Apple Unveils New iPad Mini with Bigger OLED Screen and Faster Chip

Apple has introduced the latest iPad Mini, bringing its smallest tablet a fresh look and some powerful upgrades. The new model features a larger 8.5-inch OLED screen, replacing the older 8.3-inch LCD display. Despite the bigger screen, the tablet remains compact thanks to thinner bezels, which are 24% slimmer than before.

The OLED display offers much better visuals with deeper blacks and brighter colours. Apple says the screen can reach a peak brightness of 1,200 nits for HDR content, which is more than twice as bright as the previous generation, making it easier to see in bright environments. It also supports a very low 1-nit brightness for comfortable use in dark settings.

Physically, the new iPad Mini is thinner and lighter. It measures just 5.4 millimetres thick and weighs 255 grams for the Wi-Fi model, making it easier to carry around or use with one hand. It also has an IP67 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and can survive being submerged in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes, adding some peace of mind for outdoor or accidental spills.

Under the hood, Apple has equipped the iPad Mini with its latest A20 Pro chip. This powerful processor improves speed and graphics performance, especially for AI tasks and gaming. The chip includes a 7-core GPU with neural accelerators in each core, delivering up to 4.5 times faster AI performance compared to the older model. The top-end 512GB version even has a 6-core CPU and dual 16-core Neural Engine for even more power.

Apple has also redesigned the audio system with what it calls an Acoustic Display. This new setup uses the screen itself to produce bass sounds, while tweeters are hidden between the glass and aluminium frame, resulting in clearer and richer audio. This design also contributes to the device’s water resistance by eliminating speaker vents.

The camera setup has been improved as well. The front-facing 12-megapixel Center Stage camera is now placed on the long edge of the tablet, making video calls look more natural in landscape mode. The rear camera remains 12 megapixels with Smart HDR 4 and supports 4K video recording up to 60 frames per second.

Connectivity gets a boost with the inclusion of Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking. Cellular models come with the C2 modem, delivering faster and more efficient 5G connections. The device supports eSIM technology, allowing users to add or switch mobile plans digitally without needing a physical SIM card.

The iPad Mini runs on the latest iPadOS 27, featuring new AI-powered Siri capabilities. Siri AI can respond more naturally and personally, using on-device models to protect user privacy.

Pricing starts at $699 for the Wi-Fi-only version and $849 for the Wi-Fi plus cellular model. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Preorders open on October 28, 2026, with availability from November 6 in the US and other markets.

This new iPad Mini follows the 2024 model, which began at $499 and had an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with an A17 Pro chip. The bigger screen and faster processor come at a higher starting price, reflecting the upgrades Apple has made.