iPad mini: What's next for Apple's smallest tablet?
Fans of the most mobile tablet in Apple's range will probably not have to wait much longer for new devices. But what will the eighth generation bring?
iPad mini 7 in different colours.
(Image: Apple)
For many years, Apple had not even overhauled its iPad mini compact tablet. This changed with the iPad Mini 6 from 2021—Apple modernized the device with USB-C, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and more. The seventh generation with improved inner workings finally followed in October 2024. An update is now apparently due sooner. Observers expect that the time could come soon—or at least in a few months. But what innovations could be coming?
OLED on the way?
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, a new iPad mini is “absolutely on the way.” However, the key question is how high the demand is—particularly due to the rather high price, which Apple currently starts at 599 euros. Apple's competitors have devices in their range that cost “significantly less” for the small form factor. However, Apple's strategy remains to position the iPad mini as a premium product.
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As far as the release date is concerned, market participants are currently assuming 2026. Apple does not update the iPad mini every year. The main innovation is likely to be the switch to an OLED display, which is also planned for the iPad Air. It is possible that both devices could be released together in spring—or at least in the first half of the year. Apple currently only uses large OLEDs in the iPad Pro, which is currently available with an M4 SoC and 11 and 13-inch models. Experts such as analyst Ross Young, a specialist in screen technology, believe in an 8.5-inch model. The corresponding panels will probably come from Samsung.
No new iPod touch
When it comes to the SoC, Apple is likely to use the A19 Pro; there have never been M chips for the mini to date. Instead, Apple will use current iPhone processors. The number of GPU cores will be partially reduced. The A19 Pro brings more speed and an AI-optimized structure thanks to improved neural engine architecture.
Apple is likely to keep the price within the previous range. Gurman writes that Apple could consider introducing a cheaper model, but there are no rumors about this yet. In fact, Apple lacks a compact iOS or iPadOS device to replace the iPod touch, which once represented the beginning of the Apple mobile world.
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