Apple’s New iPad Mini Gets OLED and Water Resistance

The iPhone Duo, unfolded, almost feels like an iPad Mini. But if you want the real thing, Apple also has a new iPad Mini coming on Nov. 6. The upgrade, which starts at $699, adds a larger OLED screen and water resistance for the first time.

The new iPad Mini has been expected for months, and it was announced days ahead of an expected showcase of new Macs on Wednesday. It has a number of updates this time around, making it look, on paper, like a killer upgrade for anyone who’s been waiting for one. Unfortunately, it’s also more expensive than before.

The $699 starting price comes with 128GB of storage, with 256 and 512GB options that are $799 and $999. Compared to the last iPad Mini, which came out two years ago, the new one has an A20 processor (upgraded from A17), but also has a larger display (8.5 inches compared to the older one’s 8.3) that’s also OLED for the first time. The front-facing camera’s also been shifted to the landscape edge, matching the other iPads and making it more centered for video chats if you’re standing it on a table in a case.

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It’s thinner and lighter than before, but also is the first iPad that’s water-resistant (IP67), which means it could survive pool, ocean or tub dunks. There’s a through-screen speaker system on this model, too, which I’m curious to try. It’s called Acoustic Display.

The Mini’s available to order on Oct. 28, and is going on sale Nov. 6. We’ll have more thoughts when I eventually get to review one, but for anyone who’s wanted a new Mini and didn’t want to spring for a Duo this iPad looks like good news.

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I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future. See full bio