Apple’s latest iPad mini arrives with the biggest overhaul the line has seen in over a decade. An 8.5‑inch OLED screen, a slimmer 5.4 mm chassis, lighter weight and the new A20 Pro processor make the device feel much closer to an iPad Pro, even though it still lacks ProMotion and Face ID. The tablet launches Friday with a starting price of $699 for 128 GB.
Key takeaways
- First non‑Pro iPad with an OLED display – deeper blacks, higher contrast and up to 1,200 nit HDR peak brightness.
- Thinner (5.4 mm) and lighter (255 g) than the previous mini, making it the lightest iPad ever.
- Powered by the A20 Pro chip, the same silicon used in the iPhone 18 Pro.
- IP67 water‑ and dust‑resistance, a new sealed acoustic system and optional nano‑texture glass.
- Refresh rate stays at 60 Hz; no ProMotion, which may be noticeable if you use other 120 Hz Apple devices.
Design and portability
The iPad mini 8 is only 0.2 mm thicker than the folded iPhone Duo and almost a millimeter thinner than its predecessor. At 255 g, it’s roughly half a pound—about 38 g lighter than the 2024 model. The slimmer profile and reduced weight translate to a tablet that feels noticeably more comfortable to hold for long periods.
Apple kept the classic aluminum unibody but introduced a sealed acoustic enclosure. Traditional speaker grilles are gone; tweeters sit under the glass and pair with woofers to create what Apple calls an “Acoustic Display.” The result is clearer highs and deeper bass, matching or slightly surpassing the sound of the iPad mini 7.
Display: OLED upgrade
The new 8.5‑inch OLED panel replaces the old LCD. While the refresh rate remains at 60 Hz, the OLED brings true blacks, a higher contrast ratio and brighter output. SDR brightness reaches 600 nits, up from 500 nits on the previous mini, and HDR content can hit a peak of 1,200 nits. Apple also offers a nano‑texture glass option for reduced glare, a first for the iPad mini line.
Bezels are 24 % thinner, allowing the larger screen while keeping the overall footprint almost identical. The display’s faster pixel response improves scrolling smoothness, though it can’t match the buttery feel of ProMotion‑enabled panels.
Performance and battery
Inside, the iPad mini 8 houses the A20 Pro chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 18 Pro. The 128 GB and 256 GB models use a binned variant with a 5‑core CPU and 7‑core GPU; the 512 GB model gets the full‑spec A20 Pro. This translates to snappy app launches, smooth multitasking and solid gaming performance for a tablet of this size.
Apple also adds fast‑charging support, matching the capability introduced on the iPad Pro last year. Battery life is expected to be comparable to the previous mini, lasting a full day of typical usage.
Durability and extra features
For the first time, an iPad mini carries an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 m of water for 30 minutes. While not a substitute for an underwater camera, it offers peace of mind against splashes and rain.
The device retains Touch ID on the power button for secure unlocking and Apple Pay. No Face ID, and no ProMotion, are the only notable omissions compared with the iPad Pro lineup.
Pricing and storage options
| Model | Storage | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Wi‑Fi only | 128 GB | $699 |
| Wi‑Fi only | 256 GB | $799 |
| Wi‑Fi only | 512 GB | $999 |
| Wi‑Fi + Cellular | 128 GB | $849 |
Only two color finishes are available: Midnight and Starlight. The price is $100 higher than the A17 Pro iPad mini model released earlier in the year, reflecting the OLED panel, nano‑texture glass and IP67 rating.
What this means for you
If you value portability above all, the new iPad mini is now the lightest and thinnest iPad on the market, making it ideal for note‑taking, reading and on‑the‑go media consumption. The OLED screen dramatically improves video and photo quality, so it’s a solid choice for creators who need a compact display for HDR work.
Users with other Apple devices that feature ProMotion will notice the 60 Hz limit, especially when scrolling or gaming. If a 120 Hz experience is essential, you may still prefer an iPad Air or iPad Pro. Otherwise, the mini offers excellent performance at a price that undercuts the iPad Air.
What happens next
The iPad mini 8 ships this Friday. Pre‑orders are already open, and the device will be available through Apple’s online store, Apple Retail locations and authorized resellers. Early buyers should check the Apple Store app for stock updates and consider the nano‑texture glass option if you often work outdoors.
Looking ahead, Apple may continue to refine the mini line with a ProMotion display in a future refresh, but for now the OLED upgrade and thinner form factor set a new benchmark for ultra‑portable tablets.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the new iPad mini display?
It has an 8.5‑inch OLED screen, up from 8.3 inches on the previous model.
Does the iPad mini 8 support ProMotion?
No, the refresh rate is locked at 60 Hz; ProMotion is not included.
What chip powers the iPad mini 8?
It uses the A20 Pro processor, the same chip as the iPhone 18 Pro.
Is the iPad mini water‑resistant?
Yes, it has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive up to 1 m of water for 30 minutes.
How much does the base iPad mini cost?
The starting price is $699 for the 128 GB Wi‑Fi model.
