Apple has unveiled a redesigned iPad mini featuring an 8.5-inch OLED display, its A20 Pro chip, and improved water and dust resistance. Announced on October 26, 2026, the new tablet brings some of Apple’s biggest changes to the compact iPad lineup, alongside a thinner design, faster connectivity, an upgraded front camera, and new AI capabilities powered by iPadOS 27.

The updated iPad mini retains its portable form factor while introducing features previously associated with Apple’s higher-end devices. It also adds an optional nano-texture display finish for users who need to reduce glare in bright environments.

iPad mini gets an 8.5-inch OLED display

The new iPad mini replaces the previous generation‘s LCD panel with an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The larger screen comes with bezels that are 24% thinner, allowing Apple to increase the display size while maintaining the tablet’s overall footprint.

OLED technology enables pixel-level lighting control, producing deeper blacks and higher contrast than a conventional LCD panel. Apple says the display offers a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, peak brightness of up to 1,200 nits, and full-screen brightness of 600 nits for SDR and HDR content. It can also dim to as little as 1 nit for comfortable viewing in dark environments.

For users working outdoors or under bright lighting, Apple is introducing an optional nano-texture glass finish designed to reduce glare. The option builds on a feature already available on select iPad Pro models.

A20 Pro brings a major performance upgrade

The new iPad mini is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built using a 2-nanometer manufacturing process. The processor brings upgrades to CPU performance, graphics, and on-device AI processing.

Apple claims the A20 Pro delivers up to 60% faster multithreaded CPU performance, up to 2.7 times faster graphics performance, and up to 4.5 times faster AI performance compared with the previous-generation iPad mini. These improvements could benefit demanding creative applications, gaming, 3D rendering, and AI-powered tasks that run directly on the device.

The chip includes a seven-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in every GPU core, alongside a Neural Engine. The 512GB configuration gets a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, which Apple says doubles the processing power of the previous generation’s Neural Engine arrangement. That configuration also benefits from increased unified memory bandwidth for graphics-intensive and AI workloads.

The upgraded hardware makes the compact tablet better equipped for demanding apps while keeping its small, portable design.

iPadOS 27 brings Siri AI and Apple Intelligence

The new iPad mini runs iPadOS 27, bringing Apple’s next generation of Apple Intelligence features and Siri AI capabilities to the device.

Apple says Siri AI can use personal context to help users find information, answer questions across a broad range of topics, and understand what’s displayed on the screen. These capabilities complement the A20 Pro’s upgraded on-device AI processing.

Availability of Apple Intelligence features depends on supported languages and other requirements. Siri AI is currently listed as available in English on Apple’s iPad mini product page.

Thinner design, water resistance, and upgraded cameras

Apple has made the new iPad mini 5.4 mm thick, making it 14% thinner and 13% lighter than the previous model. It comes in two finishes: Midnight and Starlight.

The tablet also gains an IP67 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance. Apple says the device was tested under controlled laboratory conditions for immersion in up to one meter of water for as long as 30 minutes. Resistance is not permanent and may decrease with normal wear, and liquid damage is not covered under warranty.

For video calls, the new iPad mini features a 12MP Center Stage front camera positioned along the landscape edge. The placement is intended to make video calls more natural when the tablet is used horizontally.

Apple has also introduced an Acoustic Display designed to improve the audio experience. Other upgrades include faster wireless and cellular connectivity, along with fast-charge support.

Apple Pencil Pro and accessories

The new iPad mini supports both Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). With Apple Pencil Pro, users can take advantage of features such as squeeze and barrel roll, as well as Find My support for locating a misplaced stylus.

Apple is also launching a new TechWoven Smart Folio for the tablet. It comes in Navy Blue and Taupe and is priced at $79.

iPad mini price and availability

The new iPad mini will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage configurations, with Midnight and Starlight finishes. Customers in the United States can preorder the tablet beginning October 28 at 10:10 am Pacific Time through Apple’s website and the Apple Store app. Deliveries and in-store availability begin November 6.

US pricing starts at $699 for the Wi-Fi model and $849 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. Education pricing starts at $649.

The updated tablet represents a substantial change for Apple’s smallest iPad, combining a larger OLED screen, a newer processor, improved AI capabilities, and added durability. For people who prefer a compact tablet for reading, gaming, creative work, or productivity on the go, the new iPad mini offers a more capable option without moving to a larger iPad.