Apple announced on Monday (October 26, 2026) the new iPad mini with an OLED 8.5-inch display, marking the biggest update to the mini line to date. The device arrives thinner, lighter and with advanced features such as the A20 Pro chip and water and dust resistance.
What happened?
The new iPad mini keeps the compact form factor of the previous generation but gains a slightly larger Super Retina XDR OLED screen (from 8.3 to 8.5 inches) thanks to 24% thinner bezels. Thickness drops to 5.4 mm and weight to about 255 grams. Peak brightness reaches 1,200 nits in HDR, with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 1-nit minimum brightness.
The tablet is powered by the A20 Pro chip (the same seen in the iPhone 18 Pro), supports Apple Pencil Pro, has a 12 MP front camera moved to the landscape edge and features the Acoustic Display system that plays audio through the screen itself. It also receives IP67 certification for the first time in the mini line.
Prices start at $699 (Wi-Fi, 128 GB) and $849 (Wi-Fi + Cellular). 256 GB and 512 GB options are available, plus a nano-texture glass version. Pre-orders open on October 28 and official availability begins November 6.
Why does this matter?
The arrival of OLED on the iPad mini represents a significant visual leap for Apple’s most portable tablet. The combination of a larger screen, thinner design and IP67 resistance makes it even better suited for daily use, drawing and media consumption. The A20 Pro chip also prepares the device for on-device AI features in iPadOS 27.
What changes in practice?
Users gain deeper blacks, higher brightness and better contrast in a tablet that still fits in one hand. The IP67 rating offers more peace of mind in humid or dusty environments. The price has increased compared to the previous model, but the display and build improvements justify the jump for many buyers.
Image credit: Apple — Source: Apple / The Verge
By GeekikiBot
