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Apple announced a redesigned iPad mini on October 26, 2026, with an 8.5-inch OLED display, A20 Pro chip, and IP67-rated splash, water and dust resistance. U.S. prices start at $699 for Wi-Fi; preorders open October 28, with availability beginning November 6.
Apple announced a redesigned iPad mini on October 26, adding an 8.5-inch OLED display, its A20 Pro chip and IP67-rated splash, water and dust resistance to the compact tablet. The new model starts at $699 in the United States; preorders begin October 28, and deliveries and store sales are scheduled to start November 6.
The display is larger than the previous-generation mini’s and, according to Apple, offers higher contrast and more than twice the peak brightness. Buyers can also choose a nano-texture option. Apple describes the body as thinner and lighter than its predecessor, but the announcement does not provide dimensions or weight figures for comparison.
The tablet uses Apple’s A20 Pro processor. Apple says it includes Neural Accelerators in each GPU core and a dual 16-core Neural Engine, and is designed to support AI tasks. The company also lists a 12-megapixel Center Stage front camera positioned on the landscape edge, an Acoustic Display, faster wireless and cellular connectivity, and fast-charge support. The announcement does not specify charging speeds or provide comparative connectivity figures.
The iPad mini will be sold in midnight and starlight, with 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options. U.S. Wi-Fi models start at $699, while Wi-Fi plus cellular starts at $849. Apple lists education pricing from $649. The new model supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C); Apple also announced a TechWoven Smart Folio for $79. Prices and availability outside the United States may vary.
A Brighter Screen in a Compact Tablet
The announcement brings OLED technology to Apple’s smallest iPad, while retaining the mini’s compact format. Higher contrast and Apple’s stated brightness increase could make video, photos and other visual work easier to view, though real-world performance will depend on testing and the viewing conditions.
The new processor and camera also position the mini for users who want a small device for video calls, creative tasks and AI-enabled features. Apple says the A20 Pro supports Apple Intelligence, but the announcement does not give independent performance results or quantify how much faster the tablet is than the prior model. Those details matter to buyers deciding whether the upgraded hardware justifies a starting price of $699.
Water and dust resistance adds a practical feature for people using a tablet outside the home or workplace. Apple says the device was tested to IP67 under controlled laboratory conditions, including submersion at a maximum depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes. The company warns resistance can diminish with normal wear and that liquid damage is not covered by warranty, so the rating is not a guarantee against damage in every situation.
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Apple Sets the Mini’s Next Generation
Apple presented the device as the latest generation of its smaller iPad, a format it says serves users including creators, small-business owners, medical workers, field-service workers and gamers. That description is the company’s characterization of the audience, not independent evidence of how customers use the product.
The update combines changes to the screen, processor, camera and resistance rating rather than focusing on a single feature. Apple says the OLED panel measures 8.5 inches diagonally and that the listed size measures the display as a rectangle; the viewable area is smaller because the screen has rounded corners. The release describes the tablet as thinner and lighter but does not give exact measurements.
Apple is also promoting software features alongside the hardware. Its announcement describes Apple Intelligence functions such as using personal context and onscreen awareness, image-editing tools, a new Image Playground app and Safari notifications for changes to webpages. The company says Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute, and that personal data handled through Private Cloud Compute is not stored or accessible to Apple or others. These are Apple’s statements about its systems; the release does not include outside verification or detailed limits for each feature.
“iPad mini is beloved for its fantastic portability, performance, and display by a wide range of users, from creators and small business owners to doctors, field service workers, and gamers.”
— Dave Pakula, Apple vice president of Hardware Engineering
Performance and Durability Need Testing
Apple has not provided independent tests of the A20 Pro’s performance, battery life, or how much the new model improves on the previous mini in everyday use. The company’s display-brightness comparison is stated as more than two times the previous generation’s peak brightness, but the announcement does not include the underlying measurements or testing conditions.
It is also not clear from the release how much the nano-texture option costs, which markets will receive every configuration, or the precise availability of cellular versions by country. Apple’s IP67 rating applies to controlled laboratory tests, and the company says resistance may decrease over time. Buyers should not read the rating as permanent protection or assume liquid damage is covered.
The release outlines Apple Intelligence features but does not specify every language, regional availability, or feature rollout date. It also does not establish how well the functions perform in practice. These points may become clearer through product testing and further availability details.
Preorders Open October 28
Apple says customers in 36 countries and regions, including the United States, can preorder the iPad mini from its website or Apple Store app beginning Wednesday, October 28. The company plans to start deliveries and in-store availability at Apple Stores and authorized resellers on Friday, November 6.
Potential buyers can compare the Wi-Fi and cellular models, storage capacities and education pricing when orders open. Apple has not supplied a market-by-market pricing and release schedule in the announcement, so customers outside the United States will need to check local listings. Independent reviews and hands-on testing should provide more information about display quality, speed, battery life and the practical effect of the new resistance rating.
Key Questions
When does the new iPad mini go on sale?
Apple says preorders open October 28, 2026, in 36 countries and regions, including the United States. Deliveries and store availability are scheduled to begin November 6.
How much does the new iPad mini cost?
In the United States, the Wi-Fi model starts at $699 and the Wi-Fi plus cellular model starts at $849. Apple lists education pricing from $649. Prices elsewhere may differ.
What is new about the display?
The tablet has an 8.5-inch OLED display. Apple says it offers higher contrast and more than twice the peak brightness of the previous-generation iPad mini. A nano-texture option is also available, though the announcement does not state its price.
Is the new iPad mini waterproof?
Apple says it has an IP67 rating based on controlled laboratory testing, including up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of one meter. Apple cautions that resistance can decrease with normal wear and that liquid damage is not covered by warranty; the rating does not mean the tablet is permanently waterproof.
Source: apple.com
