The iPad mini's biggest update in 5 years is expected this fall - here's what we know
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Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. Close Home Tech Computing Tablets iPad The iPad mini's biggest update in 5 years is expected this fall - here's what we know The next iPad mini is rumored to feature an OLED panel and a more powerful processor. A new base iPad is also in the works. Written by Maria Diaz, Staff WriterStaff Writer July 18, 2026 at 3:00 a.m. PT Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET's key takeawaysThe next iPad mini is rumored to feature an OLED panel and a more powerful processor.The new iPad mini is expected as early as fall 2026.A new base iPad, potentially compatible with Apple Intelligence, is also rumored for early next year.Apple is planning the biggest upgrade to its iPad mini in five years, with supply chain rumors indicating the smallest iPad will feature an OLED panel for the first time. The iPad mini is currently an 8.3-inch tablet with an LCD Liquid Retina display. The new OLED panel would give the iPad mini deeper blacks, higher contrast, better HDR performance, and, potentially, improved battery efficiency.Also: What's new with iPhone 18 Pro Max? Guess correctly for a chance to win an Apple WatchAs an entertainment tablet, the improved display would offer richer colors for an upgraded streaming experience, as well as for gaming, photo and video editing, and reading. The new iPad mini is expected to feature Apple's A19 Pro chip, which supports Apple Intelligence. The current iPad mini features the A17 Pro, which also supports Apple's AI platform and features, but the upgrade to the A19 Pro would deliver faster performance with stronger processing power. The upgrade will be most evident in demanding tasks, like video and photo editing, but should also make AI tasks and games run faster and smoother.These upgrades should give the iPad mini a firmer, broader footing, moving it from an entertainment-focused tablet to one that can transition smoothly into work, especially with the improved processor.Also: How to get a tax-free Mac, iPad, or iPhone in 8 states - but only on these datesThough an OLED upgrade appears imminent, Apple is not expected to increase the iPad mini's refresh rate, which is rumored to remain at up to 60Hz. The iPad Pro features an OLED display and ProMotion, which gives the Pro model a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, offering more fluid image transitions and a smoother Apple Pencil performance.Still, the OLED panel on the iPad mini will make the display look much better than the current LCD, but motion will remain the same as the current iPad mini's with its Liquid Retina Display.Also: 5 underrated iOS 27 features that make my iPhone way better - and none are Siri AIThe new iPad mini is expected to be released as early as October 2026 and could cost $100 more than the current model, bringing its starting price to $699.Apple is also rumored to release a new base model iPad, but that's not expected until early 2027. The 12th-generation iPad is expected to feature an A18 or A19 processor and likely 8GB of RAM, bringing Apple Intelligence to the most affordable iPad. Unlike the iPad mini, Apple's base iPad isn't expected to receive major updates, solidifying its position in Apple's tablet lineup as the most affordable iPad. Featured I loved ChatGPT Desktop until OpenAI gutted it to make room for Codex and Work 'I'm not a programmer' anymore: Linus Torvalds on the only two tools he uses now Microsoft's new Windows 11 recovery tool is the ultimate Undo button - how to enable it I overhauled my WFH office - these 5 gadgets made the cut I loved ChatGPT Desktop until OpenAI gutted it to make room for Codex and Work 'I'm not a programmer' anymore: Linus Torvalds on the only two tools he uses now Microsoft's new Windows 11 recovery tool is the ultimate Undo button - how to enable it I overhauled my WFH office - these 5 gadgets made the cut Editorial standards Show Comments Log In to Comment Community Guidelines Related How to download iPadOS 27 right now - and which models support it What's new with iPhone 18 Pro Max? 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