Apple's new iPad mini gets an OLED display, A20 Pro chip, and IP67 rating

Apple has launched an updated version of its popular iPad mini, boasting significant improvements across the board. The device now flaunts a larger 8.5-inch OLED display with thinner 24% bezels, giving users the choice between a nano-texture display for better grip. The screen delivers heightened contrast and peak brightness compared to its predecessor.

Powering this screen is the new A20 Pro chip, which Apple claims offers up to 60% faster multi-threaded workload performance, a remarkable 4.5x boost in AI performance, and a 2.7x improvement in graphics performance over the previous model.

In terms of size and weight, the new iPad mini is a substantial 14% thinner and 13% lighter than its predecessor, tipping the scales at just 5.4mm. To tackle water and dust, Apple has introduced an IP67 rating, thanks to a novel Acoustic Display system. This system utilizes specially designed woofers working through the display in tandem with custom tweeters nestled between the glass and aluminum body, which effectively does away with the need for speaker cutouts.

Beyond the display and chip upgrades, the new iPad mini is equipped with Apple's proprietary N1 wireless networking chip. For cellular versions, it sports the C2 modem system. All iterations come pre-loaded with the latest iPadOS 27, which includes advanced Siri AI capabilities. The tablet is also compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).

Among the front-facing features, a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera along the landscape edge is designed to elevate FaceTime calls. On the back, a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens is capable of capturing 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. While these cameras may not match the quality of a high-end iPhone, they certainly don't come with a high-end price tag.

The iPad mini starts at $699 for the Wi-Fi only model or $849 for the cellular version. It is available in black or silver colorways, with storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB. For those opting for the 256GB or 512GB models with the nano-texture glass, there is an additional $100 surcharge. Pre-orders commence on October 28, leading to general availability on November 6.