Apple's new iPad mini has slimmed down with a thinner, narrower design, but those minor changes could make your perfectly good old case a lousy fit. The OLED upgrade increases the display size from 8.3 inches to 8.5 inches while keeping roughly the same footprint. However, Apple's published measurements reveal several physical differences that could affect case compatibility.
The sixth-generation iPad mini from 2021 and the A17 Pro model from 2024 have identical dimensions of 195.4 mm tall, 134.8 mm wide, and 6.3 mm thick. The 2026 model measures 195.3 mm tall, 132.6 mm wide, and 5.4 mm thick. The height difference is just 0.1 mm, but the reductions in width and thickness could affect how older cases grip the device.
Rigid snap-on cases are the biggest concern because they rely on a close fit around the tablet's edges. Flexible silicone and TPU cases might accommodate the smaller enclosure, but their ability to hold it securely will depend on the design. Magnetic folios attach without gripping the tablet's edges, but alignment with new magnets is unclear.
Apple's existing Smart Folio officially supports the sixth-generation and A17 Pro iPad mini models, but the new A20 Pro isn't included in that compatibility list as of October 26. The new iPad mini becomes available November 6 starting at $699.
Source: AppleInsider · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing