Apple renews iPad mini: OLED display, A20 Pro chip and an even thinner format

Apple renews iPad mini, intervening on display, performance, design and connectivity. The most obvious change is the move to an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display: larger, although the overall dimensions remain those of the previous generation thanks to bezels reduced by 24%. The panel reaches a peak brightness of up to 1,200 nits and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, while glass with nanotexture designed to limit reflections also makes its debut among the options. The body of the device also changes: the thickness drops to 5.4 millimeters and IP67 certification for water and dust resistance arrives for the first time. The available colors are midnight and galaxy.

A20 Pro, more space for artificial intelligence and graphics

At the heart of the new iPad mini is the A20 Pro chip, made with 2-nanometer technology. It integrates a 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerator in each core and, as explained by Apple, allows for up to 4.5 times higher performance in tasks related to artificial intelligence and up to 2.7 times higher performance on the graphics front compared to the previous generation. The 512 GB model also features a 16-core Dual Neural Engine. On the multimedia front comes Acoustic Display technology, which improves the listening experience, while the 12 megapixel Center Stage front camera is moved to the long side; the rear one, also 12 megapixel, can record videos in 4K up to 60 fps. Connectivity also changes: the N1 chip manages Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, while the Cellular models use the Apple C2 modem. The operating system is iPadOS 27, with new Apple Intelligence features and, with iPadOS 27.2, the ability to use an extended screen mode by connecting the tablet to an external monitor.

Availability and prices

The new iPad mini maintains compatibility with the Apple Pencil and is offered in 128, 256 and 512 GB versions. Pre-orders will start on Wednesday 28 October, available for purchase from Friday 6 November. In Italy the price starts from 759 euros for the Wi-Fi version and from 929 euros for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version; with Education prices they start from 699 euros. On the accessories side, Apple also offers a new Smart Folio in TechWoven fabric, available in navy blue and taupe: price 89 euros.