Apple today introduced the next-generation iPad mini, a thorough refresh of the device that brings meaningful improvements to performance alongside display features previously found only on the iPad Pro models.
Thinner, Lighter Design with IP67
Let’s start with the design of this new iPad mini. While the basic shape and feel of the device remains the same, Apple says the new mini is its thinnest and lightest to date at just 5.4mm thick.
Plus, Apple has designed the new mini with an IP67 rating to protect against water and dust. And if that IP67 rating wasn’t enough evidence of Apple’s push to encourage use of the mini in the outdoors and on the go, let’s take a look at the device’s updated display.
Larger OLED Display with Nano-texture Option
The new display is where the new iPad mini really shines—literally.
Apple has placed a new Super Retina XDR OLED display in the new mini, a huge upgrade over the LCD displays of the past. Unfortunately, despite the upgrade to OLED, Apple opted to not make the new display in the mini a ProMotion 120hz display, instead opting for a standard 60hz refresh rate.
However, the display size has increased from 8.3 inches to 8.5 inches while the mini itself retains the same footprint thanks to bezels that are 24 percent thinner.
Apple has also increased peak brightness by 2x on iPad mini with up to 1200 nits and the ability to dim all the way down to 1 nit. Apple is also bringing the nano-texture display option to the mini for the first time. Previously only available on iPad Pro models, the nano-texture display etches the glass of the display at the nanometer level in order to scatter light rather than reflecting it. The process massively reduces glare in bright indoor and outdoor environments.
With the new thinner and lighter design, brighter OLED panel, and the new nano-texture option, the new mini gives you more reasons than ever to bring it along when on the go.
New Chips, Better Cameras, Better Audio
The new iPad mini is powered by the A20 Pro, the new 2nm-process chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo models. The A20 Pro inside iPad mini features a seven-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core, boosting graphics performance by 2.7x over the previous generation mini while boosting AI performance by 4.5x.
Depending on which iPad mini you order, you’ll get either five CPU cores or six. The 128GB and 256GB models will come with the five-core CPU while the 512GB model will come with the six-core CPU. Apple says A20 Pro boosts multithreaded performance by up to 60 percent over the previous generation mini.
Another feature exclusive to the 512GB model is a Dual 16-core Neural Engine for improved on-device AI work. (The other models get a single 16-core Neural Engine.)
On the connectivity side, iPad mini now features Apple’s N1 wireless chip enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity. Cellular models will also get the C2, Apple’s next-generation cellular modem. Apple says C2 enables up to 50 percent faster cellular data speeds compared to the previous generation mini.
Apple has also made updates to the cameras on iPad mini, moving the 12MP Center Stage camera on the front of the device to the long (landscape) edge for better placement during video calls. Meanwhile, the 12MP rear camera can capture video at up to 4K 60 fps and now features an Adaptive True Tone flash.
Apple says the new mini also features improved audio thanks to a new Acoustic Display which produces punchier bass and more volume with specially designed woofers and custom tweeters.
Pricing, Accessories, and Availability
The next-generation iPad mini will be available in two shades: midnight and starlight in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations. Pricing starts at $699.
Apple is also introducing a new TechWoven Smart Folio for the mini in navy blue and taupe. Apple says the new Smart Folio has an adjustable design that provides a greater range of motion, including new viewing angles. The new mini also supports both Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro.
Pre-orders for the new iPad mini start Wednesday, October 28 with availability starting Friday, November 6.
