Apple has introduced a redesigned iPad mini, marking the most substantial update in the product line's history. The new model features an 8.5-inch OLED display housed in a 5.4mm thin aluminum enclosure, achieving a 24 percent reduction in bezel size compared to its predecessor. The device is available in midnight and starlight finishes and is the first iPad to carry an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
At the heart of the device is the A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process. Apple claims the new silicon provides up to 4.5 times faster AI performance and 2.7 times faster graphics performance than the previous generation. The chip architecture includes a 7-core GPU with integrated Neural Accelerators. However, performance specifications vary by storage capacity; the 128GB and 256GB models utilize a binned chip with a 5-core CPU and a single 16-core Neural Engine, while the 512GB model features a full 6-core CPU and a dual 16-core Neural Engine configuration.
The display technology has seen a significant upgrade, with the new OLED panel offering a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and peak brightness reaching 1,200 nits. The screen supports a 1-nit minimum brightness for low-light environments and is available with an optional nano-texture glass finish on higher-capacity models. Despite these improvements, the display maintains a 60Hz refresh rate, omitting the ProMotion technology found in other premium Apple devices.
Audio and camera capabilities have also been refined. The tablet introduces an Acoustic Display system, which utilizes the screen as a woofer surface for improved bass, while tweeters are concealed within the device's frame. The 12MP front-facing camera has been relocated to the landscape edge to better accommodate video conferencing. The rear 12MP camera supports 4K video recording at 60 FPS and includes an Adaptive True Tone flash for enhanced document scanning.
The new iPad mini starts at $699, with pre-orders beginning October 28 and retail availability scheduled for November 6. The device supports both the Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Apple Pencil, providing a lower-cost alternative to the company's foldable mobile offerings.