Apple has introduced a substantial refresh for its compact tablet line, the iPad mini. The eighth-generation iPad mini arrives with notable enhancements, including a larger and more advanced OLED display and the latest A20 Pro chip, significantly boosting its performance and visual experience.
The device also features a revised design, making it thinner and lighter. Furthermore, for the first time, it boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Pre-orders are set to commence on October 28, with devices becoming available for purchase on November 6.
New Generation iPad mini Features
The new iPad mini now sports an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, a notable upgrade from the previous 8.3-inch IPS panel. This change delivers deeper blacks and significantly higher peak brightness, reaching up to 1,200 nits. It also offers a low minimum brightness of 1 nit, designed to reduce eye strain in dark environments. Bezels have been reduced by 24 percent, allowing for a larger screen within roughly the same device footprint.
At the core of the device is the A20 Pro chip, first seen in the iPhone 18 Pro. This chip provides a clear improvement in graphics performance compared to the A17 Pro in the previous generation. However, not all configurations offer identical performance; the 128 GB and 256 GB storage options come with a binned version of the A20 Pro chip, featuring five CPU cores instead of six and half the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) power. Only the 512 GB model includes the full dual 16-core Neural Engine and six CPU cores.
Regarding cameras, both front and back retain 12 MP sensors, but the front-facing camera's position has changed. It has moved from the short edge, typically used for portrait video calls, to the long edge for landscape use. The device's thickness has also been reduced by nearly a millimeter to 5.4 mm, and it now includes an IP67 rating for water and dust protection.
| Feature | Previous Gen (7th Gen) | New Gen (8th Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 8.3-inch IPS | 8.5-inch OLED display Super Retina XDR |
| Chip | A17 Pro | A20 Pro chip (full version in 512GB model) |
| Water/Dust Resist. | None | IP67 rating |
| Thickness | ~6.4 mm | 5.4 mm |
| Starting Price | $599 | $699 |
Why it matters
This update transforms the iPad mini into a powerful compact tablet offering a visual and performance experience closer to Apple's Pro-level devices. The OLED display provides richer colors and contrast, particularly beneficial for content consumption and professional applications, while the A20 Pro chip delivers a significant boost in performance for demanding tasks and AI-driven applications. The IP67 rating also ensures greater durability for everyday use. According to Ars Technica, these new features, while raising the starting price to $699, represent substantial improvements over the previous generation.
What it means for you
The new iPad mini is available for pre-order starting October 28 at 10:10 a.m. Pacific Time, with general availability and in-store pickup on November 6. The base model with 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity starts at $699. Opting for 256GB increases the price to $799, while the 512GB version is $999. The nano-textured matte display is an additional $100, available only for the 256GB and 512GB configurations. For those requiring cellular connectivity, the 128GB model starts at $849.
Consumers seeking a highly portable yet powerful tablet will find this iPad mini a compelling option. Its enhanced display and processing capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of uses, from casual browsing to more intensive creative tasks and on-device AI applications. If you are considering an upgrade or a new compact tablet, you can check Apple's official website or authorized retailers for detailed pricing and availability in your region starting on the pre-order date.
Sources:9to5Mac,TechCrunch,Product Hunt,GSMArena,ZDNET,Technopat
This story was compiled from the reporting of the sources above with AI assistance. Our editorial policy
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Frequently asked questions
What are the display size and technology of the new iPad mini?
The new iPad mini features an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
Which processor does the new iPad mini use?
The new iPad mini uses Apple's A20 Pro chip. However, the 128 GB and 256 GB models feature a binned version of this chip with fewer CPU cores and less NPU power.
About the author
Habip Dayan
Founder of Weras Labs
Habip Dayan is the founder of Weras Labs, a company that builds software products for professionals and teams. He has been building software since 2018 and writes about AI, cloud architecture and product design.
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