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Apple unveils redesigned iPad Mini with 8.5-inch OLED screen

Developing story first seen 2 hours ago

The Verge · 2 hours ago

Apple has redesigned the iPad Mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display, a modest increase from the previous model’s 8.3-inch screen. The update gives the tablet a thinner, lighter body and slimmer bezels while keeping its compact size, and adds a faster chip to support some new Siri features.

The device is 5.4mm thick, has a 1,200-nit peak brightness and a 1-nit minimum, but its screen refreshes at 60Hz and does not support ProMotion. Prices start at $699 for Wi-Fi and $849 for cellular, compared with $499 for the 2024 model; storage options are 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. Pre-orders begin on 28 October, with sales starting 6 November.

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In short

The redesigned iPad Mini has an 8.5-inch OLED screen.
Prices start at $699, up from $499 for the previous model.
Pre-orders begin 28 October; availability starts 6 November.

How this story developed

2 minutes ago Apple has now specified that the tablet uses an A20 Pro chip and moves its 12-megapixel front camera to the long edge for landscape video calls, while the announcement precedes the company’s Wednesday event and reports of other possible launches.
9 minutes ago Apple’s redesigned iPad Mini has an 8.5-inch OLED screen, a slimmer and lighter 5.4mm body, and a faster chip, but its 60Hz display lacks ProMotion; prices start at $699, with pre-orders opening on 28 October and sales on 6 November.

26 Oct, 13:27Engadget Apple updates the iPad mini with an A20 processor and OLED display
26 Oct, 14:42The Verge Apple unveils redesigned iPad Mini with 8.5-inch OLED screen
26 Oct, 14:42TechCrunch Apple unveils new iPad mini with OLED display and faster A20 Pro chip

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.

Steelman: both sides, in good faith

The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.

The case for

The redesign gives users a larger, higher-quality screen while keeping the iPad Mini’s compact form, and the new chip may support more capable Siri features. For people who value portability and use their tablet for video calls or media, those changes could justify the higher price and make the Mini a more useful device.

The case against

The starting price has risen by $200, which may put the Mini out of reach for buyers who prefer a small tablet but do not need its newest display or chip. If the previous model still meets their needs, the redesign may offer too little practical benefit to justify replacing it, especially when lower-cost tablets are available.

Explained simply

Apple’s iPad Mini is the smallest tablet in the iPad range, designed for people who want a more portable device than a standard iPad. Apple is the company behind the iPad, and it also makes the iPhone and Mac computers.

The new model changes the screen and internal components, while moving the front camera to suit video calls when the tablet is held sideways. Its starting price is higher than that of the previous generation, making cost part of the comparison for people considering an upgrade.