Last year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that an iPad mini 6 with an 8.5-inch screen would arrive in the first half of 2021.

That timescale is now much less likely, but a 2021 release date still seems to be on the cards, and leaker Jon Prosser has collated various bits of information in a series of new renderings drawn by RendersbyIan.

Prosser has a mixed track record, as evidenced by his missed prediction that the MacBook Pro 2021 would be unveiled at WWDC in 2021, but these renderings provide a correct prediction that is well worth a look.

The images you see here have been compiled based on alleged hands-on photos, schematics, and CAD designs. The result is an iPad mini 6 more in line with the more recent iPad Pro design, which is perhaps not surprising given the slightly dated look of the current iPad mini, which does not deviate too much from the 2015 version.

Gone are the thick "chin" and "forehead" bezels and in its place is a much thinner frame overall. This also means that the home button will finally be eliminated, as previous rumors have suggested, but that does not mean the introduction of Face ID. Instead, Touch ID will be retained, but may be moved to the power button, similar to the latest iPad Air.

The possibility of thinner bezels is not just for better aesthetics. The new design means that Apple can dramatically increase the screen size without making the device so bulky. according to Prosser's sources, the iPad mini 6 will measure 206.3mm x 137.8mm x 6.1mm, only 3mm taller and wider than its smaller predecessor. It will be smaller.

Prosser does not mention a new screen size here, but previous reports have suggested an 8.5-inch panel. That's certainly an upgrade over the iPad mini 5's current 7.9-inch display.

Interestingly, Prosser said the iPad mini 6 will use the Apple A14 chip found in the iPhone 12 family and last year's iPad Air. While somewhat disappointing in terms of raw speed, the iPad Air can hardly be called slow, and not using the latest chip means that the iPad mini 6 will remain an affordable option.

According to these renderings, the Lightning port will be replaced by a more universally used USB-C connection on the iPad mini 6, and the speakers have apparently been dramatically improved, with one source describing them as "crazy good." The tablet will reportedly be offered in silver, black, and gold color schemes, with optional 5G connectivity.

The previous iPad mini introduced Apple Pencil support, making it a great note-taking device. This feature is maintained in this rendering of the iPad mini 6, but according to Prosser, it will come in the form of a smaller Apple Pencil, which makes sense given that the current model is designed for a much larger tablet.

Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that the iPad mini 6 would be available now, but another report from South Korea points to later this year. Hopefully it won't be too long before we see Apple CEO Tim Cook holding the new mini in his hands on stage.