Despite ongoing supply chain problems, Apple ended 2020 with the release of new technology. And it doesn't appear to be long before the first Apple-branded products are released in 2021.

Japanese site Mac Otakara has obtained information from Apple's supply chain about the upcoming iPad mini 6. The current smallest iPad to be released in 2019 has a 7.9-inch screen, but the new model will be much larger, reportedly with an 8.4-inch display.

How much this will affect the actual size of the device when held in the hand remains to be seen, but the report notes that the device's bezels will be slimmer. The screen-to-body ratio will be improved and may actually be of similar size and weight.

However, smaller bezels do not mean that the design will be redesigned. Instead, Mac Otakara reports that the new iPad mini will look similar to the iPad Air 3. This means that both the Touch ID home button and the Lightning port will live on for another day. Apparently, the new iPad mini will not mimic the nearly bezel-less design of the latest iPad Pros.

The iPad mini's size increase has been in the works for some time. Last May, Apple analyst Min Chikuo predicted that an iPad mini with a screen between 8.5 and 9 inches would appear in the first half of 2021, possibly with a mini LED display.

The report does not mention any relevant display technology, but sources seem to agree on a release date; Mac Otakara said the refreshed iPad mini will be announced in March. And with rumors that Apple is planning to release a new iPad Pro around that time, it would not be too surprising if Apple announces a tablet-themed event in the not-too-distant future.

The March 2021 release date would be two years to the month after the iPad mini was last refreshed, which may seem a bit late compared to Apple's other flagship products, but it could be worse.

Before the last model was introduced, there had not been a new iPad mini since September 2015, and many feared that the form factor had been completely abandoned, but it returned with Apple Pencil support and a True Tone display It only came back with Apple Pencil support and a True Tone display. While the changes won't be as dramatic this time around, the upgrade is still very welcome.