Apple has refreshed its iPad mini line-up with a redesigned model that combines a larger OLED display, a faster processor and improved durability in a compact body. The new tablet is aimed at users who want the convenience of a smaller device without compromising on screen quality, computing power or connectivity. The upgrade also brings changes to the camera system, audio performance and wireless features, making the iPad mini more versatile for work and entertainment.
The biggest change is the move to an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, replacing the 8.3-inch LCD panel used in the previous generation. Apple has reduced the bezels by 24%, allowing the screen to grow while keeping the device easy to carry. The larger viewing area is designed to improve the experience of reading, watching videos, browsing the internet, drawing and using multiple applications.
OLED technology offers a key advantage over traditional LCD screens because each pixel produces its own light. This enables deeper blacks, better contrast and more detailed images in dark scenes. Apple says the new display can reach peak brightness of 1,200 nits, while full-screen brightness reaches 600 nits. It also supports the P3 wide colour gamut and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, helping deliver richer colours and improved visual clarity.
Selected higher-storage models are available with an optional nano-texture display finish. The finish is intended to reduce reflections and glare, making the tablet more comfortable to use in bright environments. It may appeal to professionals, students and digital artists who frequently work near windows or under strong lighting, although buyers will need to account for the additional expense.
Powering the new iPad mini is Apple’s A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometre process. The processor includes a six-core CPU and a seven-core GPU, with Neural Accelerators integrated into the graphics cores. Apple claims the chip offers up to 60% faster multithreaded CPU performance, graphics performance up to 2.7 times faster and AI performance up to 4.5 times faster than the previous model.
The performance improvements are intended to make demanding tasks smoother, including photo editing, gaming, multitasking and applications that use artificial intelligence. The device is also designed to work with Apple’s Apple Intelligence features through iPadOS 27. However, the availability of individual AI features can depend on software updates, language support and regional restrictions.
Portability remains central to the iPad mini’s design. The new model measures 5.4mm thick and comes in Midnight and Starlight finishes. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, giving customers more flexibility depending on how they use the device. Apple has also introduced an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. This means the tablet has been tested for protection against dust and temporary immersion in water under controlled conditions, although the rating does not make it waterproof in every situation.
Apple has upgraded the audio system with its Acoustic Display design, which integrates specially developed woofers with the display structure. The system is intended to provide deeper bass and higher volume, improving the experience of watching films, listening to music and playing games without external speakers.
The camera system has also received attention. A 12-megapixel front camera sits along the landscape edge, making video calls more natural when the tablet is positioned horizontally. It supports Center Stage, which automatically adjusts the framing to keep users in view during compatible calls. The rear camera has a 12-megapixel sensor and supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, allowing users to capture high-resolution photos and videos.
Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support through Apple’s N1 wireless chip. Cellular versions use Apple’s C2 modem, which the company says can deliver cellular data speeds up to 50% faster than the previous generation. The tablet supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil USB-C, making it suitable for handwritten notes, sketching, document annotation and other creative tasks.
In India, the 128GB Wi-Fi model starts at ₹82,900, while the Wi-Fi plus Cellular version starts at ₹1,00,900. The 256GB Wi-Fi variant costs ₹94,900, and the 512GB model is priced at ₹1,18,900. Selected 256GB and 512GB configurations offer the nano-texture display option. Eligible students and education customers can access prices starting at ₹76,900.
Apple is scheduled to open pre-orders on October 28 through its website and Apple Store app, with sales beginning on November 6. The Smart Folio accessory is priced at ₹8,500. Apple Pencil Pro costs ₹11,900, while the Apple Pencil USB-C is available for ₹7,900.
The new iPad mini gives Apple’s compact tablet a more premium display, faster processing and better connectivity while preserving its portable design. Its starting price is higher than that of many competing tablets, so prospective buyers will need to consider whether the upgraded screen and performance justify the investment. For those seeking a powerful, lightweight device for reading, creative work and everyday productivity, the refreshed iPad mini offers a more capable alternative to a conventional tablet.
