Apple may reveal a new iPad mini on October 27 or 28, 2026, following the discovery of an unreleased Smart Folio case on a French regulatory website. The upcoming tablet is expected to feature an OLED display and the A20 Pro chip, though reports suggest the price could rise to $799.
A new accessory model, identified as A3632, confirms the existence of a next-generation compact tablet. The assignment of a new model number suggests the device will have physical changes. This makes existing cases incompatible.
The regulatory document for the A3632 is dated September 8, 2026. It appears alongside accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro added in September. The listing on Apple’s French site does not list tablet specifications.
Technical documentation for the A3632 case reveals it contains rare earth elements. This is a sharp increase from the amount found in the previous version. The increase suggests stronger magnets for attachment.
The listing does not specify new dimensions or camera cutouts. The new Folio contains at least 3% recycled materials. The current model contains a minimum of 9%.
OLED Panels Replace LCD
The tablet is expected to move from LCD to an OLED panel. This allows the tablet to switch individual pixels off. The result is deeper blacks and better contrast in dark-mode apps and dark movie scenes.
Refresh rates are disputed. Some reports claim the device will be limited to 60Hz. Others note that Apple has tested both 60Hz and 120Hz ProMotion panels.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted on the Power On podcast that giving the smallest iPad a faster screen than the iPad Air—which runs at 60Hz—would upset Apple’s lineup.
The tablet is expected to use the A20 Pro processor. This 2nm silicon is the same found in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo lineups. It is a skip of two generations from the A17 Pro.
This processor should provide improved energy efficiency. It will offer faster performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
New Hardware Improves Video Calls and Water Resistance
The front-facing camera will move to the landscape edge. This change improves the experience during video calls. The device is also expected to have slimmer bezels.
Apple is now inviting some media to an all-day product launch experience on Oct. 28 in Los Angeles. This is for the touch-screen MacBooks, iPad mini, M6 Macs. https://t.co/6r4yyWiVr1
A redesigned speaker system uses vibration rather than conventional speaker openings. This could make the enclosure easier to seal.
The change may lead to improved water resistance for the first time in the iPad mini series.
The tablet may include an N1 chip to support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. It may also use a proprietary Apple modem—likely the C1X or C2—to replace third-party cellular solutions. This could extend battery life during mobile data usage and improve power efficiency for cellular models.
Price May Jump to $799
The new iPad mini could start at $799. The current model starts at $499.
Rising DRAM and storage costs contribute to this increase. The OLED screen also adds to the cost.
The entry price for the iPad mini climbed in Japan. This jump outpaced the increase seen in the U.S. At $799, the mini would cost more than the starting price of the 11-inch iPad Air.
| Feature | iPad mini 7 (Current) | iPad mini 8 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | LCD, 60Hz | OLED, 60Hz or 120Hz |
| Processor | A17 Pro | A20 Pro |
| Camera Position | Portrait edge | Landscape edge |
| Starting Price (US) | $499 | Up to $799 |
Apple Plans Late October Debut
The tablet is expected to debut alongside an M6 iMac and new OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro models. Some reports suggest a launch on October 27.
Other reports point to a media experience on October 28 in Los Angeles. Apple may avoid a full keynote. Instead, the company may use press releases and a hands-on session for creators.
This follows an October 13 debut of a revamped Apple TV 4K, a refreshed HomePod mini, and a new smart home hub.
The leaked accessory listings do not establish compatibility for existing hardware. It is not yet known if the device will support existing Apple Pencil styluses.
