iPad mini 8: All the rumors at a glance

The iPad mini is poised for its biggest upgrade since the 2021 redesign. Apple plans to equip the small tablet with an OLED display for the first time and upgrade the chip to at least the A19 Pro. This would transform the iPad mini from a compact companion into a true mini-professional – with display technology previously reserved for the iPad Pro.

The current iPad mini (7th generation) was released in October 2024 with the A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence support. It was a solid update, but the display hasn't changed since 2021: the iPad mini still uses an LCD (Liquid Retina) instead of OLED.

That's expected to change in 2026. According to reports from Bloomberg, DSCC, Samsung Display, and several leakers, the iPad mini 8 will be the next Apple device with an OLED display. In our iPad buying guide: Which iPad is worth it?, we've already compared the current selection – the iPad mini 8 could significantly shift those recommendations.

The most important points in brief

Detail	Expectation
Code name	J510 / J511
Chip	A19 Pro (likely), A20 Pro (possible)
Display	OLED, possibly 8.5–8.7 inches
Connectivity	N1 chip (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6), possibly C1X modem (5G)
Design	Largely unchanged, new colors possible
Water protection	For the first time expected
Release	Second half of 2026 (September/October)
Price	Starting at €549, possibly €100 more expensive

Display: First OLED in the iPad mini

The OLED display is the most important new feature of the iPad mini 8. Samsung Display is expected to supply the panels, with mass production starting in mid-2026. Analysts at DSCC are reporting an 8.5-inch OLED panel – slightly larger than the current 8.3 inches, presumably due to narrower bezels.

What OLED means for the iPad mini:

Deep blacks and higher contrast (no backlight like with LCDs)
Improved color accuracy (Wide Color P3)
Thinner construction possible
Higher energy efficiency

Whether Apple will use the tandem OLED technology from the iPad Pro (two OLED layers for extreme brightness) or a simpler single-stack OLED is not yet confirmed. ProMotion (120 Hz) is possible, but not guaranteed.

Chip: A19 Pro – or even A20 Pro?

Leaked Apple code identified the iPad mini 8, codenamed J510/J511, as using the A19 Pro chip – the same chip found in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro. It's likely Apple is using the mid-tier variant with one fewer GPU core than the iPhone 17 Pro.

There are also indications of a possible A20 Pro chip (2 nm, TSMC). This would be unusual, as Apple doesn't always equip the iPad mini with the latest chip. If the iPad mini 8 is indeed only released in October 2026 – after the iPhone 18 Pro with the A20 Pro – Apple could opt for the newer chip.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and 5G

The iPad mini 8 is expected to receive the N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread – a significant upgrade over the current Wi-Fi 6E. Apple's own C1X modem for 5G is likely for the cellular models.

Design and water protection

The basic design is unlikely to change much: flat edges, Touch ID integrated into the power button, USB-C. New colors are probable. The thinner OLED panel could allow for a slightly slimmer casing.

An exciting new feature: The iPad mini 8 is expected to be water-resistant for the first time – a first for an iPad. Details regarding the IP rating are not yet known.

Sources also report on a new speaker system with vibration technology that is supposed to improve the sound without increasing the size of the compact housing.

Apple Pencil and camera

Support for the Apple Pencil Pro will remain. No major changes are expected with the cameras – the 12MP wide-angle rear camera and the 12MP front camera are likely to stay. It's possible the front camera will move to the landscape side, as with other iPads.

Release and price

The iPad mini 8 is expected in the second half of 2026 – most likely September or October, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. Leaker Instant Digital cites "H2 2026 at the earliest" as the timeframe.

The price is expected to increase by up to €100 due to the OLED display. The base model could therefore start at €599 instead of €549. However, Gurman also noted that Apple is considering a cheaper entry-level version.

iPad mini: Who should wait?

Anyone using a 6th generation (2021) or older iPad mini will get a completely new experience with the iPad mini 8: OLED display, significantly faster chip, Apple Intelligence and Wi-Fi 7.

Those who own the current iPad mini 7 (2024) have to weigh their options: The A17 Pro is still powerful, and Apple Intelligence is already working. The main argument for upgrading would be the OLED display – and that's a real upgrade, especially for readers, creatives, and users who work extensively with the iPad mini.

Our recommendation: If you're planning on getting a new iPad mini, wait until fall 2026. The OLED upgrade alone makes all the difference. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / blackzheep)