Apple’s 2026 iPad mini has an 8.5-inch display, slightly larger than the previous generation, while keeping its overall dimensions nearly unchanged. The screen switches from IPS to Tandem OLED, using technology also found in the iPad Pro, though it lacks that model’s 120-Hz refresh rate. Brightness reaches 600 nits in SDR and 1,200 nits in HDR, below the iPad Pro’s reported levels but sufficient for most uses, according to the review.
A nano-texture display is available for an additional $100. Rather than using a surface coating, the option etches the glass to diffuse reflections while preserving perceived brightness. The review found it particularly useful for reading outdoors. The smaller screen also gives the Mini 19 percent higher pixel density than other iPads, resulting in a notably sharp image.
The tablet weighs just over half a pound, making one-handed use feel natural. Apple has reduced the color selection from four options to two: Starlight and the dark navy-blue Midnight. Blue, Purple, and Space Gray are no longer available.
Apple has also redesigned the Mini’s four-speaker system as part of making the device IP67 water-resistant. The speaker grille has been removed from the sides to create a sealed enclosure. Tweeters sit behind slits at the edges of the display glass, while bass drivers are built into the screen in a design Apple calls Acoustic Display.
The sound is fullest when the tablet is held in portrait orientation, with fingers kept away from the display. Speaker vibration is more noticeable at maximum volume, and the audio does not match larger devices such as the iPad Air or MacBook Air. The review describes it as adequate for watching videos and occasional movies, while noting that the iPad Mini’s higher price may limit its appeal.
Sources: WIRED.