IT · 2026-10-27
Apple Unveils New iPad Mini with 8.5-inch OLED Display and A20 Pro Chip
Apple has unveiled a new iPad mini featuring an 8.5-inch OLED display and the A20 Pro chip. It’s thinner and lighter than the previous model at 5.4 mm, with prices starting at $699 for the Wi‑Fi version.
Apple has unveiled a new iPad mini that will likely catch the attention of anyone who prefers a small tablet but has wished for a bit more screen space. The company says it has increased the display from 8.3 inches on the previous generation to 8.5 inches, while keeping the device compact. The key upgrades are the OLED display and a thinner, lighter design.
The display bezels are 24% thinner than before, and the body measures 5.4 mm thick. Brightness goes up to 1,200 nits, and can be reduced to as low as 1 nit in dark environments. However, ProMotion, which enables smoother screen transitions, has not been included. According to the product specifications, it supports up to 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.
On the performance side, Apple has included the A20 Pro chip. Apple says this chip can run AI models directly on the device. Based on that, it supports certain AI features, including adjusting Siri’s vocal expressiveness and speaking speed. Storage options are split into 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with the 128GB and 256GB models featuring a 5-core CPU and the 512GB model equipped with a 6-core CPU. All models include a 16-core Neural Engine.
The audio features have also been updated. Apple says a woofer combined with the display enhances bass and volume, while tweeters positioned between the glass and aluminum exterior help deliver clearer high frequencies. The front camera is 12 megapixels and has been moved to the longer side of the device to better suit landscape video calls. The device carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and Apple says it can last up to 10 hours when used over Wi‑Fi for video streaming or web browsing.
Pricing starts at $699 for the Wi‑Fi model and $849 for the Wi‑Fi + cellular model. Color options are Midnight and Starlight, and storage configurations include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. A nano-texture display option that reduces reflections will be available for the 256GB and 512GB models. Pre-orders begin on October 28, and sales are scheduled to start on November 6.
This new model follows the 7th-generation iPad mini released in 2024. The main changes center on keeping the small form factor while increasing the screen size and adding OLED and a new chip. That said, the refresh rate remains at 60Hz, so users who care deeply about smooth motion on screen may want to keep that in mind before buying. It would be wise to compare the added features against the price and key specifications when weighing it against the previous generation.
Source: The Verge
The display bezels are 24% thinner than before, and the body measures 5.4 mm thick. Brightness goes up to 1,200 nits, and can be reduced to as low as 1 nit in dark environments. However, ProMotion, which enables smoother screen transitions, has not been included. According to the product specifications, it supports up to 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.
On the performance side, Apple has included the A20 Pro chip. Apple says this chip can run AI models directly on the device. Based on that, it supports certain AI features, including adjusting Siri’s vocal expressiveness and speaking speed. Storage options are split into 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with the 128GB and 256GB models featuring a 5-core CPU and the 512GB model equipped with a 6-core CPU. All models include a 16-core Neural Engine.
The audio features have also been updated. Apple says a woofer combined with the display enhances bass and volume, while tweeters positioned between the glass and aluminum exterior help deliver clearer high frequencies. The front camera is 12 megapixels and has been moved to the longer side of the device to better suit landscape video calls. The device carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and Apple says it can last up to 10 hours when used over Wi‑Fi for video streaming or web browsing.
Pricing starts at $699 for the Wi‑Fi model and $849 for the Wi‑Fi + cellular model. Color options are Midnight and Starlight, and storage configurations include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. A nano-texture display option that reduces reflections will be available for the 256GB and 512GB models. Pre-orders begin on October 28, and sales are scheduled to start on November 6.
This new model follows the 7th-generation iPad mini released in 2024. The main changes center on keeping the small form factor while increasing the screen size and adding OLED and a new chip. That said, the refresh rate remains at 60Hz, so users who care deeply about smooth motion on screen may want to keep that in mind before buying. It would be wise to compare the added features against the price and key specifications when weighing it against the previous generation.
Source: The Verge
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