Apple’s 2026 iPad-mini/">iPad mini is a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, with a larger OLED display, a faster processor and improved protection against water and dust. But the tablet starts at $699, making it the most expensive entry-level Mini so far and a difficult recommendation for anyone who does not specifically want a compact iPad.
The new screen measures 8.5 inches, up from 8.3 inches, and replaces the previous model’s LCD with a 2316 x 1512 OLED panel. It offers brighter highlights, deeper blacks and better visibility in low-light settings. An optional nano-texture finish reduces glare, but adds $100 and requires choosing at least 256GB of storage.
The display still runs at 60Hz, rather than the 120Hz refresh rate available on some other recent Apple devices. That can make scrolling and gestures look less smooth, and Apple Pencil movement feel less responsive, particularly in games and creative apps. The tablet also continues to rely on Touch ID rather than Face ID.
One of the biggest changes is an IP67 rating, meaning the Mini is protected against dust and can withstand temporary immersion in water. The added durability makes it more practical in places such as kitchens and worksites. Apple has also replaced the speaker holes with an Acoustic Display, which sends sound through the front panel; the review found the audio broadly similar to the previous model.
The A20 Pro chip delivers a significant performance increase, with benchmark results around 50 percent higher for standard computing and roughly three times higher for graphics-intensive tasks compared with the 2024 Mini. Games that struggled on the older tablet run more smoothly. The redesigned device is thinner and lighter, while battery life remains around nine hours of screen use.
The base model costs $699 with Wi-Fi, 128GB of storage and a standard display. That is $100 more than the previous Mini’s starting price, and the review argues that buyers who do not need a small screen may get better value from the iPad Air, which starts at $749. The tested cellular model, with 512GB of storage and the nano-texture display, costs $1,249.
For people who value a lightweight tablet they can use in more environments, the 2026 Mini is the strongest version in years. Its price and display limitations, however, mean it is best suited to buyers who already know they want the Mini’s compact size.
Sources: The Verge.