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The next iPad mini could bring its biggest reported changes to the screen and design: coverage points to an OLED display, a newer A-series chip, a vibration-based speaker system, greater water resistance, and a front camera moved to the landscape edge. Apple has not announced a successor or confirmed any of those features. Reports point to a possible launch by late October 2026, but the date and price are also unconfirmed.
What changes are reported for the next iPad mini?
The current model is the iPad mini (A17 Pro), introduced on October 15, 2024, according to Apple’s product environmental report. Reports about its successor describe several possible changes, but none is an official specification.
| Area | Current iPad mini (A17 Pro) | What reports suggest for the successor | What remains unknown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | LCD | OLED, with deeper blacks and higher contrast as expected panel benefits | Screen size, brightness, panel construction, and refresh rate |
| Chip | A17 Pro | A20 Pro is the latest reported possibility; earlier coverage discussed A19 Pro or A20 | Final chip and real-world performance |
| Speakers and casing | Existing design | A vibration-based speaker system and a more water-resistant casing | Final design and any official water-resistance rating |
| Front camera | Existing placement | A possible move to the landscape edge | Whether the move happens and whether camera hardware changes |
| Release and price | Available current model | Reports point to a possible release by late October 2026 | Confirmed launch date and successor price |
The successor details in this table come from reporting summarized by MacRumors and Macworld. They should be treated as rumors until Apple announces a device.
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OLED is the clearest reported hardware change. MacRumors, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, reported that Apple planned an OLED iPad mini by the end of October 2026. Compared with LCD, OLED can produce true blacks and stronger contrast, which may make dark scenes and high-contrast content look more vivid.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
That report does not establish the panel’s size, brightness, construction, or refresh rate. There is no basis in the cited coverage to promise a 120Hz display or to say it will match the iPad Pro’s screen. The current mini’s display is LCD; Macworld lists the current screen as 8.3 inches, but successor dimensions have not been established.
What chip might the next iPad mini use?
The current model uses Apple’s A17 Pro. Rumors have shifted: earlier expectations included A19 Pro or A20, while newer coverage points to A20 Pro based on reported Apple code. A20 Pro is therefore the leading reported possibility, not a confirmed component.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
No verified benchmark comparison is available for the unannounced tablet. Until Apple identifies the chip and independent testing exists, claims about its speed, graphics, battery life, or performance gains would be speculation.
Could it be more water-resistant?
Reports describe Apple working on a more water-resistant design, potentially alongside a vibration-based speaker system that reduces the need for open speaker grilles. The proposed connection between fewer openings and better water resistance is plausible, but neither the design nor its protection level is confirmed.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
The reporting does not establish an IP rating or define how much water exposure the tablet could tolerate. “More water-resistant” would not mean waterproof, and there is no evidence that the rumored model would be safe to immerse.
Water resistance could matter to readers who use a small tablet for e-reading in places where splashes are possible. 9to5Mac makes a similar comparison with dedicated e-readers such as Kindle, but that use-case context is not evidence of a protection rating for the next iPad mini: 9to5Mac’s report.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD MINI — The full iPad experience in an ultraportable design. Featuring Apple Intelligence.* With an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display,* ultrafast A17 Pro chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, USB-C connectivity, superfast Wi-Fi 6E, and compatibility with Apple Pencil Pro.* Take notes, mark up documents, and edit photos and videos.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly.* With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple. (Coming fall 2024.)
- 8.3-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display features advanced technologies like P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity, which make everything look stunning.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The A17 Pro chip delivers powerful performance and ultrafast graphics. And with all-day battery life, iPad mini is always ready for any task or project.* Storage starting at 128GB for all your apps, music, movies, and more.*
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos. iPad mini comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store.
Will the front camera move to the landscape edge?
Macworld says leaked imagery reportedly found in Apple code points to the front camera moving to the landscape edge. If that placement is accurate, it could make video calls feel more natural when the tablet is held horizontally on a stand or used with a keyboard.
The reported image interpretation is not an Apple confirmation. It also does not establish a camera sensor upgrade, resolution, or other camera changes.
Best Value
- Gorgeous 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone - A15 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 12MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi 6 - Up to 256GB storage - Comes in 4 colors
- Up to 10 hours of battery life - Touch ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay
- USB-C connector for charging and accessories - Supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
When might the next iPad mini arrive, and what could it cost?
MacRumors relayed a Bloomberg report pointing to a release by late October 2026. That is a reported target, not a confirmed announcement or shipping date. Apple has not announced a successor price, and the reporting does not support a reliable estimate.
Should you buy the current iPad mini or wait?
The choice depends on whether you need a tablet now or whether your decision hinges on features that remain rumors. The A17 Pro model is a real, shipping product; the OLED screen, A20 Pro chip, water-resistant design, and camera placement are not confirmed.
- Buy now if: you need a compact tablet before the reported launch window and the current model’s confirmed features and price work for you. Apple lists the iPad mini (A17 Pro) among devices supporting iPadOS 26 features, including Apple Intelligence, subject to language, region, and feature limitations. See Apple’s iPadOS 26 feature document.
- Wait for Apple’s announcement if: OLED or greater water resistance is essential to your decision. The panel details and any actual water-protection rating are still unknown.
- Do not decide on performance rumors alone: the likely chip has not been confirmed, and no measured successor-versus-current benchmark is available.
Before relying on any rumored feature, check Apple’s announced specifications and the final price when they are available. Accessories for the current tablet should not be assumed to fit an unannounced model.
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