Apple unveils redesigned iPad Mini with 8.5-inch OLED screen
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
Apple has announced a redesigned iPad Mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display, a larger screen than the previous model. The update matters because it brings a more substantial change to a line whose 2024 release mainly upgraded its internal specifications.
The new tablet starts at $699 for Wi-Fi, up from $499 for the previous generation, and includes an A20 Pro chip to support some new Siri features. Its 12-megapixel front camera has moved to the long edge to improve landscape video calls. The announcement comes ahead of Apple’s event on Wednesday, amid reports of other possible product launches this week.
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In short
- The new iPad Mini has an 8.5-inch OLED display.
- It starts at $699 and uses an A20 Pro chip.
- Its front camera is positioned for landscape video calls.
How this story developed
- 41 minutes ago Apple has announced a redesigned iPad Mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display, a larger screen than the previous model. The update matters because it brings a more substantial change to a line whose 2024 release mainly upgraded its internal specifications.
Full account
Apple has unveiled a redesigned iPad mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display, a larger screen than the 8.3-inch panel on the 2024 model. The tablet keeps the same overall footprint, with bezels that Apple says are 24 per cent slimmer. It is 5.4mm thick and comes in midnight and starlight finishes.
Apple says the new display reaches a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, can sustain 600 nits across the full screen for SDR and HDR content, and has a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. It can also dim to one nit for use in darker surroundings. A nano-texture finish is available as an option. The screen supports refresh rates up to 60Hz, so it does not include the ProMotion technology found on some of Apple’s higher-end devices.
The tablet runs on Apple’s A20 Pro chip, which the company says can handle on-device AI models and features associated with its updated Siri. All configurations have a 16-core Neural Engine; the 128GB and 256GB versions have a five-core CPU, while the 512GB model has six cores. Apple has also added its N1 networking chip, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, and a C2 modem in cellular versions. Apple says the new modem can deliver data speeds up to 50 per cent faster than the previous model.
Other changes include a 12-megapixel front camera on the landscape edge for video calls, a 12-megapixel rear camera with 4K video recording, and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Apple’s new “Acoustic Display” places woofers through the display and tweeters between the glass and aluminium enclosure, which it says improves bass, volume and high-frequency sound. The company promises up to 10 hours of video watching or web browsing over Wi-Fi. The tablet starts at $699 for Wi-Fi and $849 for Wi-Fi and cellular, with 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options. Pre-orders begin on 28 October and sales start on 6 November.
The reports place different emphasis on the update. One focuses on the screen’s brightness and low-light dimming, and notes the absence of ProMotion; the other gives more attention to the OLED panel’s contrast, nano-texture option and the audio design, while adding details about the rear camera, wireless standards and release dates. They also frame the A20 Pro differently: one highlights its role in supporting new Siri features, while the other stresses local AI processing and faster everyday performance. The second report states that the starting price is $200 higher than the 2024 model’s launch price; the first does not make that comparison.
Where outlets differ
From the full account, which is AI-written from the sources:
The first report describes the display as supporting up to 4K resolution at 60Hz and explicitly notes that it lacks ProMotion. The second does not discuss refresh rate or ProMotion.
The second report gives additional screen specifications, including 600-nit full-screen brightness, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and an optional nano-texture coating. The first emphasises the 1,200-nit peak and one-nit minimum brightness.
The second includes rear-camera capabilities, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread, the C2 modem’s claimed speed increase, colours and pre-order and sale dates. These details are absent from the first report.
The first highlights support for particular Siri voice controls, while the second stresses the ability to run local AI models and adds a sceptical comment about how useful that may be to typical mini users.
The second compares the $699 starting price with the 2024 launch price, saying it is $200 higher. The first gives the new prices without that comparison.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Apple updates the iPad Mini with a larger OLED display”.