iPad Mini 6 may sport notch, in-screen fingerprint scanner: Leak

Apple might still be working on the 6th generation successor to its 2019 iPad Mini this year, but it may include an in-screen fingerprint reader - a feature no iPad has ever shipped with to date, according to a new leak.

According to a new set of renders leaked by David Kowalski on Twitter, Apple might be trying to cut down on its traditionally large bezels this year by opting for an in-screen fingerprint reader on the iPad Mini 6. The renders show a small darkened area in the middle, near the bottom bezel, which will purportedly house the scanner.

HT had previously reported that the upcoming iPhone 13 might also include support for an in-display fingerprint reader that would help with authenticating users wearing masks, which are now mandatory in most countries. Apple’s latest patent could also bring FaceID to masked faces, thanks to the use of heat maps to authenticate obscured faces.

However, the render shared by Kowalski suggests that Apple will also cut down on bezels at the top of the screen, using a punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera on the iPad Mini 6, which would be another first for the Cupertino based company. Kowalski’s render shows one of Apple’s most radical changes to the front of its iPad line in years.

Read more:  Apple's latest patent could bring FaceID to masked faces

With a higher screen-to-body ratio than previous iPads, Apple may be looking to modernise its tablet offerings . The appearance of the in-display fingerprint scanner on this leak indicates that the company may finally be embracing the now-popular trend of in-display scanners. Whether the company plans to use its Ceramic Shield technology with the new iPad remains to be seen, as it is known to be more durable, but more prone to scratches - something that may spell trouble for an in-display fingerprint scanner.