iPad Mini Update: OLED Screen and $699 Price Tag

Consumers can place orders for the latest iPad Mini immediately at major retailers, with availability starting at $699. The device will physically arrive in stores on November 6. This launch marks the first time Apple has installed an OLED panel in its smallest tablet line, replacing the standard LCD displays used in previous generations.

The hardware changes focus on size and speed. The new model houses an 8.5-inch OLED screen, making it the largest display in the Mini's history. Despite the larger screen, the chassis is thinner and lighter than the 2024 version. Under the hood, the tablet runs on the A20 Pro chip, which Apple expects to handle faster performance and new Siri AI features, including customizable voice options.

Sound quality and connectivity have also been upgraded. Apple introduced an "Acoustic Display" system that uses the screen and frame to project audio, aiming for deeper bass and clearer highs. The device now supports IP67 water resistance. Wireless capabilities include the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. Cellular models feature the new C2 modem, which Apple claims provides cellular speeds up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation.

The front-facing camera has moved to the long edge of the device. This 12-megapixel sensor is positioned to facilitate landscape video calls without requiring the user to rotate the tablet. The display options include a standard finish and a glare-reducing nano-texture version available on higher storage tiers.

Pricing varies by storage and connectivity. The base Wi-Fi model with 128GB of storage costs $699. Increasing storage to 256GB adds $100, bringing the price to $799. The 512GB Wi-Fi model is priced at $999 and includes a six-core CPU, while lower storage versions use a five-core CPU. Cellular versions start at $849 for 128GB, rising to $949 for 256GB and $1,149 for 512GB.

Retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, B&H Photo, and Apple are accepting preorders for the standard models. Best Buy is also taking orders and offers a $50 e-gift card with each purchase. For buyers interested in the nano-texture display, the 256GB Wi-Fi model starts at $899, and the 512GB Wi-Fi model starts at $1,099. LTE configurations for these textured models cost $1,049 and $1,249, respectively. The device is available in black or a creamy white shade.