Apple is reportedly preparing a major upgrade for its compact tablet lineup with the next-generation iPad mini, expected to arrive more than 20 months after the iPad mini 7. Multiple leaks suggest that the upcoming model could bring significant changes in performance, display technology, design, and pricing. While Apple has not confirmed anything officially, the rumors point to one of the biggest updates in the series so far, likely positioning the device as a more premium small tablet.
Strong performance upgrade with new A-series chip
The next iPad mini, believed to be codenamed J510 and J511, is expected to feature Apple’s A19 Pro chip. This information comes from code that was accidentally revealed by Apple in August. The same chip family is already used in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models, although in different configurations depending on the device tier.
If Apple follows its earlier pattern, the iPad mini 8 may use the mid-tier version of the A19 Pro chip. This would match its strategy with the previous generation, where the iPad mini 7 used a slightly different version of the A17 Pro compared to iPhone models. The chip is built on an improved 3nm N3P process and includes a 16-core Neural Engine for advanced AI tasks.
Performance is also expected to improve through upgraded GPU architecture. Apple claims up to three times higher peak GPU compute compared to the previous generation. However, there is still a small possibility that Apple could switch to the newer A20 Pro chip, though this remains unconfirmed.
OLED display and larger screen expected
One of the biggest changes may come in the display. Apple is widely expected to replace the LCD panel with OLED technology for the first time in the iPad mini lineup. Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and supply chain sources suggest Apple has already tested OLED panels from Samsung for the device.
The current iPad mini 7 features an 8.3-inch 60Hz LCD screen, but the new model could increase in size to 8.7 inches. It may also adopt a 120Hz refresh rate, bringing it closer to modern iPhone display standards. OLED technology will allow deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved color accuracy compared to LCD panels.
However, unlike the iPad Pro’s advanced OLED setup, the iPad mini may use a simpler LTPS OLED panel. This could result in slightly lower brightness levels, but it is still a major upgrade over the current display.
More durable design with better protection
Apple is also working on improving the durability of the iPad mini 8. According to Bloomberg, the company is aiming to make it more water-resistant, similar to iPhone-level protection. A key change could be the removal of traditional speaker holes, replaced by a vibration-based audio system.
This design would allow sound to pass through the device’s body instead of open grilles. It reduces entry points for water and dust, making the tablet more sealed and durable. Apple already uses water-resistant seals in iPhones, but the iPad mini could go a step further with a fully enclosed design approach.
The current iPad mini lineup does not carry any official IP rating. If these changes are implemented, the next model could become the first in the series to offer certified water resistance.
Release timing and possible price increase
The release timeline of the iPad mini 8 remains uncertain, with different reports pointing to 2026 or even 2027. Some analysts expect OLED production to start in late 2025, which supports a possible launch in the second half of 2026. However, other research firms suggest a later timeline depending on display adoption across Apple’s lineup.
On pricing, the new iPad mini is expected to become more expensive than the current model. The iPad mini 7 starts at $499, but rising memory and storage costs could push prices higher. Industry reports also suggest Apple may increase prices by up to $100 or more, depending on configuration.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has also indicated that rising component costs are becoming unavoidable across the industry. While Apple may try to limit the impact on customers, analysts believe the iPad mini lineup will not be exempt from future price adjustments.
