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New iPad mini Adds OLED, A20 Pro, and IP67 Protection
Apple has announced a new iPad mini, bringing OLED to its smallest tablet.
The October 26 announcement confirms that pre-orders open October 28, 2026, with deliveries and store availability starting November 6. The update adds A20 Pro, water and dust resistance, and a redesigned audio system. It runs iPadOS 27.
New iPad mini prices and storage
Apple’s U.S. store offers three storage sizes in midnight and starlight. Prices below are for standard display glass, before tax.
| Storage | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $699 | $849 |
| 256GB | $799 | $949 |
| 512GB | $999 | $1,149 |
The cellular versions cost $150 more at each storage size. A mobile data plan costs extra. Choosing more storage also changes the chip configuration, so capacity isn’t the only difference between models.
OLED brings a larger screen in the same footprint
The 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR display uses OLED, which controls light at each pixel for deeper blacks. Apple fits the larger screen into the previous mini’s footprint by reducing the bezels by 24 percent.
Brightness reaches 600 nits across the full screen, with peaks of 1,200 nits for HDR content. The display can dim to 1 nit for dark rooms. Optional nano-texture glass reduces glare and is available on the 256GB and 512GB models.
Gamers should keep screen contrast and refresh rate separate. Apple’s published specifications don’t advertise ProMotion or a 120Hz mode, so OLED alone shouldn’t be treated as a promise of higher frame rates.
A20 Pro differs by storage size
Apple’s technical specifications show two A20 Pro configurations:
| Storage | CPU | GPU | Neural Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB and 256GB | 5 cores | 7 cores | 16 cores |
| 512GB | 6 cores | 7 cores | Dual 16-core |
The CPU handles general processing, while the GPU handles graphics. The Neural Engine handles machine-learning tasks. All three storage options support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which compatible games can use for lighting and reflections.
Apple claims up to 2.7 times the graphics performance of the previous iPad mini. The figure comes from Apple’s testing and isn’t a guarantee that every game will run 2.7 times faster. Game settings, software support, and heat still affect results.
The 512GB model adds a CPU core and more AI processing hardware, but its GPU core count stays the same. Gamers shouldn’t assume the most expensive model automatically doubles gaming performance.
Lighter hardware, new audio, and faster charging
The new mini measures 5.4mm thick and weighs 255g for Wi-Fi or 263g for cellular. Touch ID remains in the top button, and USB-C supports data transfers up to 10Gb/s.
Apple’s Acoustic Display audio system pairs woofers through the screen and places tweeters between the glass and aluminum body. Apple says the design improves bass and volume. The sealed enclosure also helps achieve IP67 water and dust resistance.
IP67 covers laboratory testing at a depth of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Water resistance can weaken over time, and Apple’s warranty doesn’t cover liquid damage.
Other updates and practical limits include:
- Wireless: N1 brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Cellular models add the C2 modem and use eSIM.
- Camera: The 12MP Center Stage front camera moves to the landscape edge for video calls.
- Battery: Apple rates up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi browsing or video playback. The figure doesn’t measure gaming battery life.
- Charging: Apple says a 35W or higher adapter can charge the battery to 50 percent in around 30 minutes. The included adapter is 20W.
- Accessories: Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) remain compatible and are sold separately.
Apple’s specifications cover charging, battery ratings, and accessory compatibility. Before ordering, check your favorite games’ App Store requirements and download sizes. Our Apple Indie Games Week coverage offers a starting point for finding iPhone and iPad games.
