Photos of Claimed Gold iPad Mini with Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor Surface

Following the emergence last week of new photos that appeared to show the rear shell of the next-generation iPad mini in Apple's new "Space Gray" color, new photos of an alleged "gold" model with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor have surfaced on Chinese website Zol.com.cn [Google Translate] (via Nowhereelse.fr [Google Translate]).

gold_ipad_mini_2_touch_id
Specifically, the first photo of the device shows the lower half of the device from front, which appears to reveal a metal ring around the home button, much like the recently released iPhone 5s. The second photo from the set shows the tablet from the rear, revealing a gold finish similar to that of the gold iPhone 5s.

gold_ipad_mini_2_rear
We do, however, have some concerns over the legitimacy of the images, as the staged environment lacking much context could be indicative of these simply being high-quality renderings rather than actual photos. Suspicions are also raised by the fact that this device appears to be fully assembled, which is a far more advanced state than has been seen before, as until now only various part leaks have surfaced.

Apple is expected to unveil its second-generation iPad mini with Retina display and fifth-generation iPad at a media event within the next month or so, although a report from earlier yesterday indicated that the next-generation iPad mini may not ship alongside the new full-size iPad.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
airpods color prototypes

Apple Tested AirPods in Bright Colors

Saturday December 27, 2025 6:06 am PST by
Apple reportedly tested a version of the first-generation AirPods with bright, iPhone 5c-like colored charging cases. The images, shared by the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami," claim to show first-generation AirPods prototypes with pink and yellow exterior casings. The interior of the charging case and the earbuds themselves remain white. They seem close to some...
iPhone Fold Vertical Feature

Why Apple's Foldable iPhone May Be Smaller Than Expected

Tuesday December 23, 2025 5:21 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone, rumored for release next year, may turn out to be smaller than most people imagine, if a recent report is anything to go by. According to The Information, the outer display on the book-style device will measure just 5.3 inches – that's smaller than the 5.4-inch screen on the ‌iPhone‌ mini, a line Apple discontinued in 2022 due to poor sales. The report has led ...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent Search

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...
iPhone SE Cosmopolitan Clean

Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year

Wednesday December 24, 2025 7:24 am PST by
With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out. Below, we have...

Top Rated Comments

leerichards1 Avatar
160 months ago
So how long until Samsung start shipping golden coloured devices?

Didn't you hear? - http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/25/gold-samsung-galaxy-s4s/
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
andalusia Avatar
160 months ago
Didn't you hear? - http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/25/gold-samsung-galaxy-s4s/

That's embarrassing.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
andalusia Avatar
160 months ago
Am I the only one who thinks that looks really nice? The Gold is such a subtle shade that it doesn't look tacky at all. It works with the TouchID Sensor golden ring.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chumawumba Avatar
160 months ago
Please be true!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eduardo1971 Avatar
160 months ago
Man, just received my new iPhone 5s and now this!



Wait. These picture are way too clear, defined, and sharp. They are in no way blurry or near an elevator-these must be fake!
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dazzer21 Avatar
160 months ago
Just me?

Or is it really quite over-blingy?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)