iPad Mini 2024 vs. 2026 Buyer's Guide: Should You Upgrade?

Apple has unveiled the eighth-generation iPad mini, boasting a larger OLED display, a sleeker design, the A20 Pro chip, and water and dust resistance. Priced starting at $699 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model and $849 with cellular connectivity, the new device is a departure from the discontinued seventh-generation model. Both versions offer similar storage capacities, battery life, Touch ID authentication, and USB-C transfer speeds, so the enhancements are not across the board. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between the two models:

The seventh-generation iPad mini (2024) features an 8.3-inch display, a Liquid Retina display with LED backlighting and IPS technology, and a maximum brightness of 600 nits. It is equipped with the A17 Pro chip, an 19.3Wh battery, and supports Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3. The eighth-generation iPad mini (2026), on the other hand, boasts an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with an impressive minimum brightness of 600 nits and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1.

It is powered by the A20 Pro chip, which varies in configuration based on storage capacity, and supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread networking technology. The new model is also IP67 rated for water and dust resistance and features a more compact design.

When deciding whether to upgrade, A17 Pro iPad mini owners should consider whether the improvements are significant enough to justify the additional cost. For most users, the same battery life, storage capacities, Apple Pencil support, and USB-C transfer speeds are sufficient. However, those who frequently use their iPad mini for video watching or reading may appreciate the larger OLED display.

The thinner and lighter design could also be a deciding factor for those who often handle their device for extended periods. While the water resistance, landscape camera, and fast charging are useful features, they are unlikely to be enough on their own to prompt an upgrade from an A17 Pro model.