Apple iPad Mini OLED not before autumn 2026
According to the Weibo-active tipster Instant Digital, the Apple iPad mini OLED will not be released until the third quarter of 2026 at the earliest. The Chinese social media account’s claim today largely aligns with reports from Bloomberg and Korean media, which indicate that the iPad mini will receive an OLED display as early as 2026.
Instant Digital thus confirms earlier rumors. The Apple iPad mini OLED would be the second iPad model with OLED display technology, following the iPad Pro models. According to the leak, the iPad Air is next in line, likely not until 2027 at the earliest.
OLED panels can control each pixel individually, resulting in more accurate color reproduction and deeper blacks compared to other common display technologies. They also offer superior contrast, faster response times, better viewing angles, and greater design flexibility.
Apple iPad Mini OLED with A19 Pro Chip
Furthermore, the Apple iPad Mini OLED is expected to use the mid-range A19 Pro chip, which is also used in the iPhone Air. Apple manufactured the A19 Pro chip using an improved, third-generation 3-nanometer N3P process to achieve moderate speed and efficiency improvements.
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is working on a more water-resistant design for the eighth-generation iPad mini. To achieve this, Apple has reportedly developed a new, vibration-based speaker system that does away with traditional speaker grilles.
Unsurprisingly, a water-resistant iPad mini with an OLED display would be more expensive. According to Gurman, Apple could charge up to $100 more for the device. The iPad mini is currently available starting at €549/$499.
The source of today’s rumor, Instant Digital, has a mixed but occasionally reliable track record. The tipster already revealed correct details such as the yellow colors of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus as well as the titanium band of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. There have also been a few blind flights.
