Overview
- Apple announced Monday that the eighth‑generation iPad mini has an 8.5‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with 24% thinner bezels and up to 1,200 nits peak brightness while retaining a 60Hz refresh rate.
- The tablet is powered by the A20 Pro built on TSMC’s 2nm process, but Apple bins the chip by storage: lower tiers use a 5‑core CPU and single 16‑core Neural Engine while the 512GB model adds a 6‑core CPU and a dual 16‑core (32‑core) Neural Engine.
- Apple set U.S. pricing from $699 for the 128GB Wi‑Fi model, with pre‑orders opening Oct. 28 and first deliveries and retail availability starting Nov. 6.
- Practical changes include an IP67 rating, a landscape‑edge 12MP Center Stage front camera, an Acoustic Display speaker system with hidden tweeters, and new N1 Wi‑Fi 7 and C2 cellular components for faster wireless speeds.
- The mini’s upgrades push on‑device AI and display quality into Apple’s smaller tablet category but leave out ProMotion (120Hz), a trade‑off that narrows its appeal for users who prioritize smoother motion and high‑refresh workflows.