Apple has unveiled a redesigned iPad mini with an OLED display, a faster A20 Pro processor and improved durability, giving its smallest tablet a substantial upgrade. The new model retains the compact design that makes the iPad mini easy to carry while introducing a larger screen, enhanced performance, upgraded cameras and improved connectivity.
The new iPad mini has an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, replacing the 8.3-inch LCD screen on its predecessor. Apple has reduced the display bezels by 24% to accommodate the larger panel without significantly increasing the tablet’s overall footprint. The change is aimed at users who want a portable device for reading, entertainment, gaming, note-taking and creative work.
OLED technology allows individual pixels to control their own light, producing deeper blacks, stronger contrast and more vivid colours than a conventional LCD panel. Apple says the display can reach peak brightness of 1,200 nits, while full-screen brightness reaches 600 nits. The screen also supports the P3 wide colour gamut and offers a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1.
Apple has introduced an optional nano-texture display finish on selected higher-storage configurations. Designed to reduce reflections and glare, the option could be useful for people who regularly use their tablets outdoors or in brightly lit workplaces. However, buyers will need to consider the additional cost when choosing their configuration.
The tablet is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built using a 2-nanometre manufacturing process. The processor features a six-core CPU and a seven-core GPU, with Neural Accelerators integrated into the graphics cores to support artificial intelligence workloads. Apple claims the new chip delivers up to 60% faster multithreaded CPU performance, graphics performance up to 2.7 times faster and AI performance up to 4.5 times faster than the previous generation.
These improvements could make the new iPad mini better suited to demanding tasks such as photo editing, multitasking and running AI-powered features. Apple is also positioning the device for its expanding Apple Intelligence ecosystem, with features available through iPadOS 27. Actual performance and feature availability may vary depending on the application, language and software version.
The redesigned tablet measures 5.4mm in thickness, making it thinner than the previous model. It is available in Midnight and Starlight colour options, with 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage configurations. Apple has also added an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, a first for the iPad mini line-up. The rating means the device has been tested under controlled conditions for protection against dust and temporary immersion in water, although resistance can diminish with normal wear.
Audio has received attention as well. Apple’s new Acoustic Display system integrates specially designed woofers with the display structure to deliver deeper bass and higher volume. The aim is to improve sound during video playback, gaming and other everyday activities without requiring users to rely on external speakers.
Camera improvements include a 12-megapixel front camera positioned along the landscape edge, making video calls more convenient when the tablet is held horizontally. The camera supports Center Stage, which helps keep users in the frame during calls. At the rear, a 12-megapixel camera supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second.
Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support through Apple’s N1 wireless chip. Cellular models use Apple’s C2 modem, with the company claiming up to 50% faster cellular data speeds compared with the previous generation. The tablet also supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C, allowing users to take notes, sketch and work on creative projects.
In India, the new iPad mini starts at ₹82,900 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. The Wi-Fi plus Cellular version starts at ₹1,00,900. The 256GB Wi-Fi model costs ₹94,900, while the 512GB version is priced at ₹1,18,900. Nano-texture display options are available for selected 256GB and 512GB models. Education pricing starts at ₹76,900, subject to eligibility.
Apple will open pre-orders on October 28 through its website and Apple Store app, with availability scheduled to begin on November 6. The new Smart Folio accessory is priced at ₹8,500. Apple Pencil Pro costs ₹11,900, while the Apple Pencil USB-C is priced at ₹7,900.
The launch gives Apple’s compact tablet a more premium display and substantial processing upgrades, while preserving its portable form factor. The higher starting price, however, may make buyers weigh the benefits against larger tablets and competing devices. For users who prioritise portability, improved visuals and faster performance, the new iPad mini represents a significant update to Apple’s smallest tablet.