OLED iPad mini: Is a major upgrade coming? Apfelpatient

The OLED iPad mini is considered one of the most exciting potential Apple products of the coming years. Following the release of the iPad mini 7 over a year ago, evidence of a new generation is mounting. Several leaks and analyst reports provide concrete details about the processor, display, casing, release date, and price. The focus is on the potential switch to an OLED display. Significant performance improvements and a redesigned, more water-resistant version are also expected.

The iPad mini occupies a special place in Apple's portfolio. It combines a compact form factor with powerful hardware. Its size is particularly appealing to many users for mobile work, streaming, or gaming.

While larger iPads already utilize state-of-the-art display technologies, the smaller model has so far stuck with LCD. The OLED iPad mini could change that. This move would bring the device technically closer to the Pro models and current iPhones.

The rumors originate from various sources, including analysts, supply chain reports, and code findings. Some details overlap, while others contradict each other regarding the timeline.

Processor and performance: A19 Pro as a likely candidate

According to internal sources, Apple is working on a new iPad mini with the codenames J510 and J511. In August 2025, corresponding references appeared in Apple's code, pointing to the A19 Pro chip. The A19 Pro is already used in the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro, of which two variants exist.

High-end version with 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU
Mid-range version with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU

If the code leaks are accurate, the OLED iPad mini is likely to receive the mid-range version. This approach wouldn't be new. The iPad mini 7 already used the A17 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU (two performance cores and four efficiency cores) and a 5-core GPU, while the iPhone 15 Pro received a 6-core GPU.

Technical details of the A19 Pro

The A19 Pro is based on an improved, third-generation 3-nanometer N3P process. Expected features include:

Moderate performance improvements
Improved energy efficiency
16-core Neural Engine
Dynamic caching of the next generation
Uniform image compression

The GPU architecture has also been redesigned. It features a larger cache, more memory, and integrated neural accelerators in each core. Apple states that the maximum GPU computing power can be three times higher compared to the previous generation. Additionally, the 16-core neural engine has been improved for AI tasks.

Possibility of an A20 Pro

There is a small chance that Apple will use the A20 Pro instead. This information comes from someone who analyzed a macOS kernel debug kit containing internal Apple codenames.

The A20 Pro is expected to be used in the iPhone 18 Pro models and is reportedly manufactured using TSMC's advanced 2nm process.

However, the iPad mini hasn't always received the latest A-series chip in previous updates. Therefore, the A19 Pro is currently considered more likely.

Display: The step to the OLED panel

The key feature of the OLED iPad mini is the possibility of switching from LCD to OLED.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the iPad mini is expected to be the next Apple device to feature OLED technology. A Chinese leaker with supply chain contacts reports that Apple has tested a Samsung-manufactured OLED display for the upcoming model.

Possible changes to the screen

The current iPad mini 7 uses an 8.3-inch LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate. Several changes are expected for the OLED iPad mini:

Switch to OLED technology
Possible increase of the refresh rate to 120 Hz ProMotion
Screen diagonal increased from 8.3 inches to up to 8.7 inches

Since the new base iPhone 17 already has a 120 Hz ProMotion panel, a corresponding upgrade for the first OLED iPad mini seems logical.

Advantages of OLED

OLED panels can control each pixel individually. This results in:

More precise color reproduction
Deeper shades of black
Better contrast
Faster response times
Better viewing angles
More flexibility in design

Apple already uses OLED in all flagship iPhones. In May 2024, the technology was also integrated into the iPad Pro for the first time.

Unlike the iPad Pro models with dual-layer LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) OLED displays, the OLED iPad mini could have a single-layer LTPS (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) display. This would be dimmer and less expensive.

Housing design: Increased water resistance thanks to a new speaker system

In addition to the display and processor, the casing is also expected to change. According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on making the iPad mini more water-resistant and bringing its level of protection closer to that of the iPhone. This would make the device better suited for humid environments.

Vibration-based loudspeaker system

To achieve this, Apple is said to have developed a new vibration-based speaker system. Instead of traditional speaker openings, sound-radiating surfaces could be used. This would have several implications:

Elimination of open speaker grilles
Fewer entry points for water and dust
Better sealed housing

While current iPad mini models do not have an official IP certification, the next generation could have certified water resistance for the first time.

Apple uses adhesives and seals in the iPhone to protect against moisture. The new approach for the OLED iPad mini would go even further, as openings could be completely eliminated.

An Apple patent from 2014 describes a "mechanically actuated acoustic panel system". This system vibrates flat surfaces to produce sound, with parts of the casing acting as speaker diaphragms. This suggests that Apple has been working on a fully sealed acoustic system for years.

Release date: 2026 as a realistic scenario

Predictions regarding the release date vary.

Omdia expects an OLED iPad mini in 2027.
ET News and ZDNET Korea report a launch in 2026.
Bloomberg believes an update is possible in 2026.
Weibo leaker Instant Digital names the second half of 2026 as the earliest possible start date.

In May 2024, it was reported that Samsung Display had begun developing OLED panel prototypes for a future iPad mini. Mass production at the Cheonan plant was expected to start in the second half of 2025.

Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) also anticipates an OLED iPad mini in 2026, specifically with an 8.5-inch panel. According to their forecast, 11- and 13-inch OLED iPad Air models will follow in 2027.

There is no concrete information on an exact date. A market launch in 2026 is currently considered realistic.

Price: Possible surcharge due to OLED and new technology

The current iPad mini starts at $499 or €549. According to Mark Gurman, Apple could charge up to $100 more for the OLED iPad mini. A potential starting price of around $599 or €649 seems plausible given the new display technology and improved water resistance.

Gurman had previously noted that Apple might also consider a cheaper version or an adjustment to the entry price, as the device competes with significantly cheaper rival products.

OLED iPad mini: The biggest update to the mini series yet?

The OLED iPad mini could represent a comprehensive update. It is expected to feature an A19 Pro chip with modern 3nm technology, an improved GPU architecture, an optimized Neural Engine, and, for the first time, an OLED display with possible 120Hz support and a slightly larger screen diagonal. In addition, a redesigned, more water-resistant casing and a new vibration-based speaker system without visible openings are anticipated.

Regarding the release date, many signs point to 2026, while the price is expected to be higher than the current entry-level price of $499 or €549. Whether all the mentioned features will actually be implemented remains to be seen. However, the available reports paint a consistent picture of a significantly upgraded OLED iPad mini. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Karlis Dambrans)