Apple reveals updated iPad mini with a bigger OLED screen for $700

Higher memory speed also helps with on-device AI applications, but the Neural Engine is the primary factor. Unfortunately, not all versions of the new iPad mini will be equally capable. Apple notes the 512GB configuration will have the dual 16-core Neural Engine we saw in the iPhone 18 Pro, but the 128GB and 256GB versions will have a single 16-core NPU. These versions will also have a slightly different CPU configuration, with five cores instead of six.

Apple has retained the 12 MP cameras for the front and back of the tablet, but the front-facing one has changed location. Rather than being on the short edge for portrait-orientation video calls, it’s now on the long edge. That might take a little getting used to for those who frequently use their tablets for FaceTime.

The $699 base price gets you 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s $100 more for 256GB and $300 more for 512GB. The nano-texture display is also a $100 upsell, but it’s only available for the 256GB and 512GB versions. The step up to cellular will cost $849 for the 128GB model.

Pricing is, sadly, not eye-popping for 2026, but it marks yet another price increase for Apple. The 7th-gen iPad mini launched for $499 in 2024, but it has since risen to $599. The new model adds $100, but it does have some nice upgrades. Preorders for the new iPad mini begin at 10:10 am PT on October 28 (Wednesday), and devices will arrive on doorsteps and in stores on November 6.