After a long wait, Apple finally unveiled the latest iPad Mini – bringing major upgrades to its fantastically small tablet. It now has an 8.5-inch OLED display, the A20 Pro chipset, and IP67 water & dust resistance. Despite the larger display, the new model retains the previous generation’s overall footprint, thanks to thinner bezels.
The new iPad mini also introduces faster wireless connectivity, upgraded cameras, an improved audio system, and support for Apple’s latest software features. In Malaysia, the tablet starts at RM2,999 for the Wi-Fi model and RM3,699 for the Wi-Fi + cellular version.
iPad Mini’s new 8.5-Inch OLED screen
The biggest request that everyone had is for the iPad Mini to have an OLED screen – and here it is. The new iPad Mini has an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, up from the previous generation’s smaller screen. Apple says the tablet maintains the same overall footprint by reducing the bezels by 24%.
It gets all of the benefits that an OLED screen offers, and Apple claims that it can reach up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness – more than double of the previous generation- while supporting 600 nits of full-screen brightness for SDR and HDR content.
In dim environments, it can drop to just 1 nit of brightness. Apple offers the nano-texture display as an additional offering.
Powered by the A20 Pro
Surprisingly, Apple also packed the new iPad Mini with the latest A20 Pro chipset that is supremely powerful. We have already tested this chipset on the iPhone 18 Pro, which you can check it out down below.
However, do note that there is some discrepancy with the iPad Mini’s version of the A20 Pro chipset. Only for the 512GB variant, it’ll have the same CPU and GPU core configuration as the iPhone 18 Pro series; the 128GB and 256GB variants of the iPad Mini will have one less CPU core and one less efficiency core. We found out here.
Other upgrades
For the first time in this generation’s upgrade, the iPad mini also gains an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance – which is certainly welcomed as accidents happen every single day. Having an IP67 rating means that we can lower our cortisol level while handling the iPad Mini.
The front camera has been moved to the landscape edge, making it more suitable for video calls when the tablet is held horizontally. It is a 12MP Center Stage camera designed to keep users in frame during calls and video conferences.
Around the back, the 12MP Wide camera supports Smart HDR 4 and 4K video recording at up to 60fps. Apple has also added an Adaptive True Tone flash to improve photography and document scanning.
Audio has received an overhaul as well, with Apple’s new Acoustic Display system. Specially designed woofers work through the display to deliver deeper bass and greater volume, while custom tweeters hidden between the glass and aluminium enclosure handle higher frequencies.
New modems
The new iPad Mini uses Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip, bringing support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Apple says the chip improves performance on 5GHz Wi-Fi networks and enhances the reliability of features such as AirDrop and AirPlay.
Cellular models also feature Apple’s latest C2 modem, which is already found in the iPhone 18 Pro series. It worked amazingly well – so it’s great to see.
The tablet supports eSIM, allowing users to activate or transfer compatible cellular plans digitally without needing a physical SIM card.
Apple Pencil and case
For accessories, users can choose between the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro. The latter supports features such as squeeze, barrel roll, and Find My integration.
Apple is also introducing a new Smart Folio made with TechWoven fabric. Available in navy blue and taupe, the cover features an adjustable design with additional viewing angles.
Apple iPad mini Malaysia Pricing and Availability
The new iPad mini will be available in midnight and starlight, with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
Here is the official Malaysian pricing:
- iPad Mini Wi-Fi: RM2,999
- iPad Mini Wi-Fi + Cellular: RM3,699
- Education pricing: From RM2,779
- Smart Folio: RM349
- Apple Pencil Pro: RM549 (RM499 with education savings)
- Apple Pencil (USB-C): RM349 (RM299 with education savings)
Pre-orders open on 29 October 2026 through Apple’s Malaysian online store and the Apple Store app. The new iPad mini will begin arriving to customers and become available at Apple Store locations and Apple Authorised Resellers on 6 November 2026.
With its OLED display, faster processor, upgraded connectivity, and added durability, the new iPad mini represents a substantial generational upgrade. Whether those improvements justify the higher price will ultimately depend on how much users value the compact tablet form factor.
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