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Samsung's move to add water resistance to its tablets appears to have set a new benchmark — and Apple might be following. Recent reporting suggests the next iPad Mini could adopt a water-resistant design plus other hardware changes that echo Samsung's recent tablet strategy.
Is Apple borrowing Samsung's playbook?
Bloomberg says Apple has been testing a redesigned, water-resistant casing for the iPad Mini (codename J510), with a launch possible early next year. The new shell reportedly mirrors design choices Apple used on recent iPhones, signaling a broader push to tighten device seals and improve durability.
One intriguing detail: Apple is said to be experimenting with a vibration-based speaker system that replaces traditional speaker ports. That approach would let the company eliminate speaker holes entirely instead of relying on gaskets and adhesives to keep water out.
OLED, suppliers, and the business angle
Beyond water resistance, the iPad Mini may finally move to an OLED panel. That would bring higher refresh rates, deeper blacks, and richer colors to a device that has long used LCD. Some units could use OLED panels sourced from Samsung Display — a change that would translate into extra component revenue for Samsung.
Why this matters
If Apple does add water resistance and an OLED screen to the iPad Mini, it won’t just be a spec upgrade. It signals a convergence of mobile design trends: tougher, more sealed hardware and richer displays across device categories. For consumers, that means more durable, better-looking tablets. For rival manufacturers, it raises the bar for what a premium compact tablet should offer.
Quick timeline: Samsung's tablet water-resistance rollout
- Mid-2023: Samsung introduced IP68 dust and water resistance with the Galaxy Tab S9.
- Late 2023: IP68 extended to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE lineup.
- Late 2024: Galaxy Tab S10 series launched with the same water-resistance rating.
- Mid-2025: Feature rolled out to the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series.
Samsung has been the most consistent maker of Android tablets over the past decade, and its early adoption of IP68 for tablets may have nudged competitors toward similar durability features. Whether Apple follows through remains to be seen, but the direction is clear: tablets are getting tougher and more refined.
Source: sammobile
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