Apple seeks the greater protection against water possible, making the iPad also resistant to liquids. That is why, for the next iPad Mini model, a change in the speakers is expected, being able to offer that IP resistance they are looking for.
It is not simple, since for a sound to be reproduced, we need some holes through which it comes out, right? And through that same place, water can enter. However, this could be different from 2026with the new type of sound that Apple is thinking about.
Vibration sounds on iPad Mini
Apple is testing an interesting idea for the upcoming iPad mini 8: replace traditional speakers with a system that generates sound through vibrations. Instead of having the typical grilles, the device would use small actuators that vibrate the chassis or screen to produce audio, even though it sounds too futuristic.
This change would not only be aesthetic. By eliminating the speaker holes, the iPad mini could be more resistant to water and dust. Apple has already registered several patents on this technology, which basically turns a solid surface into a kind of speaker. The system could be used in specific areas of the device's body or even on the screen panel itself.
It is not the first time something like this has been attempted. Some phones, like the Huawei P30 Pro, have already used screens that emit sound, and Sony has done something similar with its “Acoustic Surface” TVs. In theory, this allows for a cleaner design, but it also has limitations.
The biggest challenge is in the sound. These types of systems do not usually offer good bass and the audio can change depending on how you hold the iPad, because your hands can absorb some of the vibrations. Apple will probably have to adjust the audio processing or mix this idea with normal speakers so the quality is still good.
It is rumored that the iPad Mini 8 could be the first in its line to incorporate an OLED screen, with more intense colors and better contrast. It is also expected to use the A19 Pro chip, the same one found in the iPhone 17 Pro, which would make it noticeably more powerful, so we would talk about a great revolution within the range of iPads.
In summary, The iPad Mini 8 could be the first Apple device to have this type of “speakers”a test to see the opinions of users, and which may lead to all models being like this in the future, even implementing it on other computers. Can you imagine a waterproof MacBook? It is something interesting, and not because we are going to put it in a pool, but because we can spill a coffee on the keyboard, for example. The fact that it is resistant, and does not break down, offers us extra security that we surely all want, although we will have to see if the sound is really still good, as it is another point that we do not want to lose.
