With its latest models, the iPad mini has become a popular compact tablet over the past few years, and anticipation is growing for the next iteration, the 8th generation iPad mini.
Below we break down the main details and rumors regarding its release date, price and specifications.
When will the new iPad mini be released?
The iPad mini 8 release date remains uncertain, but it will likely follow Apple's rolling schedule for updates to the Mini line.
Historically, the iPad mini was updated annually between 2012 and 2015. More recently, updates have become less frequent, with the iPad mini 5 in March 2019, followed by the refreshed iPad mini 6 in September 2021 , and now at the end of 2024 with the iPad. mini-7.
Given this trend, the iPad mini 8 might not arrive until 2026 Or 2027.
According to MacRumors, industry analysts suggest that Apple is aligning its development schedule with the broader transition of its product line to OLED displays, including the iPad mini.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This timeline would put the iPad mini 8 in a similar release window as the iPad Air OLED and possibly Apple's first foldable device.
However, MacRumors also reports that the latter could completely replace the iPad mini line.
How much will the new iPad mini cost?
While there's no official word on pricing, the cost of the iPad mini 8 is expected to reflect its improved OLED display and other potential upgrades.
The iPad mini 7 currently starts at £499/$499. With the addition of OLED technology and other advancements, the base price of the iPad mini 8 could increase to around £599/$599 or more, depending on storage configurations.
What specs and features will the new iPad mini have?
Rumors and reports suggest that the iPad mini 8 will bring several notable upgrades. Below we explore these potential features in detail.
Design
The iPad mini 8 is expected to retain its compact and portable form factor, but could see subtle design changes to accommodate its new OLED display.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Apple could also slightly increase the screen size from 8.3 inches to 8.7 inches, as suggested by Korean media outlets ET News and ZDNET Korea (via MacRumors).
Such an increase would provide more screen real estate without significantly changing the device's footprint.
Display
A notable feature of the iPad mini 8 will likely be its transition to an OLED display.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Unlike the latest iPad Pro models, which use advanced dual-battery LTPO OLED technology, the iPad mini 8 is expected to use single-stack LTPS OLED panels (via MacRumors).
While these may lack ProMotion's high refresh rates, they will help control manufacturing costs.
Performance
The iPad mini 8 will most likely feature one of Apple's latest silicon chips, like the A18 Pro chip. This would ensure top-notch performance for gaming, productivity, and multitasking.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
As Apple continues to refine its chip designs, the iPad mini 8 could also benefit from improved thermal management and power efficiency.
Cameras
Apple could further improve the iPad mini 8's camera system, with improved sensors for the front and rear cameras.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This could include better low-light performance, advanced computational photography features, and possibly improvements to 4K video recording.
Center Stage, Apple's video calling feature, will likely remain a staple.
Battery and charging
MacRumors expects that switching to OLED technology could improve the iPad mini 8's battery life through increased power efficiency.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Additionally, faster charging capabilities could be introduced, although details on this remain speculative.
Apple will also certainly continue its transition to USB-C, which offers wider compatibility and faster data transfer speeds.
Software
The iPad mini 8 will undoubtedly run on iPadOS, likely iPadOS 18, likely launching with the latest version available at the time of release.
Users can expect continued improvements to multitasking features, improved Apple Pencil support, and integration with other Apple devices via iCloud and Continuity.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
That's everything we currently know about the 8th generation iPad mini. Don't forget to also check out what we know about the upcoming new iPad Air and iPad Pro.
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