Apple's next iPad mini may feature water resistance

Apple's next-generation iPad mini, expected to launch in October, is reportedly set to become the first iPad model with official water resistance. Insights from Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman suggest Apple is developing a new chassis structure for the iPad mini to enhance its protection against moisture, potentially allowing for use in humid environments like bathrooms or by swimming pools.

To achieve this water resistance, Apple is said to be developing a novel vibration-based speaker system. This technology would eliminate the need for traditional speaker grilles, with sound projected through flat areas of the device's body, effectively turning parts of the chassis into speaker diaphragms. This approach aims to block one of the primary pathways for water and dust ingress.

This design differs from Apple's current iPhone water resistance methods, which rely on adhesives and seals to protect speaker openings. The potential for an official IP rating on the new iPad mini would align it more closely with certain e-readers, such as the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo Libra Colour, which already offer water resistance for use in environments like bathtubs or pools.

Beyond water resistance, the forthcoming iPad mini is also anticipated to receive significant upgrades, including an OLED display and a more powerful processor, marking a substantial update from its predecessor.