iPad Mini 7 With 120Hz ProMotion Unlikely, Says Display Analyst

[MacRumors]

A sketchy rumor suggesting Apple will release an iPad mini with 120Hz ProMotion was revived today in the Asian media, but a well-connected display industry analyst has already reacted to the reports with skepticism.

Responding on Twitter to a question from The Mac Observer's Jeff Butts about the rumor, Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) analyst Ross Young said he would be "surprised" if it was accurate, given that the LCD panel that Apple uses for the iPad mini isn't compatible with ProMotion.

Apple currently uses a-Si LCD backplane technology for iPad mini 6 screens. A-si, or amorphous silicon, is the go-to display tech in the display market for its low cost and relatively simple production process.

By contrast, Apple's iPad Pro models use Oxide LCD panels, notes Young. Oxide LCD technologies, one of the most popular being "IGZO," are preferred in the premium smartphone industry for their ability to provide higher contrasts, refresh rates, and resolutions.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1541613225631895552

Suggestions that Apple could conceivably adopt ProMotion for a next-generation iPad mini began to receive attention shortly after the "jelly scrolling" phenomenon was identified. The term refers to the slanted/wobbly text effect that some users see when scrolling through text on the iPad mini 6 in portrait mode.

Since LCD screens refresh line by line, there is a tiny delay between when the lines at the top and lines at the bottom are refreshed. While this is normal behavior for LCD screens, it can appear more obvious when observed on the ‌iPad mini‌.

This isn't the first time we've heard rumors of an iPad mini with ProMotion. The claim first appeared in Korean forums in November, with claims Apple is testing a Samsung-supplied display for a future ‌iPad mini‌. The latest revival of the 120Hz iPad mini rumor appears to lead back to LeaksApplePro, who has no track record for accurate Apple leaks or rumors.

Article Link: iPad Mini 7 With 120Hz ProMotion Unlikely, Says Display Analyst

 

[Eddy Munn]

This would be the perfect device for me! 😭

 

[UltimateSyn]

My hopes and dreams dashed so swiftly!

 

[vagos]

Good. It's already expensive enough.

 

[locksmack]

Couple it with an M1/M2 for Stage Manager support and it will be a beast.

As much as I love my iPad Mini, it does feel gimped with the jelly scrolling, low ram and missing out on Stage Manager/External display support.

 

[Oohara]

An iPad Pro Mini with an OLED display, thinner bezels and iPadOS updated to make better use of the Mini's form factor would be an insta buy for me.

 

[calstanford]

What kind of stupid argument is that?
Obviously it would be a NEW display with Promotion and not the current display with just the refresh rate changed. D'oh.

 

[daanodinot]

They just need to reorient the display controller so that it’s optimized for portrait mode - just like it always was in previous generations of the iPad Mini.

 

[profets]

 

[Spooner83]

I've been waiting for an iPad mini with ProMotion

 

[schneeland]

The just need to reorient the display controller so that it’s optimized for portrait mode - just like it always was in previous generations of the iPad Mini.

Agreed.

I would buy an iPad Pro Mini with a 120Hz display, though.

 

[Zmmyt]

If a new Mini is released with an upgraded screen and pro camera module I might consider an early upgrade. It’s my most used device. Better speakers would also be appreciated.

 

[MajorFubar]

Y'all reading this going ah that sucks while I'm sitting here marvelling at the fact there is an actual job called a Display Supply Chain Consultant.

 

[SamRyouji]

People like the idea of the iPad Pro mini, but in a typical Apple fashion, adding some Pro features and "Pro" moniker will increase the price to 599 USD.
One day, the mini will get all the bells and whistles of the iPad Pro. But not this year. 2026, perhaps?

 

[jdb8167]

The just need to reorient the display controller so that it’s optimized for portrait mode - just like it always was in previous generations of the iPad Mini.

So it would have the “jelly” scroll in landscape? How is that better? It’s an overblown problem for most people anyway. A better screen is always appreciated though.

 

[Alp3r]

I returned my mini 6 because of jelly scroll. Horrible for reading & scrolling. They should of at least put it in landscape mode first.

 

[Wingdinger]

Sigh. I would love an iPad mini with ProMotion. The only reason I do not have a Mini is because of the lack thereof. I’ve tried two iPad mini‘s, and I can’t stand them next to my other devices with ProMotion

 

[iWeaverOS]

ProMotion and M1/2 would be an amazing upgrade. I love my mini and would love a mini pro setup.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Y'all reading this going ah that sucks while I'm sitting here marvelling at the fact there is an actual job called a Display Supply Chain Consultant.

The best jobs you make up for yourself.

 

[BrownyQ]

I'm happy with my current mini 6. Never saw the "jelly scroll" that a lot of people here doom & gloom over.

The one thing I do wish Apple would bring back-- but I know they never will-- is the dock (similar to the Lightning Dock from the iPhone 5-6 era). As they move towards (inefficient) wireless charging tech, all I can do is leave my devices flat on my desk as they charge. Except my phone and AirPods, which charge on those docks.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The best jobs you make up for yourself.

...and find someone willing to pay you to do whatever that is.

 

[DJC631]

I returned a mini 6 because of the god-awful display, I would buy it in a heartbeat if they fixed that.

 

[Spock]

Couple it with an M1/M2 for Stage Manager support and it will be a beast.

As much as I love my iPad Mini, it does feel gimped with the jelly scrolling, low ram and missing out on Stage Manager/External display support.

Just my opinion, but I think Stage Manager on such a small screen would be a horrible experience.

 

[RoadWarrior56]

I returned a mini 6 because of the god-awful display, I would buy it in a heartbeat if they fixed that.

That is what happened to me. My eyes could not take the display after 3 days, so I kept my Mini 5. My next new iPad will probably be an Air. I think my aging eyes are now ready for a bigger display anyway.

 

[Seanm87]

It will one day when the air gets it since the mini is basically a smaller air. All the pro features eventually trickle down. I wouldn’t hold my breath for at least a few years though for that to happen.