Apple Reveals Updated iPad mini With OLED Screen and A20 Pro Chip Starting at $699

Apple has announced an updated 8th-generation iPad mini featuring an OLED display, the A20 Pro chip, and a starting price of $699. Apple describes the refreshed tablet as its most significant update yet for the device line, introducing several hardware and design changes.

Display and Design Improvements

The new iPad mini retains a footprint similar to the 2024 model while offering a slightly larger 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, up from 8.3 inches, achieved through a 24 percent reduction in bezel thickness.

• OLED Technology: Replaces the previous IPS panel for deeper blacks and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, compared to 500 nits on the prior version.
• Brightness Range: Capable of a 1-nit minimum brightness for low-light environments.
• Physical Profile: Measures 5.4 mm thick, making it nearly a millimeter thinner than its predecessor.
• Durability: Features an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, a rating absent in the 7th-generation model.
• Optional Glass: A nano-textured matte display option is available for select configurations.

Performance and Hardware Specifications

The tablet is powered by the 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip, replacing the 3-nanometer A17 Pro chip used previously. Performance capabilities vary depending on the storage tier selected:

• Base and Mid-Tier (128GB and 256GB): Equipped with a single 16-core Neural Engine and a five-core CPU configuration.
• High-Tier (512GB): Features a dual 16-core Neural Engine similar to the iPhone 18 Pro.
• Cameras: Retains 12-megapixel front and rear cameras, with the front-facing camera relocated from the short edge to the long edge.

Pricing and Availability

The base Wi-Fi model with 128GB of storage begins at $699. Upgrades and additional options include:

• 256GB Storage: $100 additional.
• 512GB Storage: $300 additional.
• Cellular Connectivity: Starts at $849 for the 128GB model.
• Nano-Textured Glass: Available as a $100 add-on exclusively for the 256GB and 512GB versions.

Preorders are scheduled to begin at 10:10 am PT on October 28 (Wednesday), with retail availability and shipments starting November 6. Consumers can verify specifications and place orders directly through official Apple announcements and channels.