With its latest models, the iPad mini has become a beloved compact tablet over the past few years, and anticipation is growing for the next iteration, the 8th-gen iPad mini.
Below, we break down the key details and rumours regarding its release date, pricing, and specs.
When will the new iPad mini be released?
The release date of the iPad mini 8 remains uncertain, but it’s likely to follow Apple’s evolving timeline for updates to the ‘mini’ line.
Historically, the iPad mini was updated annually between 2012 and 2015. More recently, updates have become less frequent, with the iPad mini 5 in March 2019, followed by the refreshed iPad mini 6 in September 2021, and then in late 2024 with the iPad mini 7.
While the new entry-level iPads and new iPad Air are expected to launch in April, followed by the new iPad Pro at the end of the year (according to Mark Gurman), the 8th-gen iPad mini isn’t likely to be released in 2025.
Given that, the new iPad mini might not arrive until 2026 or 2027.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
According to MacRumors, industry analysts suggest that Apple is aligning its development timeline with the broader transition of its product range to OLED displays, including the iPad mini.
This timeline would place the iPad mini 8 within a similar release window as the OLED iPad Air and possibly the first foldable Apple device.
However, MacRumors also reports that the latter could completely replace the iPad mini line.
How much will the new iPad mini cost?
While there is no official word on pricing, the cost of the iPad mini 8 is expected to reflect its enhanced OLED display and other potential upgrades.
The iPad mini 7 currently starts at £499/$499. With the addition of OLED technology and other advancements, the iPad mini 8’s base price could increase to around £599/$599 or more, depending on storage configurations.
What specs and features will the new iPad mini have?
Rumours and reports suggest the iPad mini 8 will bring several noteworthy upgrades. Below, we explore these potential features in detail.
Design
The iPad mini 8 is expected to retain its compact and portable form factor but we might see subtle design changes to accommodate its new OLED display.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Apple could also increase the screen size slightly from 8.3 inches to 8.7 inches, as hinted by both Korea’s ET News and ZDNET Korea news outlets (via MacRumors).
Such an increase would offer more screen real estate without significantly altering the device’s footprint.
Display
A standout feature of the iPad mini 8 will likely be its transition to an OLED display.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Unlike the latest iPad Pro models, which utilise advanced two-stack LTPO OLED technology, the iPad mini 8 is expected to use single-stack LTPS OLED panels (via MacRumors).
While these may lack ProMotion’s high refresh rates, they will help keep manufacturing costs in check.
Performance
The iPad mini 8 will very likely feature one of Apple’s latest silicon chips, such as the A18 Pro chip. This would ensure top-tier performance for gaming, productivity, and multitasking.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
As Apple continues to refine its chip designs, the iPad mini 8 could also benefit from improved thermal management and power efficiency.
Cameras
Apple might further enhance the camera system on the iPad mini 8, with improved sensors for both the front and rear cameras.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This could include better low-light performance, advanced computational photography features, and possibly 4K video recording enhancements.
Centre Stage, Apple’s video calling feature, is likely to remain a staple.
Battery & Charging
MacRumors expects that the move to OLED technology might improve the iPad mini 8’s battery life due to increased power efficiency.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Additionally, faster charging capabilities might be introduced, although details on this remain speculative.
Apple will also definitely continue its transition towards USB-C, which offers broader compatibility and faster data transfer speeds.
Software
The iPad mini 8 will undoubtedly run on iPadOS, probably iPadOS 18, likely launching with the latest version available at the time of its release.
Users can expect continual enhancements to multitasking features, improved Apple Pencil support, and integration with other Apple devices through iCloud and Continuity.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This is all we currently know about the 8th-gen iPad mini. Be sure to also check out what we know about the upcoming new iPad Air and iPad Pro.