Apple Reveals Updated iPad Mini with OLED Screen and A20 Pro
Apple has announced the latest iteration of its compact tablet, introducing an OLED screen, slimmer bezels, and the powerful A20 Pro processor.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Design and Display Upgrades
Apple has announced a refreshed compact tablet that it claims is the most significant update ever for the <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/10/hands-on-with-the-2024-ipad-mini-spot-the-differences/">8th-gen iPad mini</a> line. The device retains roughly the same overall footprint as previous iterations while managing to incorporate a slightly larger display thanks to a 24 percent reduction in bezel thickness.
Measuring just 5.4 mm thick, the tablet is almost a full millimeter thinner than its predecessor. Additionally, the chassis features an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, providing protection that was absent in the 7th-generation model. The screen upgrades from previous IPS technology to a new 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering deep blacks and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits alongside a 1-nit minimum brightness for dark environments.
Performance and the A20 Pro Chip
Under the hood, the new mid-size Apple touchscreen device is powered by the 2-nanometer <a href="https://arstechnica.com/apple/2026/09/review-the-iphone-18-pro-is-apples-coolest-smartphone-but-only-literally/">iPhone 18 Pro</a> chip architecture, bringing substantial processing and graphics gains. The previous generation relied on a 3-nanometer A17 Pro chip, whereas the A20 Pro significantly improves graphics performance alongside a 50 percent increase in memory bandwidth.
Processing configurations vary depending on storage capacity. While the 512GB configuration features a more robust CPU and a dual 16-core Neural Engine, the 128GB and 256GB variants utilize a five-core CPU configuration and a single 16-core NPU. These performance tiers support on-device AI workloads and Apple's associated software capabilities.
Audio, Camera, and Hardware Changes
The latest tablet incorporates a new "Acoustic Display" system, featuring custom-designed woofers paired through the display to produce enhanced bass and volume, alongside specialized tweeters positioned between the glass and aluminum frame for clearer highs. While the front and rear cameras maintain 12-megapixel resolutions, the front-facing camera has been relocated from the short edge to the long edge to optimize landscape-orientation video calls.
Connectivity options include Apple's next-generation C2 cellular modem and an in-house N1 networking chip. The device also supports up to 10 hours of battery life during web browsing or video playback over Wi-Fi, according to official specifications.
Pricing, Configurations, and Availability
The baseline <a href="https://arstechnica.com/apple/2026/10/apple-reveals-updated-ipad-mini-with-a-bigger-oled-screen-for-700/">Apple reveals updated iPad mini with a bigger OLED screen for $700</a> model starts at $699 for 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity, continuing a trend of rising price points for the lineup following the 2024 release. Stepping up to 256GB costs an additional $100, while the 512GB configuration demands a $300 premium over the base price. A cellular-capable 128GB model is priced at $849.
Furthermore, a glare-reducing nano-texture matte display option is available as a $100 upgrade exclusively on the 256GB and 512GB storage tiers. Customers can place preorders beginning at 10:10 am PT on October 28, with official store availability and home deliveries scheduled to commence on November 6.
Sources
- Ars TechnicaApple reveals updated iPad mini with a bigger OLED screen for $700
- The VergeApple updates the iPad Mini with a larger OLED display
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