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Apple announced a redesigned iPad mini on October 26, 2026, with an 8.5-inch OLED display, A20 Pro chip and IP67-rated splash, water and dust resistance. U.S. prices start at $699 for Wi-Fi; preorders begin October 28, with availability starting November 6.
Apple announced a redesigned iPad mini on October 26, adding an 8.5-inch OLED display, the A20 Pro chip and IP67-rated splash, water and dust resistance to its smallest tablet. The new model starts at $699 for Wi-Fi in the United States, with preorders beginning October 28 and customer deliveries and store availability scheduled for November 6.
The display is larger than the previous-generation mini’s and, Apple says, offers higher contrast and more than twice its peak brightness. Buyers can choose an optional nano-texture finish. Apple describes the device as thinner and lighter than its predecessor, but did not provide dimensions or weight in the announcement.
The tablet is powered by the A20 Pro, which Apple says includes Neural Accelerators in each GPU core and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. The company positions those components as a major boost for AI tasks. The announcement lists Apple Intelligence features including personal-context assistance from Siri, image editing tools, a new Image Playground app and Safari’s Notify Me feature. These are Apple’s product descriptions; the release did not include independent performance testing or benchmark results.
Other listed changes include a 12-megapixel Center Stage front camera placed on the landscape edge, an Acoustic Display, faster wireless and cellular connectivity, and fast-charge support. Apple did not specify wireless speeds, charging rates or the full technical details of the Acoustic Display in the announcement.
The iPad mini will be sold in midnight and starlight, with 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options. In the U.S., Wi-Fi models start at $699, while Wi-Fi + Cellular models start at $849. Apple lists education pricing from $649. The new TechWoven Smart Folio costs $79; Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) are compatible and sold separately.
A Brighter Screen in a Compact Tablet
The announcement brings OLED technology to Apple’s smallest iPad, pairing a larger 8.5-inch screen with a device the company says is thinner and lighter. That combination may appeal to people who want a compact tablet for reading, drawing, video calls or work on the go, though the practical difference will depend on hands-on performance and battery life, which Apple did not detail in this release.
The $699 starting price places the new Wi-Fi model at a substantial cost for a small tablet. Customers comparing versions will also need to account for storage, cellular service and optional accessories. The IP67 rating adds protection against water and dust exposure under specified test conditions, but it does not mean the iPad is waterproof or covered for liquid damage.
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What Apple Changed From the Prior Mini
Apple’s October 26 announcement describes this as the all-new iPad mini and highlights OLED, A20 Pro and water and dust resistance as central upgrades. The new display measures 8.5 inches diagonally; Apple says it has more than twice the previous model’s peak brightness. The release does not provide a full side-by-side specification table, so other generational comparisons should not be inferred from the announcement alone.
Apple says preorders open October 28 through its website and Store app in 36 countries and regions, including the United States. The company plans to begin deliveries and retail availability on November 6. Trade-in and installment options are also listed for eligible U.S. buyers, with terms varying by program.
““iPad mini is beloved for its fantastic portability, performance, and display by a wide range of users, from creators and small business owners to doctors, field service workers, and gamers.””
— Dave Pakula, Apple vice president of Hardware Engineering
Details Apple Has Not Published
Apple’s announcement does not state the new model’s dimensions, weight, battery capacity or battery-life estimate. It also leaves out specific charging speeds, wireless and cellular standards, and detailed display specifications beyond size, contrast, brightness and the optional nano-texture finish. Those details may matter to buyers weighing the upgrade against the previous model.
Apple says the tablet was tested to IP67 under IEC standard 60529, for a maximum depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes in controlled laboratory conditions. The company cautions that resistance can decrease with normal wear and that liquid damage is not covered under warranty. The announcement also does not provide independent testing of the A20 Pro’s performance or quantify how much faster it is than the prior mini.
Preorders Open October 28
Customers in the announced launch markets can place orders from Wednesday, October 28, through Apple’s online store and Store app. Apple says the new iPad mini will begin arriving to customers and appear in Apple Store locations and at Apple Authorized Resellers on Friday, November 6.
Before ordering, buyers can compare the three storage capacities, choose Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular, and check local availability and pricing. Apple’s release names 36 preorder countries and regions but does not provide market-by-market pricing in the supplied information. Further technical details, including battery performance and connectivity specifications, remain to be confirmed from product documentation or testing.
Key Questions
When can I preorder the new iPad mini?
Apple says preorders begin October 28, 2026, in 36 countries and regions, including the United States.
When will the new iPad mini be available?
Apple says deliveries and availability at Apple Stores and authorized resellers start on November 6, 2026.
How much does the new iPad mini cost?
U.S. prices start at $699 for Wi-Fi and $849 for Wi-Fi + Cellular. Education pricing starts at $649. Prices may vary outside the United States.
Is the new iPad mini waterproof?
No. Apple describes it as splash, water and dust resistant, with an IP67 rating tested in controlled conditions. Resistance may decline with wear, and Apple says liquid damage is not covered under warranty.
Which Apple Pencil models work with it?
Apple says the new iPad mini supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Both are sold separately.
Source: apple.com
