Apple's first waterproof iPad mini is expected to debut in October, featuring an OLED screen and a new processor

According to Mark Gurman, the new iPad mini will feature a completely redesigned body structure, with its protective performance expected to be close to that of the iPhone, allowing users to safely use it in wet environments such as bathrooms and poolside. Currently, all iPad products sold by Apple have not obtained official waterproof certification, and the official does not recommend users to use existing devices in environments where they are prone to come into contact with water.

To achieve waterproofing, Apple has developed an innovative vibration-based speaker system for the new iPad mini. This system eliminates traditional speaker openings and produces sound by vibrating certain sections of the device's body, effectively transforming the device's structure into a speaker diaphragm. This significantly reduces the pathways for water and dust to enter the device's interior. This design differs from the iPhone's approach, which relies on adhesives and sealing gaskets to close speaker holes and other water entry points.

It is worth noting that Apple applied for a patent for "mechanically driven panel acoustic system" as early as 2014, and this technology is expected to be commercially applied for the first time on the iPad mini. Currently, the specific IP protection level of the new iPad mini has not been announced. For reference, the current iPhone has an IP68 level of dust and water resistance, allowing it to stay underwater up to 6 meters deep for up to 30 minutes.