Apple has launched the eighth-generation iPad mini, bringing major upgrades over the 2021 sixth-generation model. The new tablet features a larger 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with slimmer bezels, brighter HDR capabilities, and an optional nano-texture glass, while still running at a 60Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it transitions from the A15 Bionic to the cutting-edge A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometer process, paired with up to 12GB of RAM to power Apple Intelligence and advanced Apple Pencil Pro features.
Physically, the 2026 model is about 14% thinner and 13% lighter, weighing just 0.56 pounds, and gains IP67 water and dust resistance. Storage now starts at 128GB for a starting price of $699, up from the 2021 model's 64GB base storage at $499. Both tablets run iPadOS 27.2, feature Touch ID in the top button, and offer up to 10 hours of battery life. The latest iPad mini also boasts twice the USB-C transfer speed of its predecessor and comes in Midnight and Starlight finishes, making it a highly compelling upgrade for portable productivity and entertainment.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing