Apple unveiled the new iPad mini via press release today, introducing the first OLED display to the compact lineup alongside a significant processor upgrade. This replaces the seventh-generation model (iPad mini with A17 Pro) from October 2024, which refined the earlier redesign with a faster chip and Apple Intelligence support while retaining the Liquid Retina LCD panel. The new model emphasizes screen quality, on-device AI capability, and everyday durability while preserving its signature portable form factor.
One major upgrade is the display. The previous model featured an 8.3-inch fully laminated Liquid Retina IPS LCD with 2266 × 1488 resolution (326 ppi), P3 wide color, True Tone, anti-reflective coating, and up to 500 nits of brightness at a fixed 60 Hz refresh rate. The new iPad mini switches to an OLED panel—a single-stack LTPS hybrid design rather than the dual-stack tandem LTPO used in the iPad Pro. This delivers richer colors, higher contrast, true blacks, and improved HDR performance. The screen size increases slightly to 8.5 inches thanks to slimmer bezels, while retaining a 60 Hz refresh rate rather than adopting ProMotion (up to 120 Hz).
Performance receives a major boost, though actual gains depend on the storage tier. The 2024 model used the 3 nm A17 Pro with a 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and 8 GB of RAM. The new model is powered by the A20 Pro (2 nm process) paired with 12 GB of unified memory. Unbinned models deliver roughly 1.5× CPU performance and up to 2.5× GPU performance over the A17 Pro, alongside a significantly more capable Neural Engine. However, lower storage tiers (128 GB and 256 GB) feature a binned chip configuration with a 5-core CPU and 7-core GPU, with the full unbinned core count reserved for the 512 GB tier. The additional RAM enables expanded local execution of advanced Apple Intelligence features, including enhanced Siri voice customization and dictation.
Additional changes improve daily usability. The front camera moves from the short top edge to the landscape edge for more natural video calls when held sideways or docked. The new design adds official IP67 water and dust resistance — a first for any iPad — achieved through a revised casing and a redesigned, more integrated speaker assembly that reduces liquid ingress. Connectivity advances from Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 via Apple’s custom N1 chip, with cellular models utilizing an updated custom modem.
Shared features maintain continuity across generations. Both generations support Apple Pencil Pro (as well as the USB-C Apple Pencil), Touch ID built into the top power button, USB-C connectivity (up to 10 Gbps), and comparable core camera hardware (12 MP rear Wide with Smart HDR and 12 MP front Ultra Wide with Center Stage). Battery life remains targeted at all-day use, with efficiency gains from the OLED panel and 2 nm node balancing the increased compute power. Storage options continue in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB configurations.
Pricing reflects the upgrades without jumping as high as early rumors suggested. While the 2024 A17 Pro model launched at $599, the new OLED iPad mini starts at $699 for the base 128 GB Wi-Fi model ($100 higher than its predecessor). Pre-orders open October 28, with full availability beginning November 6.
MacDailyNews Take: It’s a big, big update for Apple’s smallest iPad! More info about the new iPad mini here.
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That looks exquisite. It’s out of my price range at the moment, but that is a sexy device that I might have to save up for. I remember having an MP3 player with an OLED screen back when I was a teen and it was really nice. An OLED iPad is even better.
A used M4 iPad Pro is a much better value than the latest Mini. I’ve seen recent sales on eBay under $1000 for 1TB nano texture models, unless the small size is an absolute must it’s better than a Mini in every single way.
No ProMotion? I almost cancelled my Duo preorder for this, but a 60 Hz refresh rate would be a bigger downgrade for me than any of the other concessions for me, namely: Face ID, action button and battery life.