Apple reportedly plans iPad mini 8 with OLED display and possible water resistance

Apple is preparing a new iPad mini that could arrive as early as October. It would be the first update to the compact tablet in two years.

Multiple sources say the iPad mini 8 will replace the current LCD panel with an OLED display. The technology should provide deeper blacks, richer colors and higher contrast.

OLED display and refresh rate

It remains unclear whether the tablet will support ProMotion with refresh rates of up to 120Hz. An unverified leak last week claimed the device would remain limited to 60Hz, but no other sources have corroborated it.

New chip and casing

The current iPad mini, released in October 2024, uses Apple’s A17 Pro chip. The new model is expected to use an A19 Pro or A20 Pro, potentially improving performance and enabling the most advanced Siri AI features in iOS 27.

Bloomberg reported that Apple has tested a “redesigned casing” with water resistance similar to the iPhone. That feature has not been confirmed.

Apple may also introduce a vibration-based speaker system in the iPad mini. It could allow the company to remove speaker openings and make a water-resistant casing easier to build.

Price remains unknown

Apple has not disclosed pricing for the new model. In July, the company raised the current iPad mini’s price from $499 to $599; it is currently available at a discounted price of $569.