Apple has inadvertently provided new evidence regarding its next generation of portable tablets through a regulatory listing on its French website. The document details a Smart Folio for the iPad mini with the model number A3632, a code that does not match any currently available accessory.
This discovery comes as rumors intensify that Apple is preparing to launch an iPad mini with an OLED display later this month. The presence of a new accessory model number often signals that the underlying device has undergone physical modifications that require new protective gear.
Material Composition and Design Shifts
The regulatory document, dated September 8, 2026, offers specific data on the materials used in the new cover. According to the filing, the accessory contains at least 3% recycled materials. This is a decrease from the current model, which includes a minimum of 9% recycled content.
More notably, the new folio contains at least 6,610 milligrams of rare earth elements. This is a significant increase compared to the 3,947 milligrams found in the previous version. This change likely points to alterations in the magnets used to attach the cover to the tablet, suggesting a different internal layout or attachment mechanism.
While the document does not reveal the visual design of the new case, the shift in material specifications and the assignment of a unique model number strongly imply that the upcoming iPad mini will not be identical to its predecessors. The sixth and seventh generation models share the same Smart Folio, so a new accessory indicates a break in that compatibility.
Speculations on the Next-Gen Device
The potential release of a new case aligns with widespread reports that the next iPad mini will feature an OLED screen. Other rumored upgrades include the A20 Pro chip, thinner bezels, and a redesigned speaker system. Bloomberg has also reported that Apple is working on a more water-resistant design for the device.
One area of uncertainty remains the display refresh rate. While some reports suggested the device might support 120Hz ProMotion technology, leaker yeux1122 recently stated that the new model will be limited to a 60Hz OLED display. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg noted that Apple has tested both options but has not yet confirmed which one will be included in the final product.
Conflicting reports also suggest the new device could carry a higher price tag than its predecessor. The regulatory listing for the A3632 model serves as a tangible data point in the ongoing speculation, confirming that Apple is actively preparing new hardware that requires distinct accessories.
Source: 9to5Mac
