PRESS RELEASE
27 October 2026
Apple gives iPad mini its biggest update ever
Featuring a stunning OLED display in an even thinner and lighter design, a huge leap in performance, faster wireless connectivity, and water and dust resistance
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today unveiled the all-new iPad mini, featuring a stunning OLED display in an even thinner and lighter design, a huge leap in performance with A20 Pro, and water and dust resistance.1 The larger 8.5-inch OLED display, also available with a nano-texture option, delivers higher contrast and more than 2x higher peak brightness than the previous-generation iPad mini for a brilliant and immersive viewing experience.2 A20 Pro supercharges AI with Neural Accelerators in each GPU core and Dual 16-core Neural Engine. iPad mini now has a 12MP Center Stage front camera on the landscape edge that’s perfect for video calls, an innovative Acoustic Display for an even better audio experience, faster wireless and cellular connectivity, and fast-charge support.3 With its incredible set of advanced features, it’s the most capable and versatile iPad mini ever.
The new iPad mini is powered by iPadOS 27 with the next generation of Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, which can draw on a user’s personal context to help them find what they need, answer questions on virtually any topic with broad world knowledge, and understand what’s on their screen.4 The combination of powerful features and game-changing iPadOS 27 capabilities makes the new iPad mini a compelling value. Customers can pre-order it along with the new Smart Folio starting Thursday, 29 October, with availability beginning Friday, 6 November.
“iPad mini is beloved for its fantastic portability, performance, and display by a wide range of users, from creators and small business owners to doctors, field service workers, and gamers,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “With a remarkably thinner and lighter design, a stunning new OLED display, the incredibly powerful A20 Pro, and water and dust resistance, the new iPad mini is a huge leap forward for users who love having the full iPad experience in the palm of their hand.”
Thinner and Lighter Than Ever
At 5.4mm thin, the new iPad mini is more portable than ever, and is available in two gorgeous finishes: a new midnight and a beautiful starlight. Remarkably thinner and lighter than the previous generation, iPad mini is now even easier to carry, whether a user is reading, working on the go, or using it with one hand. It also features an IP67 rating to protect against water and dust — ideal for a range of use cases, such as working outside on a rainy day or reading by the pool.1
A Stunning OLED Display
The new iPad mini comes with a stunning OLED display that delivers amazing front-of-screen performance and an even larger 8.5-inch size while maintaining the same footprint as the previous mini, thanks to 24 per cent thinner bezels.2 The Super Retina XDR display features OLED technology to deliver pixel-level lighting control for much deeper blacks and support for the P3 wide colour gamut for more vivid and accurate imagery.
For an even better visual experience across a range of lighting conditions, iPad mini also features peak brightness of up to 1200 nits — more than 2x higher than the previous generation — and supports 600 nits of full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR content, along with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. And with a 1-nit minimum brightness, iPad mini is even more suitable for dim environments, from users reading in bed at night to pilots checking their electronic flight bag in the cockpit. iPad mini also offers a new nano-texture display option, which users love on iPad Pro, that reduces glare in bright environments — ideal for creatives editing outdoors or technicians working in the field. Together, these display advancements extend the versatility of iPad mini across an even wider range of use cases.
A Huge Leap in Performance
A20 Pro delivers a giant leap in performance for iPad mini, significantly boosting graphics and AI-intensive tasks. It is built using Apple’s latest 2-nanometre process technology and a new package inspired by M-series chips. Powered by a 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in each GPU core, iPad mini delivers up to 4.5x faster AI performance than the previous generation — perfect for AI tasks ranging from running on-device models in creative apps to running local LLMs.3 And with the latest graphics architecture, including dynamic caching and hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, graphics performance jumps by up to 2.7x — great for gaming and 3D rendering.3 A20 Pro also features up to a 6-core CPU for up to 60 per cent faster multithreaded performance for everyday tasks like editing photos and working across apps.3
The 512GB configuration features a powerful Dual 16-core Neural Engine, which offers double the processing power of the previous generation, accelerating tasks in apps like Draw Things and Detail. By engaging all 32 cores, A20 Pro becomes a powerhouse for more advanced on-device AI workloads. A20 Pro also brings over a 2x increase in unified memory bandwidth, unlocking additional performance for new levels of capability and responsiveness across graphics and AI-intensive workloads.
A Rich New Audio Experience and Advanced Cameras
The new iPad mini features an innovative Acoustic Display for an even better audio experience when gaming, watching videos, or editing content. Specially designed woofers are paired through the display to produce punchier bass and more volume. In addition, custom tweeters are now hidden between the glass and aluminium enclosure for clearer highs. The Acoustic Display also features a sealed enclosure that helps iPad mini achieve its IP67 rating.
The 12MP Center Stage front camera is now on the landscape edge, perfect for FaceTime calls, video conferencing, and collaboration. And the 12MP Wide back camera captures gorgeous photos with Smart HDR 4 and 4K video at up to 60 fps, while the addition of an Adaptive True Tone flash improves photos and makes document scanning better than ever.
N1 and C2 Come to iPad mini
iPad mini now features N1, an Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.5 N1 brings better performance when connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks and improves the overall performance and reliability of features like AirDrop and AirPlay.6
Cellular models of the new iPad mini feature C2, Apple’s next-generation cellular modem system. C2 enables up to 50 per cent faster cellular data speeds compared to the previous generation of iPad mini, with even greater power efficiency.6 And with iPadOS 27, moving between cellular and Wi-Fi networks is more seamless than ever, so users can stay connected on a FaceTime call even while they’re in transit. Users can also enjoy the benefits of eSIM, which lets them quickly and securely add a new plan, connect and transfer existing plans digitally, and stay in touch with family and friends regardless of Wi-Fi availability.7
iPadOS 27 with the Next Generation of Apple Intelligence and Siri AI
iPad mini users can get even more done with Siri AI, rolling out in beta with iPadOS 27. Siri AI is an entirely new version of Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, that is profoundly more personal, capable, and conversational.4 iPad mini also supports Apple’s most advanced on-device model ever, for even more expressive voices with Siri AI as well as a major boost in accuracy with systemwide dictation.
Siri AI can draw on personal context understanding to help users find what they need in the moment across their personal messages, emails, photos, and more; use onscreen awareness to take action related to the content on a user’s screen; and answer questions about virtually any topic. Additionally, Apple Intelligence makes apps smarter and more useful. Users can improve a photo’s composition after it’s been taken using tools such as upgraded Clean Up, Spatial Reframing, and Extend. And now the all-new Image Playground app offers photorealistic imagery. In Safari, Notify Me helps users monitor web pages for changes, like product restocks or price drops, and stay on top of updates. Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute to help protect users’ privacy. When Private Cloud Compute is handling users’ requests, their personal data is not stored nor made accessible to Apple or anyone else.
iPadOS 27 also delivers an expansive set of improvements that make iPad more responsive, reliable, and easy to use, along with updates to Liquid Glass, including a new slider in Settings that gives users the option to personalise it, adjusting it anywhere from ultraclear to fully tinted to match their preference. With iPadOS 27.2, iPad mini also supports extended display mode when connected to an external display, great for users multitasking with windowed apps.
Additionally, powerful and easy-to-use tools help parents manage what their kids can see, who they can talk to, and when they have access to apps. For parents and families looking for more information on how to help create safer, more enriching digital experiences for their kids, Apple also has a website with details on the latest tools and how to get started using them.
Accessories That Unlock More Ways to Be Productive and Creative
The new Smart Folio features a two-panel architecture, offering a slim, lightweight cover that magnetically attaches to iPad mini.8 Crafted with TechWoven fabric in navy blue and taupe to complement the iPad mini finishes, the Smart Folio has an adjustable design that gives users a greater range of motion, including new viewing angles, for enhanced versatility.
iPad mini supports both Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro, giving users two incredible options to bring their ideas to life.8 Apple Pencil (USB-C) is a great value for everyday tasks like note-taking and sketching, while Apple Pencil Pro delivers industry-leading capabilities for the ultimate pencil experience. With Apple Pencil Pro, users can take advantage of innovative features like squeeze and barrel roll to work in entirely new ways, as well as utilise Find My support to help locate it when misplaced.
iPad mini and the Environment
iPad mini was built with the environment in mind and drives progress toward Apple’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. It is made with 35 per cent recycled content overall,9 including 100 per cent recycled aluminium in the enclosure and 100 per cent recycled cobalt in the battery. iPad mini is manufactured with 40 per cent renewable energy, like wind and solar, across the supply chain. It is designed to be durable and repairable, and meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. As with all Apple products, its paper packaging is 100 per cent fibre-based10 and designed to be recycled.
Pricing and Availability
- Customers can pre-order iPad mini with A20 Pro starting Thursday, 29 October, at apple.com/au and in the Apple Store app in 36 countries and regions, including Australia. It will begin arriving to customers, and will be in Apple Store locations and Apple Authorised Resellers, starting Friday, 6 November.
- iPad mini will be available in midnight and starlight with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations.
- iPad mini starts at A$1,099 inc. GST for the Wi-Fi model, and A$1,349 inc. GST for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.
- With education savings, iPad mini starts at A$1,019 inc. GST.
- The new TechWoven Smart Folio is available in navy blue and taupe, and is available for A$129 inc. GST.
- Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) are compatible with the new iPad mini. Apple Pencil Pro is available for A$219 inc. GST and A$199 inc. GST with education savings. Apple Pencil (USB-C) is available for A$139 inc. GST and A$119 inc. GST with education savings.
- AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new iPad or, in available markets, AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidental damages, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and priority support from Apple Experts. For more information, visit apple.com/au/applecare.
- Apple offers great ways to save on the latest iPad. Customers can trade in their current iPad and get credit toward a new one by visiting the Apple Store online, the Apple Store app, or an Apple Store location. To see what their device is worth, and for terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/au/shop/trade-in.11
Share article
Media
-
Text of this article
-
Media in this article
- iPad mini (A20 Pro) is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 1 metre up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPad; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty but you may have rights under consumer law.
- The display has rounded corners. When measured diagonally as a rectangle, the 8.5-inch iPad mini is 8.5 inches. Actual viewable area is less.
- Testing was conducted by Apple in September 2026. See apple.com/au/ipad-mini for more information.
- Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iPadOS 27.2 and requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Siri AI is not currently available in the EU in iPadOS. Apple is working constructively with the EU in an attempt to find a path forward. Siri AI is not available for users under 13. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, intelligent photo editing tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence terms and conditions. Learn more at support.apple.com/148587.
- Wi‑Fi 7 available in countries and regions where supported.
- Data plan required. 5G is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on 5G support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/au/ipad/cellular.
- Not all carriers support eSIM. For Model A3596, see your carrier for details. For Model A3597, contact China Unicom for more details.
- Accessories sold separately.
- Product recycled or renewable content is the mass of certified recycled material relative to the overall mass of the device, not including packaging or in-box accessories.
- Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from Apple’s calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.
- Trade-in values will vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of the eligible trade-in device.