Apple unveils new iPad mini with 8.5-inch OLED display, A20 Pro chip and water resistance, from $699

Apple on Monday 26 October announced a new iPad mini, its first with an OLED display, in a press release from its Cupertino, California headquarters.

The screen grows to 8.5 inches while keeping the same footprint as the previous model, with bezels Apple says are 24% thinner. Apple said peak brightness reaches up to 1,200 nits, more than twice the previous generation, and an anti-glare nano-texture glass option is available. The tablet is 5.4 mm thick and has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, according to the company.

It runs on Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on a 2-nanometre process. Apple said it delivers up to 4.5 times faster AI performance and up to 2.7 times faster graphics than the previous iPad mini, based on its own testing in September. Other changes listed by Apple include a 12MP front camera moved to the landscape edge, speakers built into the display, Apple’s N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, and its C2 modem in cellular models.

“The new iPad mini is a huge leap forward for users who love having the full iPad experience in the palm of their hand,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering.

Prices start at $699 in the US for the Wi-Fi model and $849 for Wi-Fi + Cellular, in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB versions. Pre-orders open on Wednesday 28 October in 36 countries and regions, and the device goes on sale on Friday 6 November, Apple said.