Apple may have accidentally revealed its upcoming iPad mini 8 through a regulatory listing on its official French website. The listing includes an unreleased Smart Folio case with model number A3632, which does not match any existing iPad mini accessories, suggesting that Apple is preparing a redesigned version of its smallest tablet.
The discovery, first spotted by MacRumors, comes ahead of the rumored October 27 or 28 launch. Although Apple has yet to announce the device, the new accessory listing adds weight to reports that the next-generation iPad mini is approaching release.
Apple’s Website Reveals a New iPad Mini Accessory
The regulatory listing is dated September 8, 2026, and appears alongside recently added accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
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Interestingly, Apple has used the same Smart Folio design for the iPad mini 6 and iPad mini 7 since 2021. A new model number suggests possible changes to the tablet’s dimensions, magnetic attachments, or overall design.
The documentation also reveals some differences:
| Detail | Existing Smart Folio | New Smart Folio |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Existing accessory | A3632 |
| Recycled materials | At least 9% | At least 3% |
| Rare-earth elements | 3,947 mg | At least 6,610 mg |
| Compatibility | iPad mini 6 and 7 | Unannounced iPad mini |
What to Expect From iPad Mini 8
As we previously covered, leaked Apple code and product images suggest several hardware upgrades, including:
- An A20 Pro chip for improved performance.
- An OLED display with deeper blacks and improved contrast.
- A landscape-oriented front camera for video calls.
- A redesigned speaker system and improved water resistance.
A separate report on the OLED iPad mini also pointed toward an October release, although the display’s refresh rate remains uncertain.
Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce the iPad mini 8 on October 27 or 28, potentially alongside new OLED MacBook Pro models. The company has yet to confirm the tablet’s specifications, pricing, or release date.
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