It is widely believed that today's "Scary Fast" Apple event is focused on the Mac. Apple itself even put a logo on the event's website transitioning from macOS to Finder icons, prompting people to think that way.

Indeed, we were not expecting a new iPad. Leaked information consistently suggested a new tablet was on the way, but conventional leaker wisdom had the tablet coming in 2024.

But that may not be the case; MacRumors claims to have obtained information that the iPad mini may make a surprise appearance tonight and break into the Mac-only event.

According to the site, two Apple suppliers have "resubmitted to a Chinese regulatory database for batteries used in existing Apple products. These were originally submitted "in 2021 or earlier" and are largely related to the products we expect to be refreshed tonight, the 14/16-inch M3 MacBook Pro and Magic Keyboard. iPad mini is also on the list.

(The 24-inch iMac is also getting some attention, but we wouldn't expect this one to be mains powered.)

What does the arrival of the iPad mini mean? Well, as the site explains, it could suggest a new product that will use the same battery specs. MacRumors previously discovered that the Apple Watch Series 8 battery was re-registered in the same database prior to the Series 9's launch. The two ultimately shared the same cell.

Battery specs have not changed since the iPad mini 6, so if this is correct, the iPad mini 7 will have the same 5,124mAh capacity as the previous model (and the one before that). However, with the announced upgrade to the A16 chipset, it could still last longer due to improved efficiency.

We shouldn't expect more than processor improvements from the new tablet; Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that while Apple has big plans for the iPad Pro in 2024, he doesn't expect "anything other than minor updates to the company's other tablets before that He says he doesn't expect "anything Nevertheless, if you find the current model's so-called "jerry-scrolling" annoying, you may want to consider upgrading.

MacRumors makes it pretty clear that the inclusion of the iPad mini's battery in these lists is no guarantee that the tablet will appear tonight - but it certainly raises the possibility. However, it certainly increases its likelihood.