Apple has given its most compact iPad a major upgrade, bringing OLED display technology to the mini lineup for the first time. Alongside the new panel, the 2026 iPad mini adds the A20 Pro chip, a slimmer and lighter design, under-display audio, faster connectivity and improved durability, making it one of the most significant updates in years.
One of the most notable details is that Apple is using different versions of the A20 Pro chip depending on storage capacity. The 128GB and 256GB models receive a binned version with five CPU cores instead of six, while the 512GB model keeps the fuller configuration. Apple’s specifications also show that the lower-storage versions lose one efficiency core and have reduced NPU performance, though the remaining hardware stays the same.
The 2026 iPad mini uses a binned A20 Pro chip in its 128GB and 256GB versions
The new iPad mini is built around an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2,316 x 1,512 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. Apple has still not included ProMotion on its smallest tablet, but the panel does offer thinner bezels, peak brightness of up to 1,200 nits and optional nano-texture glass for reduced glare. The device supports both Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), and it also includes a 12MP landscape Center Stage camera.
Apple has also redesigned the audio system in a more unusual way. The new iPad mini places dual speakers under the display using what Apple calls an “Acoustic Display” setup. This approach is intended to deliver stronger bass and higher overall volume, while custom tweeters are positioned between the glass and the aluminum frame to improve high-frequency clarity.
The hardware itself has been refined as well. The 2026 iPad mini is just 5.4mm thick and weighs 255 grams, making it noticeably thinner and lighter than the previous model. Apple has also added Wi-Fi 7 support, while cellular models include 5G sub-6 GHz connectivity through eSIM and Apple’s C2 modem. The tablet also carries IP67-rated protection against dust and water.
Power comes from an 18.9Wh battery that charges through USB-C. Apple says the iPad mini can reach a 50% charge in about 30 minutes when using a 35W or higher adapter. The USB-C port also supports USB 3 data speeds of up to 10Gb/s.
The new iPad mini is available in Midnight and Starlight. Pricing starts at $699 / €749 / £699 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model, $799 / €879 / £799 for the 256GB version, and $999 / €1,129 / £999 for the 512GB model. Pre-orders begin on October 28, with the first deliveries expected on November 6.
| 128GB Wi-Fi | 128GB Cellular | 256GB Wi-Fi | 256GB Cellular | 512GB Wi-Fi | 512GB Cellular | |
| US | USD 699 | USD 849 | USD 799 | USD 949 | USD 999 | USD 1,149 |
| Germany | EUR 749 | EUR 919 | EUR 879 | EUR 1.049 | EUR 1.129 | EUR 1.299 |
| UK | GBP 699 | GBP 849 | GBP 799 | GBP 949 | GBP 999 | GBP 1,149 |
| India | INR 82,900 | INR 1,09,900 | INR 94,900 | INR 1,12,900 | INR 1,18,900 | INR 1,36,900 |
| China | CNY 5,499 | CNY 6,799 | CNY 6,299 | CNY 7,599 | CNY 7,999 | CNY 9,299 |
| Japan | JPY 119,800 | JPY 144,800 | JPY 136,800 | JPY 161,800 | JPY 171,800 | JPY 196,800 |
