iPad mini with OLED display: Introduction only at the end of 2026?

If you believe the well-known Apple rumor mill chefs on the internet, the relatively quiet product autumn of 2025 for Apple is said to be just a breather for an eventful year 2026. One of the products expected is a new iPad mini. This is said to receive an OLED display for the first time, marking a major change. Now, a well-known leaker from the Far East is said to have found out approximately when it could be introduced in 2026.

The user communicating under the name Instant Digital on the Chinese network Weibo shared now stated in a post in response to a question that he expects the iPad mini in the third or fourth quarter at the earliest. This shows the leaker to be significantly more pessimistic than US journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. He recently stated that it could happen as early as the beginning of 2026. However, he added a caveat: "at the earliest" – leaving himself an escape route to retract the forecast.

Autumn date would be plausible

The current iPad mini was released in October 2024, making an autumn date after two years of waiting seem quite plausible. However, some observers also consider it possible that Apple wants to present a whole package of iPads in the spring. In addition to the Mini, they also include the standard iPad in a new version and an updated iPad Air.

The focus is currently on the iPad mini primarily because a switch from LCD to OLED displays is expected. This would give the Mini significantly better contrasts and black levels, as well as other advantages. Gurman also explained that he expects new speaker technology. This is said to work with vibrations, allowing Apple to forgo speaker openings in the casing. This would prevent water from entering. With the iPhone, on the other hand, Apple uses seals and adhesives to keep water out.

However, there is one downside: the Mini is also said to become pricier in the course of the conversion, it is said.

(mki)