Apple’s next iPad mini may finally get OLED

Apple is reportedly close to launching a new iPad mini, its first refresh in two years, and the biggest change could be the screen.

According to multiple sources cited by 9to5Mac, the upcoming iPad mini 8 is expected to switch from the current LCD panel to OLED. That would bring deeper blacks, stronger contrast, and richer colors. Apple first used OLED on the iPhone X in 2017, and brought it to the iPad Pro in 2024.

One open question is refresh rate. A recent unconfirmed rumor claimed the new iPad mini would stick with 60Hz rather than add ProMotion support up to 120Hz, but 9to5Mac said that detail has not been backed up by other sources.

The tablet is also expected to get a new chip. The current model, released in October 2024, runs on the A17 Pro. Its successor will likely use the A19 Pro or A20 Pro, which would deliver a performance bump and could support the most advanced Siri features in iOS 27.

Bloomberg has also reported that Apple tested a redesigned casing with water resistance similar to the iPhone. If that makes it into the shipping product, it would be a notable durability upgrade, especially for people who use the iPad mini as an e-reader.

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Another reported change is a vibration-based speaker system, which could let Apple remove external speaker holes and make water resistance easier to achieve.

According to the latest Bloomberg reporting, Apple is targeting a release as early as October. Pricing is still unclear. Apple raised the current iPad mini’s price last month from $499 to $599, though Amazon currently lists it at $549.