Apple’s New iPad mini Adds OLED, A20 Pro and Water Resistance at $699
Apple announced a redesigned iPad mini on October 26th, combining an 8.5-inch OLED display, the A20 Pro chip and a thinner enclosure. U.S. pricing starts at $699 for Wi-Fi and $849 for Wi-Fi plus cellular. Preorders begin October 28th, with availability starting November 6th.
The new Super Retina XDR display is the central change for people who use a small tablet to read, watch video, edit photos or work away from a desk. Apple lists 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options, with midnight and starlight finishes. The device measures 5.4 millimeters thick, keeping portability central to the design.
What changes in everyday use
The front 12-megapixel Center Stage camera moves to the landscape edge, a practical change for video calls while the tablet is positioned horizontally. A rear 12-megapixel camera supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C are supported, but sold separately.
Apple also introduces IP67 dust and water resistance. Its testing covers immersion up to one meter for up to 30 minutes under controlled laboratory conditions. That is not a promise that the tablet is waterproof in every setting: resistance can diminish with wear, charging while wet should be avoided, and liquid damage is not covered by the standard warranty.
Price, timing and the features to check
The A20 Pro performance claims come from Apple, rather than independent PowerPage testing. The company also lists Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Buyers comparing configurations should check the official specifications and accessory costs alongside the headline starting price, especially if cellular service or a Pencil is part of the intended setup.
Software timing deserves attention as well. Apple’s announcement identifies Siri AI features arriving in beta with iPadOS 27.2, with language, region and availability limitations. Do not assume every demonstrated feature will be available everywhere on the first day the hardware ships.
Apple’s product page includes the official introductory film and detailed specifications. Use that manufacturer presentation to see the design in motion, then weigh independent testing as it becomes available. The immediate decision is whether a compact OLED tablet fits your needs and budget—not whether an announcement can substitute for a hands-on review. Browse more PowerPage coverage on our News page.
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