According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will launch the new iPad mini next year and mass production will begin in the first quarter. In a series of tweets, Kuo said there may not be new iPad releases in the next 9-12 months, as “mass production of the iPad mini upgrade will likely start in 1Q24.”

Kuo said in December that he expects bulk shipping of the updated iPad mini to begin in late 2023 or the first half of 2024, so his latest tweets suggest that the analyst no longer believes it will launch before the end of this year. Saying that the new processor will be the main advantage of the new iPad mini in his previous thoughts on the subject, Kuo suggested that the device will only receive advanced features.

Launched in September 2021, the current iPad mini has an 8.3-inch display, A15 Bionic chip, USB-C port, Touch ID power button and 5G support on cellular models. Dangerous rumors from a leak in Korea earlier suggested that the next-gen version of the iPad mini will feature ProMotion display technology that allows a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz.

Display analyst Ross Young believes Apple is working on an iPad mini 7, but the tablet is unlikely to feature ProMotion technology. Kuo’s latest predictions include references to a foldable iPad with carbon fiber legs he believes will launch in 2024.