It is stated that Apple is preparing to renew the iPad mini family before the end of 2026. According to information provided by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company plans to launch the new iPad mini model with an OLED screen by the end of October. Thus, OLED technology will be moved to Apple’s smaller screen tablet after the renewed iPad Pro in 2024. Current iPad mini, iPad Air and entry-level iPad models still use LCD panels. If the information about the new model is correct, four basic changes will stand out in the screen technology, processor, speaker system and water resistance.
Apple introduced the first iPad Pro models with OLED screens in May 2024. The transition to the iPad mini is expected to be remarkable in terms of spreading the same screen technology to a wider range of products. Since each pixel in OLED panels produces its own light, there is no need for a separate backlight system as required in LCD screens. This structure can offer deeper blacks, higher contrast and rich colors. It seems possible that the new screen will create a more significant difference in image quality compared to the current iPad mini, especially in usage scenarios such as watching movies and TV series, viewing photos and gaming.
New iPad mini with OLED screen may come with more powerful processor
It is not yet known how the screen replacement will be reflected in the sales price of the new iPad mini. Since OLED panels are generally more costly than LCD screens, there is a possibility that Apple will increase the starting price of the new model. However, there is no concrete information yet about how the company will manage panel costs and what pricing it will apply for different storage options. Therefore, it is too early to say that the switch to OLED will directly mean a price increase. Still, the screen is likely to be one of the changes that users will most easily notice in the transition from the current model to the new generation.
Gurman did not share details about the other technical features of the device in his new statement, but he had previously reported that the new iPad mini would include a different speaker system and increased water resistance. Better protection against water in particular could be a practical improvement for users who see portability as one of the iPad mini’s main advantages. It is not yet clear what IP rating Apple will offer this with or whether it will announce an official durability level similar to that of iPhone models. The technical details of the change in the speaker system are also unknown. Despite this, renewing the sound system along with the screen can strengthen the multimedia side of the device, especially in video and game consumption.
A notable upgrade is also on the agenda on the processor side. Rumored to be in the new iPad mini A19 Pro or A20 One of the processors can be used. The current iPad mini, introduced in October 2024, comes with the A17 Pro processor and supports Apple Intelligence features thanks to this hardware. Therefore, the new processor can be expected to provide additional capacity for performance, energy efficiency and features that require more processing power to be offered in the future, rather than providing the basic use of artificial intelligence features. Which processor is chosen will also determine how Apple will position the iPad mini in terms of performance with current iPhone models.
The end of October calendar for the new model indicates that the current generation will be renewed after a product cycle of approximately two years. Apple announced the seventh generation iPad mini in October 2024 and highlighted the A17 Pro processor instead of making a comprehensive change in the design. While this processor upgrade brought Apple Intelligence support, the tablet’s compact body and basic screen features were largely preserved. In the 2026 model, changes are expected in areas that may directly affect daily use, such as water resistance and sound system, as well as the OLED screen. There are no confirmed details at this stage regarding the design, camera system, storage options and exact pricing.
Considering the OLED screen, more up-to-date processor, renewed speaker system and improved water resistance, it seems likely that the new iPad mini will offer a more comprehensive update than the current model. On the other hand, the price increase that may occur due to the OLED panel may make the purchasing decision difficult, especially if it reduces the price difference between iPad Air and iPad mini. While iPad mini maintains its unique position for users who prioritize a small screen and easy portability, iPad Air will continue to be a strong alternative for those who want a larger screen. For this reason, the starting price and processor selection will be decisive as much as the screen features in Apple’s possible announcement towards the end of October. For now, it should be noted that some details other than the OLED screen remain rumors.
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