Apple's next iPad mini could carry a steeper price tag when it arrives in 2026, with the company reportedly planning to charge up to $100 more than the current $499 starting price.
The increase would reflect a host of noteworthy upgrades, led by the adoption of OLED display technology, according to Bloomberg. Indeed, the iPad mini 8 is expected to be the first of its kind to feature an OLED panel, and while it provides individually controlled pixels for more precise colors and deeper blacks, it also costs more to manufacture. Current iPad mini models use more traditional LCD screens.
The device is also set to introduce a novel speaker system that eliminates traditional speaker holes, per Bloomberg. Apple has reportedly developed vibration-based technology that lets sound emit from flat surfaces on the chassis rather than through grilles. The approach could turn portions of the tablet's body into a speaker diaphragm, similar to technology found in some high-end TVs.
Removing speaker openings also serves a dual purpose though, since it enables a cleaner design and paves the way for improved water resistance. The iPad mini currently has no IP rating, making it vulnerable to moisture damage, but the 2026 model could offer protection closer to what Apple provides with the iPhone, which has IP68 water resistance – making it safer to use around pools or in the bathroom, for example.
The iPad mini 8 is also rumored to feature Apple's A19 Pro chip, the same processor that powers the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro. That chip offers upgraded graphics performance and an enhanced Neural Engine for AI tasks, and it would be a notable step up from the A17 Pro in the current model.
Apple last refreshed the iPad mini in 2024 with the seventh-generation version, so it's ripe for a refresh. The company has historically marketed the mini as a premium compact tablet, and the combination of OLED, water resistance, and advanced audio could make it more premium than ever, which may just justify the higher price for users who prioritize high-end features in a smaller form factor.
