iPad mini's screen size is likely to get a bump as Apple reportedly removes the physical home button. Like the latest iPad Air, though, it will not support Face ID. The means the Touch ID will remain and will be relocated to the power button. The small tablet's reported dimensions are 206.3mm x 137.8mm x 6.1mm.

The speaker grilles have been slightly redesigned as well to look more like the ones on the latest iPads. Apple is also reportedly ditching the Lightning port and swap it with a USB-C port. However, the rumored color options for the tablet are not as many as iPad Air. The next iPad mini is expected to launch in silver, black, and gold variants.

The next iPad mini is expected to be powered by the A14 chip, which is quite the upgrade for a small tablet. It is also expected to adopt a 5G mobile network with a potential release date in late 2021.

Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash