Apple Unveils OLED iPad Mini with A20 Pro Chip, Teases More Launches Ahead of 'Pro and Tell' Event

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) on October 26 introduced an all-new iPad mini, giving the compact tablet an OLED display, a thinner body, and the A20 Pro chip, according to Apple's newsroom announcement. The company also signaled that the mini refresh is the opening act of a broader slate of launches tied to an October 28 press event carrying the tagline "Pro and tell," as reported by 9to5Mac.

OLED Display and a Thinner Build

The new iPad mini moves to an 8.5-inch OLED panel, up from the prior generation, while keeping the same overall footprint. Apple achieved this by shrinking the bezels by 24 percent, according to the newsroom post. The device itself is now 5.4 mm thin and ships in two finishes, midnight and starlight. Apple describes the update as the biggest change to the mini line in the product's history, per its own announcement.

A20 Pro Chip and Water Resistance

Apple says the new mini delivers "a huge leap in performance" with the A20 Pro chip, though its announcement did not include specific benchmark figures. The tablet also gains an IP67 rating against water and dust, which Apple's newsroom post says suits uses such as working outside on a rainy day or reading by the pool.

Pricing, Accessories, and Availability

Apple's announcement did not list a starting price for the new iPad mini. It did detail pricing for companion accessories: the new TechWoven Smart Folio, offered in navy blue and taupe, costs $79 in the U.S.; Apple Pencil Pro is $129 ($119 with education savings); and Apple Pencil (USB-C) is $79 ($69 with education savings), according to Apple's newsroom announcement.

Pre-orders open Wednesday, October 28, through apple.com and the Apple Store app in 36 countries and regions, including the United States. Apple says the device will begin arriving to customers and appear in Apple Store locations and Authorized Resellers starting Friday, November 6.

More Launches Teased

Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak said, "It's going to be an exciting week, and it starts with our all-new iPad mini," according to 9to5Mac, which also reported that Apple invited press last week to a product launch event on Wednesday, October 28, with the tagline "Pro and tell." Apple has not said which additional products it will show at that event.

Bottom Line

Apple's iPad mini refresh delivers Apple-confirmed upgrades: a larger 8.5-inch OLED screen, a 5.4 mm chassis, the A20 Pro chip, and an IP67 rating, with pre-orders opening October 28 in 36 countries and regions and availability starting November 6. Apple did not publish a starting price for the tablet in its announcement, so price comparisons with the prior generation or rival tablets are not yet possible. What else Apple plans for its "exciting week" remains unconfirmed beyond the October 28 "Pro and tell" event invitation.