Apple Unveils 8th-Gen iPad mini with Larger OLED Display and A20 Pro Chip

Tendela Briefing · 27 Oct 2026 · 01:00 UTC

Image: Ars Technica · Source

Apple introduces its most significant iPad mini update featuring a larger 8.5-inch OLED screen, A20 Pro chip, thinner design, IP67 rating, and enhanced AI capabilities, starting at $699.

Apple has announced the 8th-generation iPad mini, marking the most significant update ever for its compact tablet line. The new model maintains a similar physical size but features a larger 8.5-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, up from the previous 8.3-inch IPS screen. Thanks to a 24 percent reduction in bezel thickness, the display offers deeper blacks, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and peak brightness reaching 1,200 nits—more than doubling the 500-nit peak brightness of its predecessor. Additionally, a nano-texture matte option is available for reduced glare.

Measuring just 5.4 millimeters thin, the updated iPad mini is slimmer and lighter than before and carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, a first in the mini lineup. The device is powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometer process technology, featuring a 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators and a dual 16-core Neural Engine in the highest storage tier, delivering substantially improved graphics and AI performance over the previous A17 Pro-powered model.

Camera improvements include a 12MP front camera relocated to the landscape edge optimized for video calls with Center Stage support, and a 12MP rear camera with Smart HDR 4, 4K video at up to 60fps, and an Adaptive True Tone flash enhancing photography and document scanning.

Connectivity sees significant advances with the introduction of Apple's N1 chip enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, alongside the C2 modem system in cellular models offering up to 50 percent faster data speeds with improved power efficiency.

The iPad mini runs iPadOS 27, incorporating next-generation Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features that enhance device interaction through on-device and cloud-assisted processing while maintaining user privacy.

Pricing for the Wi-Fi model starts at $699 for 128GB storage, rising to $799 and $999 for 256GB and 512GB respectively. Cellular-enabled versions begin at $849. The nano-texture display is an additional $100 upgrade limited to the higher storage options. Customers can pre-order beginning October 28, with availability scheduled for November 6. The new iPad mini supports both Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro, and is offered in midnight and starlight finishes.

This comprehensive upgrade underscores Apple's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and enhanced performance in a highly portable form factor, catering to diverse user needs from creative professionals to everyday consumers.