The iPad mini's biggest update in 5 years is expected this fall - here's what we know
The next iPad mini is rumored to feature an OLED panel and a more powerful processor. A new base iPad is also in the works.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Apple is planning the biggest upgrade to its iPad mini in five years, with supply chain rumors indicating the smallest iPad will feature an OLED panel for the first time. The new iPad mini is expected to feature Apple's A19 Pro chip, which supports Apple Intelligence.
The next iPad mini is getting a new screen that will make it look better and work faster. It's also getting a new brain that will help it do more things, like edit videos and photos. This will make it a better tablet for work and play.
Analysis
The iPad mini's Biggest Update in 5 Years
The next iPad mini is rumored to feature an OLED panel and a more powerful processor. This upgrade will give the iPad mini a firmer, broader footing, moving it from an entertainment-focused tablet to one that can transition smoothly into work, especially with the improved processor.
The new iPad mini is expected to feature Apple's A19 Pro chip, which supports Apple Intelligence. The current iPad mini features the A17 Pro, which also supports Apple's AI platform and features, but the upgrade to the A19 Pro would deliver faster performance with stronger processing power. The upgrade will be most evident in demanding tasks, like video and photo editing, but should also make AI tasks and games run faster and smoother.
The new iPad mini is expected to be released as early as October 2026 and could cost $100 more than the current model, bringing its starting price to $699. Apple is also rumored to release a new base model iPad, but that's not expected until early 2027. The 12th-generation iPad is expected to feature an A18 or A19 processor and likely 8GB of RAM, bringing Apple Intelligence to the most affordable iPad.
A New Era for the iPad mini
The iPad mini's OLED upgrade appears imminent, but Apple is not expected to increase the iPad mini's refresh rate, which is rumored to remain at up to 60Hz. The iPad Pro features an OLED display and ProMotion, which gives the Pro model a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, offering more fluid image transitions and a smoother Apple Pencil performance. Still, the OLED panel on the iPad mini will make the display look much better than the current LCD, but motion will remain the same as the current iPad mini's with its Liquid Retina Display.
The Road Ahead
The new iPad mini is expected to be a significant upgrade, but it's not the only new tablet in the works. Apple is also rumored to release a new base model iPad, which will likely feature an A18 or A19 processor and 8GB of RAM. This new iPad will bring Apple Intelligence to the most affordable iPad, making it a more viable option for those looking for a tablet that can handle work and entertainment tasks.
Key points
- The next iPad mini is rumored to feature an OLED panel and a more powerful processor.
- The new iPad mini is expected to be released as early as October 2026.
- The 12th-generation iPad is expected to feature an A18 or A19 processor and likely 8GB of RAM.
- The new iPad mini is expected to cost $100 more than the current model, bringing its starting price to $699.
The new iPad mini could be a game-changer for those looking for a tablet that can handle both work and entertainment tasks. With its improved processor and OLED display, it could be a more viable option for those who want a device that can keep up with their demands.
The new iPad mini may not be as affordable as the current model, with a potential price increase of $100. This could make it less accessible to those who are looking for a budget-friendly option.
