Apple has introduced a new OLED iPad mini, a compact tablet that the company says is thinner, more powerful, and offers improved connectivity compared to its predecessor. The device arrives as part of a broader lineup refresh expected later this week, which may include a new iMac with the M6 chip and updated MacBook Pro models with OLED panels. The new iPad mini is the first of Apple’s smaller devices to feature an organic light-emitting diode display, moving away from the LCD panels used in previous iterations.
A Sharp Display Upgrade
The 8.5-inch screen on the new iPad mini supports a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and can reach a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, more than double the previous model. Apple also notes that the display can dim to 1 nit, which may be useful for users who read or watch content in low-light environments. The device includes nano-texture options that reduce glare when used outdoors, a feature previously reserved for the iPad Pro. This display technology puts the tablet in a new phase, pushing away from older LCD panels.
At 5.4 millimeters thick, the tablet is the thinnest in the series and comes with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. Apple achieved this rating by integrating a display-based acoustic system, replacing traditional speaker grilles with woofers and tweeters. The company has not yet released details on how the audio performance compares to the previous model, but this technology could eventually appear in other devices. This acoustic system is a key innovation allowing for the thinner profile.
Hardware and Connectivity
Apple has equipped the 512GB version of the iPad mini with its A20 Pro processor, built on a 2-nanometer manufacturing process. The chip includes a 7-core GPU, which Apple claims deliver up to 2.7x better graphics performance and 4.5x faster AI capabilities than the A17 Pro. The company states that multithreaded performance is 60% higher than the previous model. This processor uses hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, improving sustained peak performance.
Connectivity has been updated with the inclusion of the N1 wireless chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The tablet also features a 12MP Center Stage front camera designed for environment use, a change that may affect how users hold the device during video calls. The N1 chip improves performance on 5GHz networks while making features like AirDrop and AirPlay more reliable.
Despite these upgrades, the new iPad mini lacks ProMotion technology, meaning it does not offer a 120Hz refresh rate. Apple has not announced plans to expand the IP67 rating to other iPad models, though the company notes that the tablet is intended for use in a variety of environments, including those outside of controlled settings.
Camera and Software Support
The rear camera on the new iPad mini is a 12MP Wide unit. It supports Smart HDR 4 and can record video at 4K60fps. The camera is optimized for scanning, FaceTime calls, and video recording rather than artistic portrait shots.
Connectivity and Modem Details
One security function included with the modem is the ability to hide a device’s actual location from the carrier. Apple indicates that this addition provides a more private user experience while maintaining the speed and efficiency of the cellular connection. The high-end iPad mini model with 512GB of storage features a processor that makes it much better for AI workloads and speeds up apps that rely heavily on AI.
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