Fastrack · Apple Debuts Water-Resistant iPad Mini With Larger OLED Display

Apple announced a new iPad Mini with an 8.5-inch OLED display, days before its Pro and Tell event.

$699 buys the Wi-Fi model; cellular starts at $849.
5.4mm thick, down from 6.3mm on the previous model.
1,200 nits peak brightness, double the prior iPad Mini, per Apple.
IP67 rating makes it the first water-resistant iPad.

Why it matters: The Mini moves from LCD to OLED and gains the A20 Pro chip from the iPhone 18 Pro. The chip runs on-device AI, including new Siri features.

The 2024 model started at $499; this one starts at $699.
It lacks ProMotion, so it likely stays at a 60Hz refresh rate.

How 7 sources split on this story

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Coverage by lean% of 7 sources

7 sources · 7 articles · 57% Left coverage

Center coverage, 3 sources: The center focuses on the spec upgrades, OLED and water resistance, while noting the higher starting price.

CNET1hApple’s New iPad Mini Gets OLED and Water Resistance - CNET Engadget1hApple Updates The iPad Mini With An A20 Processor And OLED Display Bloomberg2hApple Debuts $699 Water-Resistant iPad Mini With OLED Screen

Left coverage, 4 sources: The left frames the update as a fix for a model that had fallen behind Apple's other iPads, with notable gaps such as refresh rate.

Gizmodo1hThe New, Better iPad mini Now Sports a Slightly Larger 'Pro'-Level Display The Verge2hApple updates the iPad Mini with a larger OLED display CNN10mApple just revealed the iPad Mini I’ve always wanted. But is it worth the new price?TechCrunch13mApple unveils new iPad mini with OLED display and faster A20 Pro chip | TechCrunch

What’s next: Preorders begin Oct. 28. The tablet reaches stores Nov. 6.

Apple's Wednesday event may bring new Macs, possibly including a touchscreen MacBook Pro.
How will the higher price affect demand for the Mini?
Will the $2,000 iPhone Duo pull buyers away from the iPad Mini?