The OLED iPad mini goes on sale Friday, November 6, starting at $699 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. It’s the first iPad mini with an OLED screen, and it runs on Apple’s new A20 Pro chip. Pre-orders opened October 28, so if you want one on day one, you can already have it in your cart.
Here’s the short version of what you need to know before you spend the money.
- Release date: Friday, November 6, 2026 (pre-orders opened October 28)
- Starting price: $699 for 128GB Wi-Fi, up to $1,149 for 512GB with cellular
- Screen: 8.5-inch OLED, in a body just 5.4mm thin
- Chip: A20 Pro, plus Apple’s N1 wireless chip
- Colors: Midnight and Starlight
Apple announced the tablet on October 26, according to MacRumors. It lands the same day as the new MacBook Pro we covered in our OLED MacBook Pro guide, so November 6 is a busy day for Apple fans.
What the OLED iPad mini costs, by storage
| Storage | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular | Chip setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $699 | $849 | A20 Pro, 5-core CPU, 7-core GPU |
| 256GB | $799 | $949 | A20 Pro, 5-core CPU, 7-core GPU |
| 512GB | $999 | $1,149 | A20 Pro, 6-core CPU, two Neural Engines |
Prices come from MIXED and MacRumors. The table shows the standard-glass models in the US.
Apple also sells a nano-texture glass option. It adds $100 on the 256GB and 512GB models, so the 256GB Wi-Fi version with it costs $899. Nano-texture cuts glare, which helps if you read outdoors or under bright office lights.
Cellular models are eSIM only, so there’s no physical SIM tray. A matching TechWoven Smart Folio case is $79 extra.
What the new OLED iPad mini screen changes
The display is the headline. The 8.5-inch OLED panel reaches 600 nits of full-screen brightness and 1,200 nits at peak for HDR video. OLED also gives you deeper blacks, which matters most when you watch movies or read in a dark room.
The body is thinner too, at 5.4mm. Apple says it has IP67 water and dust resistance, so a splash at the pool or a dusty bag won’t end it. The front camera now sits on the long edge, which makes video calls feel more natural when you hold it sideways.
There’s a new speaker design as well. Apple calls it an “Acoustic Display,” and the report says it removes the usual speaker holes. We haven’t heard it in person, so treat the audio claims as marketing until reviews arrive.
A20 Pro, N1 and C2: what the chips mean for you
Every model uses the A20 Pro. The 128GB and 256GB versions get a 5-core CPU, a 7-core GPU and one 16-core Neural Engine. Only the 512GB model steps up to a 6-core CPU and two Neural Engines.
That split matters if you plan to run AI features or heavy apps. Most people won’t notice the gap in daily use, but it’s a real reason the top tier costs $200 more than the middle one.
Wireless gets an upgrade too. The N1 chip brings Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and cellular models use Apple’s new C2 modem. That should mean steadier connections, though real-world battery and speed numbers aren’t confirmed yet.
Is the nano-texture glass worth $100?
Nano-texture is a matte finish etched into the glass. It scatters light, so windows, lamps and sunlight look less like mirrors on your screen. The trade-off is slightly softer contrast, and it costs more.
It only makes sense if you often use the tablet in bright places. If you mostly read on the couch or in bed, standard glass and a $100 saving is the better deal. Remember it’s only offered on the 256GB and 512GB models.
What Apple hasn’t made clear yet
A few answers are still missing. Battery life, RAM and detailed camera specs weren’t in the launch coverage we checked, so don’t treat any figure you see online as final until Apple’s tech specs page or reviews confirm it.
Pricing outside the US also varies by country. Check your local Apple Store before you compare, since some regions see bigger jumps than others.
Which OLED iPad mini should you buy?
For most readers, the 256GB Wi-Fi model at $799 is the sweet spot. You get double the base storage without paying for chip changes you may never use. If you mostly watch video and browse, 128GB can work, but photos and offline downloads fill it fast.
Choose cellular only if you really use a tablet away from Wi-Fi. At $150 extra on every tier, it’s easy to overpay. Your phone’s hotspot covers most trips.
Also think about software. Our iOS 27.2 breakdown shows where Apple’s Siri and AI features are heading, and a fast chip helps with those.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the OLED iPad mini come out?
It ships on Friday, November 6, 2026. Pre-orders started on October 28 in 36 countries and regions.
How much is the OLED iPad mini?
The US price starts at $699 for 128GB Wi-Fi. The 256GB model is $799, and the 512GB model is $999. Cellular adds $150.
What colors does the OLED iPad mini come in?
Apple offers Midnight and Starlight.
Is the OLED iPad mini waterproof?
It has an IP67 rating, which covers dust and brief water immersion. It isn’t built for swimming or long dives.
Our take: buy 256GB and skip the extras
This is a real upgrade, but not a cheap one. If your current mini still works, you can wait for reviews and early deals. If you’re buying new, get the 256GB Wi-Fi model and skip cellular and nano-texture unless you know you need them.
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