iPad mini 8 with OLED: Apple aims for October market launch

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The most compact iPad is about to undergo its biggest overhaul in five years: an OLED display is expected to significantly upgrade the mini – and according to a new report, it could be available in stores in just a few months. However, not every anticipated improvement is likely to make it into the device.

With the iPad mini, several years often pass between two generations – the current model with A17 Pro was released in October 2024. That makes the roadmap for its successor all the more concrete now: a report from Bloomberg names a time window for the market launch for the first time and simultaneously outlines when the rest of the iPad lineup is due. Most of this fits into the picture of the iPad mini 8 known so far, but sets a clear timestamp.

Market launch this fall

According to the report, Apple is preparing to unveil the new iPad mini – internally codenamed J510 – this fall, with deliveries expected by October at the latest. Its key feature is the switch to an OLED display, which several reports describe as the biggest leap forward for the mini since its 2021 redesign.

This would mean that the smallest iPad would receive a display type previously only available on the significantly more expensive iPad Pro. For a model that Apple otherwise only updates infrequently, this would be a noticeable step forward.

An OLED display – but probably without ProMotion

As clear as the display change seems, one detail is disputed: A separate leak suggests a pure 60Hz panel without ProMotion. While this would give the OLED mini deeper blacks and better contrast, it wouldn't offer the smooth 120Hz display that distinguishes the iPad Pro.

Bloomberg's report itself doesn't mention the refresh rate. Therefore, the absence of ProMotion isn't confirmed – however, the suggestion of a fixed 60Hz display is present and would align with the mini's previous positioning below the Pro.

The rest of the iPad lineup will follow in 2027

Beyond the iPad mini, the report outlines a timeline for the entire product line. The affordable entry-level iPad (codename J581) is slated for release in the first quarter of 2027, primarily with a faster chip rather than a redesign – and still using LCD instead of OLED. New 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models (J807 and J837) are expected in the spring; an OLED switch for the Air is reportedly in development, but not yet finalized.

At the same time, Apple is working on new iPad Pro models, which are reportedly already undergoing testing. The Apple Pencil is also expected to receive an update in 2027, possibly with a replaceable battery.

What this means for prices in Germany

For buyers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region), the main question regarding the iPad mini is its price. The major price increase in June has already significantly raised German iPad prices: the iPad Air climbed from €599 to €749, and the iPad Pro to €1,199. The iPad mini was excluded from this round of price hikes and remains below the €600 mark.

However, it's considered likely that an OLED panel will drive up manufacturing costs – and the persistently high storage prices, which already triggered the June price increase, are likely to further increase the price of the successor. Against this backdrop, an iPad mini 8 at the previous entry-level price would be a genuine surprise.

The OLED switch reaches the smallest iPad

With the mini, another model would receive an OLED display after the iPad Pro, while the iPad Air and the base iPad will remain with LCD for the time being. Whether Apple will actually unveil the compact tablet this fall and at what price will become clear in the coming months. October is currently being considered as a target date. (Image: Shutterstock / GagliardiPhotography)