Apple's next generation iPad mini is expected to become the first official waterproof iPad model. According to analyst Mark Gurman, the device is expected to be launched in October this year.
Unlike current iPad models that do not meet any water resistance standards, the new iPad mini is said to be safe enough for use in humid environments such as bathrooms or swimming pool areas.
To realize this, Apple is said to have developed a new speaker system that uses vibration of the body instead of traditional speaker holes. The sound will be emitted from the flat surfaces of the frame, helping to remove one of the positions most prone to water and dust intrusion.
This solution is different from iPhone, which uses gauze and glue to seal speaker slots. It is not yet clear which IP waterproof standard the new iPad mini will meet, while iPhone currently has IP68 standard, which can withstand water for a maximum depth of 6m for 30 minutes.
If it has a waterproof design, the iPad mini will narrow the gap with Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Libra Color - devices that already have water resistance.
In addition to water resistance, the new iPad mini is also expected to switch to OLED screens, becoming the second iPad line to use this technology after the iPad Pro. OLED screens promise to bring higher contrast, deeper black and more energy-saving than LCD.
