New Delhi: Apple has unveiled its redesigned iPad mini in India, bringing a larger OLED display, a more powerful processor, improved cameras and water and dust resistance to its compact tablet range. The new model is powered by the A20 Pro chip and features an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, marking a significant upgrade over the previous generation.
The new iPad mini starts at Rs 82,900 for the 128GB variant, keeping the entry-level model below Rs 90,000. The 256GB model is priced at Rs 94,900, while the 512GB variant costs Rs 1,18,900, according to India Today.
Pre-orders in India are scheduled to open on October 28, 2026, with availability beginning November 6. The tablet will be offered in Midnight and Starlight finishes, with an optional nano-texture display designed to reduce glare in bright environments.
Apple has also introduced upgrades to wireless connectivity, audio, cameras and artificial intelligence capabilities. Despite the larger screen, the company has retained the iPad mini’s compact footprint by reducing the bezels.
iPad mini price in India and availability
The new iPad mini will be available in three storage configurations, with the entry-level version priced below Rs 90,000.
| Storage | Reported India price |
|---|---|
| 128GB | Rs 82,900 |
| 256GB | Rs 94,900 |
| 512GB | Rs 1,18,900 |
The prices above are as reported by India Today. Buyers should check Apple’s official India store for the final configuration-specific pricing and availability before ordering.
Apple has confirmed that pre-orders will begin on Wednesday, October 28, and the tablet will become available from Friday, November 6. The new Smart Folio accessory will also be available separately.
The tablet comes in two finishes: Midnight and Starlight. Buyers can also choose a nano-texture display option intended to reduce reflections when using the device in bright surroundings.
Larger 8.5-inch OLED display
One of the most significant changes is the move to an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The previous-generation iPad mini had an 8.3-inch screen, while the new model offers a larger viewing area without increasing the tablet’s overall footprint.
Apple has achieved this by making the bezels 24 per cent thinner. The OLED technology allows individual pixels to control their illumination, delivering deeper blacks and more vivid colours.
The display supports the P3 wide colour gamut and has a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1. Apple says peak brightness reaches up to 1,200 nits, more than twice that of the previous generation. Full-screen brightness reaches 600 nits for SDR and HDR content, while minimum brightness can drop to one nit for use in dim environments.
The nano-texture option is designed for people who frequently work outdoors or under strong lighting. By reducing glare, it can make the screen easier to view in conditions where reflections might otherwise interfere with reading or creative work.
The display upgrade could benefit users who rely on the compact tablet for reading, video streaming, gaming, drawing and productivity tasks.
A20 Pro chip brings faster performance
The new iPad mini is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometre process. The processor is designed to improve performance across everyday tasks, graphics-intensive applications and artificial intelligence workloads.
According to Apple, the chip delivers up to 60 per cent faster multithreaded CPU performance than the previous generation. Graphics performance can be up to 2.7 times faster, while AI performance can improve by up to 4.5 times.
The chip features a GPU with Neural Accelerators in each core, helping accelerate supported AI workloads. Its graphics architecture also includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, which can benefit compatible games and 3D applications.
Apple says the 512GB configuration includes a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, designed to provide additional processing capacity for demanding on-device AI tasks.
These improvements could make the iPad mini more capable for users who edit photographs, create digital artwork, play graphics-intensive games or use applications that run AI models locally.
Improved cameras and a new audio system
Apple has repositioned the 12-megapixel Center Stage front camera to the landscape edge of the tablet. This placement is designed to make video calls and online meetings feel more natural when the device is held horizontally.
The rear camera is also a 12-megapixel unit and supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. It includes Smart HDR 4 and an Adaptive True Tone flash, which can help with photography and document scanning.
Audio has received an upgrade through Apple’s Acoustic Display system. Specially designed woofers and tweeters are integrated into the tablet’s construction to deliver stronger bass, increased volume and clearer high frequencies.
The sealed enclosure used in the design also helps the tablet achieve its IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
Together, these changes are intended to make the device more versatile for video calls, entertainment, content creation and work on the move.
IP67 water and dust resistance
The new iPad mini is just 5.4mm thick and features an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
The rating means the device was tested under controlled laboratory conditions for protection against dust and immersion in water up to one metre deep for a maximum of 30 minutes.
However, Apple notes that resistance is not permanent and may decrease with normal wear. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty, and users should follow the company’s instructions for drying and handling the device if it becomes wet.
The addition of water and dust resistance provides extra protection for people who use the tablet while travelling, working outdoors or reading near a pool. It does not mean the device is intended for unrestricted underwater use.
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and faster cellular connectivity
The new iPad mini introduces Apple’s N1 wireless networking chip, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread.
Apple says the N1 chip improves performance on 5GHz Wi-Fi networks and enhances the reliability of features such as AirDrop and AirPlay.
Cellular models use Apple’s C2 modem, which the company says enables cellular data speeds up to 50 per cent faster than the previous generation. The modem is also designed to improve power efficiency.
The tablet supports eSIM, allowing compatible cellular plans to be added or transferred digitally without a physical SIM card.
These connectivity upgrades could benefit users who rely on the iPad mini for video calls, online collaboration, cloud-based work and streaming while away from a Wi-Fi network.
Actual performance will depend on network coverage, the cellular plan and the capabilities of connected devices.
iPadOS 27 and Apple Intelligence features
The new iPad mini runs iPadOS 27 and supports Apple’s next generation of Apple Intelligence features and Siri AI.
Apple says the updated Siri can use personal context to help users find information across supported personal content, understand what is displayed on the screen and answer questions. The company is also expanding AI capabilities across supported applications.
The tablet supports on-device processing for compatible tasks, while Private Cloud Compute is designed to handle certain requests using Apple’s cloud infrastructure with privacy protections.
Apple says personal data handled through Private Cloud Compute is not stored or made accessible to the company or other parties. The availability of specific AI features may depend on supported languages, device settings and software releases.
The A20 Pro chip is also designed to support more demanding on-device AI workloads, including compatible creative applications and local language models.
Apple Pencil and Smart Folio support
The new iPad mini supports both Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).
Apple Pencil Pro offers features such as squeeze and barrel roll, along with Find My support to help locate the accessory if it is misplaced. Apple Pencil (USB-C) remains an option for everyday note-taking, drawing and annotation.
Apple has also introduced a redesigned Smart Folio made with TechWoven fabric. It comes in Navy Blue and Taupe and uses a two-panel design that attaches magnetically to the tablet.
The cover is sold separately, so buyers should factor in the cost of accessories if they plan to use the iPad mini for drawing, handwritten notes or extended productivity tasks.
A major upgrade to Apple’s compact tablet
The redesigned iPad mini brings together a larger OLED display, the A20 Pro processor, improved cameras, an updated audio system and faster wireless connectivity in a 5.4mm-thin body.
Its reported starting price of Rs 82,900 places the 128GB variant below Rs 90,000, while the higher-storage models extend beyond that price point. Pre-orders are scheduled to open on October 28, with availability beginning November 6.
For users who prioritise portability but want a more capable display, stronger performance and newer AI features, the new iPad mini represents a substantial upgrade. Its appeal will ultimately depend on individual needs, the chosen storage configuration and whether the premium price is justified by the features buyers intend to use.