Apple revealed the 2026 iPad mini, introducing an OLED screen to its smallest tablet line for the very first time. The updated device carries the new A20 Pro processor, Wi-Fi 7, and a reduced thickness, though different storage tiers receive varying processor setups.

Five CPU cores power both the 128GB and 256GB editions. By contrast, the 512GB option receives six CPU cores. Specifications from Apple show that lower-storage tiers contain one fewer efficiency core alongside half the NPU strength, while other specifications remain identical across all versions.

iPad mini (2026) Gets an 8.5-inch OLED Display

An 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel drives the updated tablet at a resolution of 2,316 x 1,512 pixels. The panel maintains a 60Hz refresh rate, as Apple omitted ProMotion support from this small tablet.

Narrower bezels frame the screen, which delivers up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness. Customers can select an optional nano-texture glass coating to cut down reflections, and the hardware works with both the Apple Pencil Pro and the USB-C Apple Pencil.

A 12MP Center Stage camera sits on the landscape edge to make horizontal video calls easier.

Audio updates include dual speakers positioned beneath the screen in an arrangement Apple terms an Acoustic Display setup. According to the firm, this layout yields higher volume and stronger bass.

Custom tweeters sit hidden between the aluminum frame and the glass to generate cleaner high-frequency sounds.

Thinner Design, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G Connectivity

Measuring 5.4mm in thickness and weighing 255 grams, the 2026 iPad mini is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor, which measured 6.3mm and weighed 297 grams.

Wi-Fi 7 support using the 802.11be standard highlights the connectivity improvements. Cellular editions provide sub-6GHz 5G through eSIM and Apple's C2 modem, alongside IP67 dust and water protection.

An 18.9Wh battery powers the unit via a USB-C port. Apple states a 35W or stronger adapter can charge the battery to 50 percent in 30 minutes, and the port delivers USB 3 data speeds up to 10Gb/s. Midnight and Starlight are the available color choices.

iPad mini (2026) Price and Availability

Base pricing for the 128GB Wi-Fi model of the 2026 iPad mini begins at $699 in the US, £699 in the UK, and €749 in Germany. The 256GB edition costs $799, £799, or €879, while the 512GB model starts at $999, £999, or €1,129.

Pricing differs according to location, storage size, and connectivity features. Indian Wi-Fi models cost INR 82,900 for 128GB, INR 94,900 for 256GB, and INR 1,18,900 for 512GB, while cellular editions cost INR 1,09,900, INR 1,12,900, and INR 1,36,900 respectively.

Chinese prices begin at CNY 5,499 for the 128GB Wi-Fi unit, CNY 6,299 for the 256GB unit, and CNY 7,999 for the 512GB unit. Cellular variants in China cost CNY 6,799, CNY 7,599, and CNY 9,299.

Japanese Wi-Fi versions cost JPY 119,800, JPY 136,800, and JPY 171,800 for the respective storage sizes, with cellular models priced at JPY 144,800, JPY 161,800, and JPY 196,800. Pre-orders begin on October 28, and initial shipments arrive on November 6.