Apple unveils OLED iPad Mini with A20 Pro chip as ZDNET report cites conflicting prices

ZDNET's key-takeaways section said the new iPad Mini starts at $799, $100 more than the current model. In the body of the same article, ZDNET said the tablet starts at $699 with 128GB of storage, which it described as $200 above the original price of the 2024 model and $100 above the current price. The report noted that Apple raised prices across its iPad and MacBook lineup in June, citing higher costs and lower availability of memory and storage chips.

The new Mini is the first in the line to use an OLED screen, according to ZDNET. Among Apple's tablets, only the iPad Pro currently has an OLED display; the standard iPad and iPad Air use LED screens. ZDNET said OLED panels tend to be slimmer, produce truer black levels and consume less power. Combined with the new Mini's Super Retina XDR display and XDR brightness, the screen promises better quality and contrast. The display measures 8.5 inches, up from 8.3 inches on the 2024 model.

Apple is also offering nano-texture display glass as a $100 option, but only on the 256GB and 512GB versions, ZDNET reported. The glass reduces glare and reflections in bright sunlight or unfiltered indoor lighting, the report said, though it can reduce vibrancy and sharpness. It requires a special cleaning cloth, which Apple includes with the option. ZDNET advised buyers who often use the tablet in bright light and are bothered by glare to consider it, and said others would be better off with standard glass.

The report described the processor as an A20 in its opening summary and as an A20 Pro in its detailed section. ZDNET said the A20 Pro is a large jump over the A17 chip in the 2024 Mini and delivers faster performance and greater power efficiency. The front-facing Center Stage camera now works in landscape mode, making video calls and virtual meetings easier, according to the report. The device also adds Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 through Apple's N1 wireless networking chip, an acoustic display for stereo sound and faster charging.

The article said the tablet will hit shelves on Nov. 6, and its reviewer was tempted to preorder on Wednesday. The reviewer, who uses a sixth-generation iPad Mini from 2021, said the older model's A15 Bionic chip does not support Apple Intelligence or the new Siri AI and that it uses Wi-Fi 6 while the reviewer's home network has moved to Wi-Fi 7. The reviewer called Touch ID the only downside of the new model and said Face ID would be preferable but might raise the price further.