Apple has introduced the 2026 iPad mini, bringing an OLED display to its smallest tablet for the first time, along with the new A20 Pro chipset.
The updated tablet also features a thinner design, improved speakers, faster connectivity, and IP67 water and dust resistance.
However, Apple is using different versions of the A20 Pro processor depending on the storage configuration.
Design and Display
The new iPad mini features an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2,316 × 1,512 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate.
Despite the OLED upgrade, Apple has not added its 120Hz ProMotion technology to the smaller tablet.
The screen offers up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness and features thinner bezels. Buyers can also choose optional nano-texture glass to reduce reflections.
The tablet supports the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Apple has also reduced the device’s thickness to 5.4mm and weight to 255 grams, compared with 6.3mm and 297 grams for the previous model.
The new iPad mini comes in Midnight and Starlight and carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
Internals and Software
The 2026 iPad mini is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chipset, although its performance configuration varies by storage capacity.
The 128GB and 256GB models feature a five-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine.
However, the more expensive 512GB version includes a six-core CPU with an additional efficiency core and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, providing twice the dedicated AI processing cores.
All three configurations feature a seven-core GPU.
The tablet runs iPadOS 27 and supports Apple Intelligence features.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread through Apple’s N1 wireless chip.
Cellular models also support 5G connectivity through Apple’s C2 modem and eSIM technology.
Cameras and Audio
The new iPad mini features a 12MP Center Stage front camera positioned along the landscape edge for video calls.
It also includes a 12MP rear camera for photos and video.
Apple has introduced a new Acoustic Display system that places specially designed speakers beneath the screen.
The system uses the display to produce stronger bass and higher volume, while custom tweeters positioned between the glass and aluminum body improve high-frequency audio.
Battery
The 2026 iPad mini packs an 18.9Wh battery with USB-C charging.
According to Apple, the device can reach a 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes using a 35W or higher power adapter.
The USB-C port also supports USB 3 data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps.
Pricing
The new iPad mini starts at $699 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model, while the 256GB and 512GB versions cost $799 and $999, respectively.
For buyers who need cellular connectivity, the 128GB model costs $849, the 256GB version is priced at $949, and the 512GB variant costs $1,149.
Pre-orders begin on October 28, 2026, with deliveries and retail availability starting on November 6.
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