Recently, it was brought to my attention by @jonah that iPads have a microphone kill switch when used with an MFi case. The timing is kind of funny as Apple is rumored to announce a new generation of the iPad Mini as early as next week. The iPad Mini is a smaller and arguably more portable version of the iPad Pro 11”. It’ll likely be cheaper. For all intents and purposes, iPadOS is practically the same as iOS, but with tablet optimization and features. The new iPad Mini is likely to have an A19 SoC, so it will have MTE. I’m only interested in a WiFi-only model. A cellular model is highly likely to be available for those that need it. Could this be a viable iPhone replacement? I can use my Google Pixel to make regular phone calls when necessary.
Yes.
It’s definitely possible. Joseph Cox of 404 Media uses an iPad Air as a phone replacement.
I wonder what his exact setup and configuration is. Would love to learn from him.
If it has the same OLED display I might replace my phone with an iPad mini myself 
There is still no official documentation that iPadOS or macOS can use Memory Integrity Enforcement in software, even if the SoC supports it. In fact Apple is very clear in their developer docs on enabling MIE in your app:
This setting is available on iOS 26 and later on iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, or iPhone Air.
No mention of chipsets and no mention of anything other than iOS.
Sorry, I’m dense. What’s the connection between the microphone and a specific type of case?
Not at all, it’s not a very well known feature.
Hardware microphone disconnect - Apple Support
iPad models from 2020 onwards also feature the hardware microphone disconnect. When an MFi-compliant case (including those sold by Apple) is attached to the iPad and closed, the microphone is disconnected in hardware. This is designed to prevent microphone audio data being made available to any software — even with root or kernel privileges in iPadOS or any device firmware.
I think we’re still trying to figure out if third-party cases will trigger the kill switch. That would be ideal as they’re much cheaper!
The only issue I can think of is that Apple will likely restrict the Mini’s screen to 60Hz. An iPad Mini with a 120Hz screen would be very desirable, but it’s unlikely Apple will do it.
I get your point, but maybe the software isn’t ready yet. I suspect once the hardware is in place, it’s only a matter of time before MTE is enabled in the OS.
They would have to be MFi-compliant as stated by @phnx, unless you are willing to create your own independent certificate validation procedure.
Why would they do that when even the iPhone 17 is 120 Hz now?
Yes of course, but it will not be when the iPad mini launches (most likely) so you obviously can’t rely on it being more secure than an iPhone straightaway.
I recently ditched my iPhone in favour of an old android that literally stays at home and behaves like an old home line, and I use an iPad Mini when I go out/away. Most places have wifi, so I don’t need mobile data most of the time, and if I’m going anywhere I might need data, I take a Pixel 7a with GrapheneOS and a SIM I only turn on and use for data if required.
Not sure whether it improves my privacy much, but it’s certainly nice not feeling like I’m always at everyone’s beck and call with a mobile phone in my pocket
Product segmentation. The base iPad and the iPhone 16e/17e still have 60Hz screens.