Apple is expected to be working on a new iPad mini that will be released in 2026, with various improvements that should give the popular compact model a major upgrade. For example, there is a slightly larger OLED screen.
The mini will also make leaps forward in terms of performance. For example, Apple may want to add the A19 Pro chip as a powerful processor for Apple Intelligence, among other things. Below is an overview of the most important rumors and expected specifications.
OLED display for better image quality
One of the most striking innovations that have been around for a long time is the switch to an OLED screen. While the current model (2024) still has an 8.3-inch LCD screen, an 8.8-inch OLED display is being discussed for 2026, possibly with thinner screen edges so that the size of the iPad housing remains more or less the same and compact.
OLED guarantees deeper black tones, better contrast and higher brightness, comparable to the screen in the iPad Pro models. It is still unclear whether the new iPad mini will also have a 120Hz ProMotion display. The refresh rate would likely remain at 60Hz, according to some sources.
Water-resistant housing
Another notable rumor is that the iPad mini 2026 would be water resistant, with a possible IP68 certificate, similar to the iPhone. This means the tablet can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 6 meters, making it even more resistant to everyday accidents and outdoor adventures. This would be a first for the iPad mini line.
Apple would like to approach the iPad mini differently than the iPhone. The tech giant is testing a new speaker system for water resistance, in which a vibration system makes the speaker holes redundant. For the iPhone, Apple uses seals and glue to protect the speaker holes from moisture.
Although the need for water resistance on an iPad is not that great, it would be a useful addition, especially if you often use the iPad outdoors or in damp areas.
More powerful A19 Pro chip
Apple would equip the iPad mini 2026 with the new A19 Pro chip, the same chip that is also expected in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This chip offers higher computing power and improved graphics performance, making the mini iPad ideal for more intensive use, such as gaming and professional apps, while still retaining its compact size. The transition from the A17 Pro in the current model to the A19 Pro confirms that Apple is focusing on top quality in its smallest iPad.
Other expectations
- Support for WiFi 7
- Addition of Apple’s own N1 network chip
- Possible new color variants
Release date
The exact release date of the iPad mini with A19 Pro chip has not yet been officially confirmed, but it is expected to launch sometime in 2026, possibly at the same time as the new iPad Air M4, which is also expected in the first half of that year. The current iPad mini has a starting price of €559, and it is suspected that the suggested retail price will be the same or slightly higher.