Apple’s next iPad mini could cost considerably more than the current model, with a reported starting price of around $799 as the company prepares to bring OLED technology and other hardware upgrades to its smallest tablet. If the pricing estimate holds, buyers would face a $200 increase over the current entry-level model, pushing the compact tablet into a more expensive segment of Apple’s lineup.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing a new iPad mini for a late-October launch, and the company is reportedly considering a substantially higher price. The $799 figure remains an estimate rather than confirmed pricing, but it would mark a significant change for a tablet that has traditionally appealed to people who want an iPad that is easier to carry and use with one hand.

The current iPad mini starts at $599 for the 128GB configuration following a price increase earlier in 2026. Moving to $799 would represent a roughly 33% increase over that starting price, assuming Apple keeps the reported figure and compares equivalent entry-level configurations.

OLED could be the biggest reason for the price hike

The most significant expected upgrade is the switch from LCD to OLED. The current iPad mini uses an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina LCD, while the next generation is expected to introduce an OLED panel for the first time.

OLED technology allows individual pixels to switch off completely, producing deeper blacks and stronger contrast than a conventional LCD. It can also offer faster pixel response times, making it a meaningful improvement for watching movies, viewing photos, reading and playing games.

However, the new tablet is not necessarily going to inherit every display feature from the iPad Pro. Reports have suggested that Apple could use a less advanced single-stack OLED panel rather than the tandem OLED technology found in its premium tablets. Support for a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate also remains uncertain, with earlier reports pointing to a 60Hz display.

That distinction matters because a higher price does not automatically mean the iPad mini will offer the same display experience as Apple’s flagship iPad Pro models. The OLED upgrade should improve image quality, but its precise specifications will determine how substantial the difference feels in everyday use.

A redesigned tablet with more than a new display

The OLED panel is not the only upgrade expected for the next iPad mini. Reports point to a redesigned speaker system, a more water-resistant construction and a substantial processor upgrade.

Apple is reportedly developing a vibration-based speaker system that could reduce the need for conventional speaker openings. Such a design could help limit the points through which water enters the device, although the extent of the expected water resistance and whether Apple will provide an official IP rating remain unconfirmed.

The processor is another area to watch. The current iPad mini runs on Apple’s A17 Pro chip, while the upcoming model has been tipped to use the A20 Pro. That would bring a newer generation of Apple silicon to the compact tablet, although Apple has yet to confirm the chip or its performance capabilities.

Together, these rumored changes suggest that Apple is planning a more substantial update than a straightforward display replacement. The question is whether the combination of OLED, improved durability and faster performance will justify the higher starting price.

The iPad mini could become a much more expensive purchase

At a rumored $799, the next iPad mini would sit above the current starting price of the 11-inch iPad Air, which makes Apple’s pricing decision particularly important. Buyers who prioritize screen size and productivity may find a larger iPad more appealing, while those who specifically want a compact tablet could have fewer alternatives within Apple’s own lineup.

The higher price could also make the current iPad mini more attractive when discounted. Anyone who primarily wants a portable tablet for reading, browsing, streaming and everyday tasks may not need all the upgrades expected in the next generation.

Apple has not officially announced the new iPad mini or confirmed its price, specifications or availability. Bloomberg‘s reporting points to a late-October announcement, potentially around October 27, but the final details will need to wait for an official announcement.

If the $799 starting price becomes reality, Apple’s smallest tablet will be taking a meaningful step upmarket. OLED and the other rumored upgrades could make that increase easier to understand, but buyers will ultimately need to decide whether those improvements are worth paying $200 more.