Updated October 27, 2026
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Apple announced a new iPad mini on October 26, 2026 with an 8.5-inch OLED screen, the A20 Pro chip, IP67 water resistance and a thinner, lighter body. It starts at $699 (Wi-Fi, 128GB), up from $499 for the 2024 model at launch. Pre-orders open October 28 and it reaches stores November 6.
This is the biggest redesign the small iPad has had in years, and the price jump is just as big. Here’s every change versus the 2024 model, what it costs, and who should upgrade.
Price and release date
| Model | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | $699 | see Apple | see Apple |
| Wi-Fi + Cellular | $849 | $949 | $1,149 |
- Pre-orders: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- In stores: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Colours: Midnight and Starlight
- Option: nano-texture anti-glare glass on selected configurations
Prices are for the US. Check Apple’s store in your country for local pricing.
The five changes that matter
1. OLED display. The screen grows to 8.5 inches with 24% smaller borders, true blacks and up to 1,200 nits peak brightness. It still runs at 60Hz, so there’s no ProMotion.
2. A20 Pro chip. Built on a 2-nanometer process. Apple claims up to 60% faster multithreaded CPU, up to 2.7x faster graphics and up to 4.5x faster AI performance than the previous iPad mini. The 512GB model gets a sixth CPU core and extra Neural Engine power.
3. Water and dust resistance. IP67 is a first for the iPad mini.
4. Thinner and lighter. 5.4mm thick (down from 6.3mm) and 255g, roughly 40g lighter. A new “Acoustic Display” audio system replaces the visible speaker grilles.
5. Faster connections and charging. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6; cellular models use Apple’s own C2 modem. Fast charging reaches 50% in about 30 minutes with a 35W or higher adapter.
iPad mini 2026 vs 2024 at a glance
| Feature | iPad mini 2024 (A17 Pro) | iPad mini 2026 (A20 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (Wi-Fi) | $499 | $699 |
| Display | 8.3″ LCD | 8.5″ OLED, up to 1,200 nits peak |
| Chip | A17 Pro (3nm) | A20 Pro (2nm) |
| Water/dust resistance | None | IP67 |
| Thickness | 6.3mm | 5.4mm |
| Front camera | Portrait edge | 12MP Center Stage on the landscape edge |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
| Cellular modem | Qualcomm | Apple C2 |
| Fast charging | No | 50% in ~30 min (35W+) |
Should you upgrade?
- You own the 2024 model: most people can keep it. The OLED screen and lighter body are the real gains for heavy readers and video watchers; water resistance and fast charging alone aren’t worth $699.
- You own a 2021 or older mini: this is a strong upgrade on every front.
- You read outdoors: the nano-texture option is the most specific reason to buy, but it costs more.
- You’re on a budget: a discounted 2024 model still handles reading, notes, browsing and video well.
Bottom line: the 2026 iPad mini is a premium small tablet now priced close to the iPad Air. It makes the most sense for people who want the smallest iPad with the best screen and are happy to pay for it.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the new iPad mini?
$699 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model in the US, and $849 for 128GB with cellular.
When can I buy it?
Pre-orders open October 28, 2026, and it launches in stores on November 6.
Is the new iPad mini waterproof?
It’s water and dust resistant with an IP67 rating, a first for the iPad mini. It isn’t designed for swimming.
Does it have a 120Hz ProMotion screen?
No. The OLED display runs at 60Hz.
Is the 512GB model faster?
Slightly. It has six CPU cores versus five on the 128GB and 256GB models.
Sources
- GSMArena: The OLED iPad mini is here: prices and specs
- The Apple Post: Apple unveils all-new iPad mini: announcement details
- Apple: official product page