The upcoming iPad mini 8 could feature a completely new speaker design. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is working on a vibration-based audio technology that eliminates the need for traditional speaker grilles. The goal is to make the tablet more robust and water-resistant without compromising sound quality. The concept is reminiscent of existing systems from other manufacturers, but Apple could further develop it and integrate it into the compact form factor of the iPad mini.
Apple is known for refining existing ideas so that they seamlessly integrate into design and function. This is precisely what's expected to happen with the iPad mini 8. Instead of visible speaker grilles, the device itself would generate sound by vibrating specific parts of the casing or display. This principle isn't new, but Apple could be implementing it for the first time in a tablet of this size. Besides the new sound design, indications also point to an OLED display, improved water resistance, and a powerful chip.
Vibration-based sound
Vibration-based sound doesn't generate sound using conventional diaphragms and air chambers. Instead, a transducer – usually a piezoelectric or electromagnetic actuator – uses the surface of the device itself as a resonating surface. When the actuator is activated, it causes the material to vibrate, generating sound waves. The result is audible sound without a visible speaker.
With the iPad mini 8, Apple could use this technology by having multiple actuators operating at different points within the casing or beneath the display. This would even allow for the creation of stereo sound. The display could be divided into sub-panels that vibrate individually and each reproduce its own frequency range. This technique allows for a more even sound distribution while the device remains externally sealed.
Apple's patent for acoustic panels
Apple has already filed a patent that fits precisely this approach. It describes a "mechanically actuated acoustic panel system" in which the casing itself is part of the speaker system. The casing structure is divided into several sub-panels, each coupled to one or more actuators. These convert electrical audio signals into mechanical vibrations, which in turn generate audible sound.
This would mean that the iPad mini 8 would do without traditional speaker grilles. Such a design could not only improve water resistance but also optimize internal space, allowing for more compact components or larger batteries.
Practical examples
Vibration-based audio output isn't an entirely new concept. Back in 2019, the Huawei P30 Pro used so-called "Acoustic Display Technology." This involved vibrating the screen via a small exciter to generate sound for phone calls. iFixit was able to demonstrate that Huawei used a combination of a coil, a magnet, and a subtle vibration component for this purpose. However, the sound was intended only for calls, not for music or videos. Stereo sound wasn't possible, and later Huawei models reverted to conventional speakers.
LG also experimented with this technology. In the G8 ThinQ, the smartphone used its OLED display as a sound source, supported by a second speaker for lower frequencies. In television technology, however, the approach has been more successful. LG's G8 OLED TV and Sony's "Acoustic Surface" models generate sound directly from the display, which is considered particularly immersive because the sound comes from the same direction as the image. Sony uses several actuators that cause the panel to vibrate in a controlled manner. This solution is frequently praised for its precise synchronization of sound and image. Apple could transfer a similar principle to the iPad mini to create a spatial soundscape without headphones or AirPods.
Advantages and technical background
The new speaker system would have several advantages. Without openings, there would be fewer places where water or dust could penetrate. The current iPad mini 7 is not water-resistant and has speaker openings on the top and bottom. If Apple removes these on the iPad mini 8, the tablet could achieve a water resistance rating similar to the iPhone, which is IP68 certified. This means it can withstand being submerged in up to six meters of water for at least 30 minutes.
The design would also benefit. A casing without visible grilles would look simpler and more robust. Furthermore, Apple could create a more even sound field through vibration-based technology, because the sound would emanate from the entire surface.
Microphones will likely remain, however. The iPad mini 7 has one microphone at the top and another below the camera. Apple could protect them with seals without affecting their function – similar to the iPhone.
Potential disadvantages and challenges
Despite all its advantages, vibration-based sound also presents challenges. Low tones, i.e., bass frequencies, are difficult to reproduce via flat surfaces. Manufacturers like Sony therefore use additional subwoofers to boost the bass. Apple could integrate a similar solution or compensate for the missing frequencies using digital signal processing in software.
Another issue concerns sound perception. If the sound comes from only one surface, the soundstage can seem narrower than with two separate speakers. Furthermore, the way the iPad mini 8 is held can affect the vibrations. Touches slightly dampen the vibration. Apple could address this with sensors that detect the position of the hands and adjust the vibration pattern accordingly.
Other features of the iPad mini 8
Besides the new speaker system, current information suggests that Apple is planning further upgrades for the iPad mini 8. For the first time, an OLED display could be used, offering richer colors and deeper blacks. The new A19 Pro chip, also found in the iPhone 17 Pro, is expected to provide significantly more performance. Combined with the new audio technology, the iPad mini 8 would be technically on par with the iPad Pro – just in a smaller form factor. A possible release date is 2026, although the exact date remains uncertain.
The next big step for the iPad mini
The iPad mini 8 could be the first Apple tablet with a vibration-based speaker design. This approach promises a slimmer chassis, improved water resistance, and a modern, evenly distributed sound. While challenges like bass response and touch damping still need to be addressed, Apple could take another step toward minimalist design with this technology. Combined with an OLED display and the A19 Pro chip, the iPad mini 8 is likely to be one of the most exciting devices of the coming years. If successful, it could demonstrate how sound and design will merge in mobile devices in the future—all without visible speaker grilles. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Urbanscape)
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