Apple to unveil new iPad mini with OLED display and A20 Pro chip
The upcoming tablet gets its biggest upgrade since 2021 with an A20 Pro chip and water resistance.
Apple's compact tablet, the iPad mini, is set to receive a major overhaul. The company plans to refine the device through not only a shift in display technology, but also a radical upgrade to its internal hardware. Marking the biggest refresh since 2021, the update aims to bring the iPad mini in line with modern standards.
New display and improved performance
The headline addition is an OLED screen. Although it will not feature the Tandem OLED technology seen on the iPad Pro, users will still notice richer colours and significantly higher contrast. However, it remains unclear whether the tablet will adopt a 120Hz ProMotion display or if Apple will continue using a 60Hz panel.
In terms of technical specifications, Apple is taking a major leap forward. The iPad mini will come equipped with the latest A20 Pro chip alongside 12GB of RAM. This combination will enable the tablet to run advanced artificial intelligence models locally, substantially enhancing Siri voice features and dictation capabilities. Early metrics indicate the A20 Pro delivers a 60% boost in CPU performance and a 166% increase in GPU speed compared to the A17 Pro.
Water resistance and price change
The innovations extend beyond internal components. Apple is reportedly redesigning the chassis to make the iPad mini its first water-resistant tablet. To achieve this, the audio system has been reworked to minimise the risk of water ingress, a feature particularly useful for those using the device while travelling or in demanding environments.
Pricing is also expected to shift. While the current model starts at $599, the next-generation iPad mini is projected to carry a starting price of $799. It is not yet clear what storage capacity will be offered at this price point, though expectations lean towards a 256GB base model, which would help justify the higher cost.
For users who value the compact form factor of the iPad mini, these changes present a compelling package. Nevertheless, the higher price tag and potential retention of a 60Hz display could spark debate. The official unveiling is scheduled for the coming days, when all final details will be confirmed.