New iPad mini with OLED display expected to launch by end of October
Apple's next iPad mini, featuring an OLED display and redesigned casing, is expected to go on sale by the end of October, according to Mark Gurman.
The timing suggests Apple will not announce the iPad mini at its upcoming "Surprise and shine" special event next month, which is expected to focus on the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro. Instead, Apple will likely introduce the iPad mini separately in October, either through a press release or another event, the report says.
According to 9to5Mac, the next-generation iPad mini is expected to feature an OLED display, faster performance likely powered by the A19 Pro or A20 Pro chip, better water resistance thanks to a redesigned casing, and a new vibration-based speaker system.
Apple last updated the iPad mini in October 2024, adding the A17 Pro chip, Apple Pencil Pro support, and Apple Intelligence compatibility. The price of the current iPad mini increased by $100 earlier this year, from $499 to $599, and it is currently on sale for $569 at Amazon. Whether the next-generation model will come at an even higher price remains unclear.
Stephen Hackett of 512 Pixels has published a detailed look at the history of the iPad mini and how its role in Apple's product lineup has changed over the years. The report also raises the question of whether the foldable iPhone Ultra, which essentially offers a two-in-one iPhone and iPad mini form factor, could cannibalize sales of the standalone iPad mini. The author says he doubts that, because many people prefer keeping their iPad and iPhone as separate devices.