Apple’s Revamped Ipad Mini Gains Bigger OLED Screen and Water Resistance
WHO:
Techmeme - Apple announced the redesigned iPad mini.
The Verge - Apple’s new iPad mini includes an upgraded A20 Pro chip and a 12-megapixel front-facing FaceTime camera.
The Verge - The 512GB model has a 6-core CPU with 2 super cores and 4 efficiency cores; 128GB and 256GB models have a 5-core CPU with 2 super cores and 3 efficiency cores. All models have a 16-core Neural Engine.
The Verge - Apple offers a $79 Smart Folio made from TechWoven fabric in navy blue and taupe.
WHAT:
CNET - Apple’s new iPad mini has an OLED display and water resistance.
Techmeme - The redesigned iPad mini has an 8.5-inch OLED display, an A20 Pro chip, bezels 24% thinner, and an optional nano-texture finish. It starts at $699.
The Verge - The display is Super Retina XDR, with peak brightness up to 1,200 nits and minimum brightness of 1 nit. It supports resolutions up to 4K at a 60Hz refresh rate and does not include ProMotion.
The Verge - The tablet is 5.4mm thick and lighter than its predecessor. Its larger display fits the same small form factor as the previous generation’s 8.3-inch screen.
The Verge - The iPad mini has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Apple’s Acoustic Display uses specially designed woofers paired through the display for more bass and volume, and custom tweeters between the glass and aluminum enclosure for clearer highs.
The Verge - The A20 Pro can run on-device AI models, including Siri AI features with iPadOS 27, such as adjusting the assistant’s voice expressiveness and pace.
The Verge - The front-facing camera is positioned on the tablet’s long edge for landscape video calls. The device includes Apple’s next-generation C2 cellular modem and N1 networking chip.
The Verge - Apple promises up to 10 hours of battery life for video watching or web browsing over Wi-Fi.
The Verge - The iPad mini comes in “midnight” and “starlight,” with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. Nano-texture is available on 256GB and 512GB models.
The Verge - Wi-Fi-only pricing starts at $699; Wi-Fi and cellular starts at $849.
The Verge - The previous, seventh-generation iPad mini started at $499 and had an A17 Pro chip, Apple Pencil Pro support, and 128GB base storage. David Pierce described it as a “new low for the product” and said it “feels like an iPad designed by a supply chain, not by someone who actually wants you to like the product.”
WHERE:
The Verge - The front-facing camera is on the iPad mini’s landscape edge; the article does not specify a geographic location for the announcement.
WHEN:
The Verge - Preorders begin Wednesday, October 28th.
CNET - The iPad mini is arriving Nov. 6.
Techmeme - Availability begins November 6.
The Verge - Availability begins November 6. The article says the announcement came just days before Apple’s “Pro and tell” event on Wednesday.
HOW:
The Verge - The Acoustic Display uses a sealed enclosure to provide the IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating.
The Verge - The Smart Folio attaches magnetically to the back of the tablet.
(UPDATED October 26, 2026 14:46 UTC)
Apple has redesigned the iPad mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display, thinner bezels, water and dust resistance, and a faster A20 Pro chip, with prices starting at $699 for Wi-Fi and $849 for cellular. It also features a 12-megapixel front-facing camera positioned for landscape calls, up to 10 hours of battery life, and storage options up to 512GB. Preorders begin Wednesday, October 28th, and the tablet goes on sale November 6.