Apple increases iPad mini cost to $699 for OLED upgrade

Apple has raised the entry price of its smallest tablet to $699, a move that accompanies the most substantial hardware overhaul in the device's history. The new 8th-generation iPad mini replaces the previous IPS panel with an OLED display and integrates the A20 Pro chip, components previously reserved for the company's flagship smartphones.

The physical dimensions of the tablet remain comparable to the 2024 model, though the screen size has increased from 8.3 inches to 8.5 inches. This expansion was achieved by reducing the bezel thickness by 24 percent. The chassis is now 5.4 millimeters thick, making it nearly one millimeter thinner than its predecessor. Apple has also added IP67 certification for water and dust resistance, a feature absent from the 7th-generation model which lacked an official IP rating.

The shift to OLED technology fundamentally changes the visual performance of the device. The new 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR display offers a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, a dramatic increase from the 500 nits provided by the previous IPS screen. The panel can also dim to a minimum of 1 nit, improving visibility in dark environments. A nano-textured matte display option is available for buyers who prefer a non-reflective surface.

Under the hood, the A20 Pro chip represents a generational leap from the 3-nanometer A17 Pro found in the last version. The A20 Pro, which debuted in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, was already a notable upgrade for smartphones. In the context of the iPad mini, the chip provides a significant boost in processing power. This performance gain is driven in part by a 50 percent increase in memory bandwidth, a specification that translates directly to improved graphics capabilities.

The pricing increase aligns with Apple's strategy of positioning the iPad mini closer to its Pro-tier devices in terms of display technology and processing speed. By adopting the same high-end components used in its premium phones, Apple aims to close the performance gap between its compact tablet and its larger, more expensive offerings.