Apple has unveiled a redesigned iPad mini featuring an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, an A20 Pro chip, and IP67 water and dust resistance, launching in global markets with pre-orders opening this week.
Apple is expanding its smallest tablet line with a major hardware overhaul. The updated device arrives two years after its predecessor received a modest chip and storage update, marking the biggest update in the history of the range according to the reporting outlet.
Display Improvements and Waterproofing Upgrades in the New iPad Mini
The physical footprint remains close to previous models, but the screen expands from 8.3 inches to 8.5 inches. This is made possible by 24 percent thinner borders surrounding the Super Retina XDR OLED panel. Peak outdoor brightness reaches 1,200 nits, while the minimum brightness drops to 1 nit for reading in dark environments. Buyers can also select an optional nano-texture glass finish designed to cut glare in bright conditions.
For the first time, the iPad mini includes an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, allowing the device to withstand immersion in up to a meter of water for thirty minutes. To maintain this sealed design without sacrificing sound quality, Apple developed an Acoustic Display system that routes bass frequencies through the screen while housing high-frequency tweeters in a sealed housing between the glass and aluminum shell.
A20 Pro Chip Scales Performance by Storage Capacity
At the core of the tablet is Apple’s A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometer process. The processor configuration scales by storage capacity. The 128GB and 256GB versions use a 5-core CPU with two super cores and three efficiency cores, paired with a 16-core Neural Engine. The 512GB variant upgrades to a 6-core CPU with two super cores and four efficiency cores, alongside a dual 16-core Neural Engine providing 32 total cores for artificial intelligence processing.
Wireless connectivity receives an upgrade through Apple’s N1 chip, bringing Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. Cellular models incorporate Apple’s C2 modem, delivering faster mobile data performance.
Pricing Tiers and Launch Schedules Across Global Markets
Pricing climbs following earlier adjustments introduced during the summer. In France, the base model starts at 759 euros for the 128GB configuration, representing an increase compared to the previous generation’s pricing structure following memory cost adjustments earlier in the year. Despite the price bump, it remains positioned below larger alternatives like the iPad Air.
Pre-orders open on October 28 across official sales channels, accompanied by the release of the new Smart Folio. Official retail availability and customer shipments are scheduled to begin on November 6 in storage tiers spanning 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB.