4 new features you can expect from the iPad mini 2026

The iPad mini 2026 is coming soon – this eighth generation will receive a major update with at least 4 important new features.

4 new features of the iPad mini 2026

It is not yet clear when exactly the new iPad mini will be launched next year. What we do know is that you can expect at least 4 useful new features from the iPad mini 2026. We have listed them for you.

1. OLED display

One of the new features that the iPad mini 2026 will probably have is an OLED screen. Apple’s first OLED device was the first Apple Watch in 2015, followed by the iPhone

The current iPad mini has a Liquid Retina LCD screen, just like the iPad Air. OLED offers higher contrast with true blacks, wider viewing angles, faster response times, better efficiency and generally better image quality.

2. A19 Pro chip

The current iPad mini was released in 2024, with the most important upgrade over the previous version being the A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Intelligence. In August, Apple accidentally shared code that revealed important information about the next version of the iPad mini codenamed J510/J511: The device is equipped with the A19 Pro chip, which is also used in the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The current iPad mini uses a version of the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro with a five-core GPU. The A19 Pro used in the iPhone Air also has a five-core GPU, as opposed to the full six-core version in the iPhone 17 Pro models. This makes it seem likely that the next iPad mini will have an A19 Pro chip with a five-core GPU.

3. Water-resistant design

Bloomberg claims that Apple is working on a version of the iPad mini with a more water-resistant design. One of the new features of the iPad mini 2026 is therefore a water resistance rating.

The iPhone has an IP68 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to a depth of six meters for 30 minutes. It is not yet clear what classification the iPad mini will receive. The updated casing will likely offer similar water resistance to the iPhone, making it safe for occasional use in wet environments such as a bathroom or swimming pool.

4. Newly designed speakers

Apple has apparently developed new speakers for the iPad mini that use vibration technology. This allows the speaker openings in the device to be removed. Removing the speaker vents reduces the risk of water getting into the iPad mini.

iPad mini 2026 will probably be more expensive

Although we don’t know when exactly Apple will launch the iPad mini 2026, a launch together with new iPad Air models in the spring seems likely. With new features such as an OLED screen, water resistance, a new speaker system and a faster chip, the iPad mini 2026 is expected to be more expensive. Apple may add about 100 euros on top.

You can currently buy the current iPad mini from Apple from 559 euros. In web shops you will be a bit cheaper with an amount of € 499.99. Are you planning to purchase the iPad mini 2024? Then keep an eye on the deals below to ensure you don’t pay too much!