Apple is planning its largest iPad mini update in five years, featuring an OLED display and a more powerful A19 Pro processor.
Key facts
- •The updated iPad mini is expected to launch as early as October 2026.
- •The new model may start at $699, representing a $100 price increase over the current version.
- •The iPad mini's refresh rate is expected to remain at 60Hz, unlike the 120Hz ProMotion display found on the iPad Pro.
- •A new base-model iPad is anticipated for early 2027, potentially featuring 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence.
Apple is preparing to release an updated iPad mini as early as October 2026, marking the device's most significant upgrade in five years. The new model is expected to transition from an LCD screen to an OLED panel and incorporate the A19 Pro chip to support Apple Intelligence.
By the numbers
Display and Performance Upgrades
The shift to an OLED panel is expected to provide the iPad mini with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and improved HDR performance, along with potential gains in battery efficiency. While the display will offer richer colors for streaming, gaming, and creative tasks, the refresh rate is rumored to remain at 60Hz. The inclusion of the A19 Pro chip is intended to provide faster processing power compared to the current A17 Pro model. This upgrade is designed to improve performance in demanding applications such as photo and video editing, as well as gaming and AI-related tasks.
Future iPad Lineup Plans
Beyond the iPad mini, Apple is rumored to be developing a 12th-generation base model iPad for release in early 2027. This device is expected to feature an A18 or A19 processor and 8GB of RAM, which would enable Apple Intelligence on the company's most affordable tablet.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by ZDNET AI.
