Apple launches new iPad mini with OLED screen and higher starting price
Apple introduced an upgraded iPad mini featuring an 8.5-inch OLED display, thinner design and improved performance, while the base price rises to $699.
Apple announced a refreshed iPad mini ahead of its upcoming MacBook event, highlighting an 8.5-inch OLED screen that is twice as bright as the previous model and supports up to 1,200 nits. The tablet retains the same overall footprint thanks to 24% thinner bezels, and it now carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
The device is powered by the A20 Pro processor, which Apple says delivers up to 60% faster CPU performance, up to 2.7 times faster GPU performance and up to 4.5 times faster AI processing compared with the prior generation. The new model is also thinner at 0.21 inches and lighter at 0.56 pounds for the Wi-Fi version.
"The powerful CPU delivers up to 60% faster performance than the previous model," Apple stated.
Audio improvements include an acoustic display with specially designed woofers and hidden tweeters for stronger bass and clearer highs.
"Specially designed woofers are paired through the display to produce punchier bass and more volume. In addition, custom tweeters are now hidden between the glass and aluminum enclosure for clearer highs," the company explained.
Other upgrades feature Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, a 12-megapixel front camera repositioned for landscape use, and optional storage configurations of 256 GB or 512 GB with a nano-texture glass finish for an additional cost. Pre-orders begin on October 28, with the tablet slated for release on November 6. The base model starts at $699, $200 higher than the 2024 version, and includes 128 GB of storage.