Apple’s New iPad Mini Gets OLED and Water Resistance

Apple is set to launch a new iPad Mini on November 6, packed with several upgrades. Priced at a starting point of $699, the device boasts a larger OLED screen and the first instance of water resistance, marking a significant advancement over its predecessor, which was released two years ago.

The new iPad Mini features a 8.5-inch OLED display, up from the previous 8.3 inches, alongside an upgraded A20 processor, a leap from the A17 chipset. Storage options have also been expanded, with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants priced at $699, $799, and $999 respectively.

Notably, Apple has repositioned its front-facing camera to the landscape side, aligning it with other iPads for enhanced video chat capabilities. Additionally, the device is thinner and lighter than before, a testament to Apple's design improvements. The device is the first in the iPad Mini lineup to bear the IP67 water-resistant rating, implying it's capable of withstanding immersion from pools, oceans, or even bath tubs.

The iPad Mini also introduces a unique feature called Acoustic Display, a through-screen speaker system that Apple promises will be an interesting addition. The device will be available for pre-order from October 28, and will go on sale on November 6. More detailed reviews are expected once the author gets hands-on with the device.