With its latest models, the iPad mini has become a beloved compact tablet in recent years, and anticipation for the next iteration, the 8th generation iPad mini, continues to grow.
Below we provide an overview of the most important details and rumors about the release date, prices and specifications.
When will the new iPad mini be released?
The iPad mini 8 release date remains uncertain, but will likely 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 redesigned iPad mini 6 in September 2021, and now in late 2024 with the iPad mini 7.
Given this trend, the iPad mini 8 may not be available until recently 2026 or 2027.
According to MacRumors, industry analysts suggest that Apple is aligning its development timeline with the broader transition of its product lineup to OLED displays, including the iPad mini.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This timeline would put the iPad mini 8 in a similar release window as the OLED iPad Air and possibly Apple’s first foldable 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’s no official word on pricing, the cost of the iPad mini 8 is expected to reflect the improved OLED display and other potential upgrades.
The iPad mini 7 currently costs £499/$499. With the addition of OLED technology and other improvements, the base price of the iPad mini 8 could rise to around £599/$599 or more, depending on storage configurations.
What specifications and features will the new iPad mini have?
Rumors and reports suggest that the iPad mini 8 will bring several notable 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 could see subtle design changes to accommodate the new OLED display.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Apple could also slightly increase the screen size from 8.3 inches to 8.7 inches, as indicated by both Korea’s ET News and ZDNET Korea news channels (via MacRumors).
Such an increase would provide more screen real estate without significantly changing the device’s footprint.
Display
A notable feature of the iPad mini 8 will likely be the transition to an OLED screen.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Unlike the latest iPad Pro models, which use advanced two-stack LTPO OLED technology, the iPad mini 8 is expected to use single-stack LTPS OLED panels (via MacRumors).
While these may not have the high refresh rates of ProMotion, they will help keep production costs in check.
Performance
The iPad mini 8 will most likely feature one of Apple’s latest silicon chips, such as the A18 Pro chip. This would ensure top performance in terms of 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 could further improve 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 improvements in 4K video recording.
Center Stage, Apple’s video calling feature, will likely remain a staple.
Battery and charging
MacRumors expects that the switch to OLED technology could improve the iPad mini 8’s battery life thanks to its greater energy efficiency.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Additionally, faster charging options could be introduced, although details on this remain speculative.
Apple is also sure to continue its transition to USB-C, which offers wider compatibility and faster data transfer speeds.
Software
The iPad mini 8 will undoubtedly run on iPadOS, most likely iPadOS 18, and will likely launch with the latest version available at the time of release.
Users can expect continued improvements to multitasking features, improved Apple Pencil support, and integration with other Apple devices via iCloud and Continuity.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
This is everything we currently know about the 8th generation iPad mini. Be sure to check out what we know about the upcoming new iPad Air and iPad Pro.
