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The iPad mini with OLED display is expected to arrive at the end of October – and will cost significantly more than before. The cheapest iPad, however, is still a long way off, reportedly not until early 2027. This delays the entire iPad lineup: three of the four model series are not expected to receive their next major update until next year.
Mark Gurman outlines Apple's iPad roadmap through 2027 in his October 11th Bloomberg newsletter, Power On. The focus is on the new iPad mini, which Apple is expected to unveil at the end of October alongside the new MacBook Pro with OLED displays. The report mentions 2027 as the target release date for the entry-level iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro.
Gurman is considered one of the best-informed reporters regarding Apple's product plans. He predicted the October 13th date of the event at the end of September, before Apple confirmed it. Which iPad is right for which purpose can be found in theiPad buying guide.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The iPad mini with OLED is expected to arrive at the end of October and will start at around $799 in the US instead of $599.
- In addition, there will be narrower bezels, better speakers and a significantly faster chip, possibly with more memory in the entry-level model.
- The next entry-level iPad is not expected to be released until early 2027.
- For 2027, an iPad Air with OLED and a new iPad Pro are also planned.
iPad mini with OLED: Late October and significantly more expensive
The new iPad mini is reportedly going to cost significantly more than the current model. In the US, the current iPad mini starts at $599, while the new one is expected to cost around $799. That would be $200 more, putting the starting price above that of the 11-inch iPad Air.
The higher price is justified by the features. Besides the OLED display, the report mentions narrower bezels, a revised speaker system, and a significantly more powerful chip. The storage capacity of the entry-level model could also be increased.
Apple's own code revealed which chip it would use at the end of September: The A20 Pro from the iPhone 18 Pro appears there for the iPad mini. Reports regarding the display's refresh rate are contradictory. A Korean leaker confirms a 60 Hz OLED panel without ProMotion, while other reports mention 120 Hz.
How much iPads cost in Germany today
The current models currently cost the following in the German Apple Store:
| Model | Price in Germany |
|---|---|
| iPad (A16) | from 499 euros |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) | from 679 euros |
| iPad Air 11 inch | from 799 euros |
In Germany, there's a €120 price difference between the current iPad mini and the 11-inch iPad Air; in the US, the new mini is expected to start at a higher price than the Air. I anticipate that the new iPad mini will also be more expensive than the 11-inch iPad Air here in Germany.
Entry-level iPad not until early 2027
According to Gurman, the next entry-level iPad won't arrive until early 2027. This represents another delay. In March, he had still spoken of a launch this year, while Apple's CFO, Kevan Parekh, hinted at a delay for the next iPad in a conversation with analysts at the end of April. The latest rumor roundup for the iPad 12 indicated a launch in fall 2026.
What the device will feature has been clear since the discovery of the code in September: A19 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and Apple's own wireless and modem chips. This would make it the first entry-level iPad to support Apple Intelligence. The current model with the A16 chip does not.
2027: iPad Air with OLED and new iPad Pro
According to reports, Apple is planning a major overhaul of the iPad Air with an OLED display for next year. This aligns with previous reports of an iPad Air with an OLED display in 2027. A new iPad Pro is also expected in 2027, possibly featuring a vapor chamber for improved heat dissipation.
| Model | Period according to the report | Most important innovation |
|---|---|---|
| iPad mini | End of October 2026 | OLED, narrower bezels, new chip |
| iPad (Introduction) | Early 2027 | Apple Intelligence |
| iPad Air | 2027 | OLED display |
| iPad Pro | 2027 | possibly steam chamber |
Siri AI is missing on the iPad in the EU
For buyers in the EU, there's an additional caveat regarding the iPad. Siri AI is not yet available on iPadOS in these regions, a decision Apple justifies with the Digital Markets Act. Switzerland is exempt from this restriction because it is not part of the EU. Apple Intelligence, on the other hand, does work in Germany and Austria, and Siri AI doesn't yet support German language support in any case.
Waiting is only worthwhile for the mini
I think the situation is unusually clear. Anyone interested in an iPad mini should wait the two weeks or so until the end of October. With OLED and a new chip, the small iPad is changing more than any other model this year, but anyone planning on buying at today's price should expect a significant increase.
For the entry-level iPad and the iPad Air, however, the wait is a matter of months to over a year. Anyone needing an iPad now should buy the current model. Those wanting Apple Intelligence on the cheapest iPad will have to wait until 2027 or opt for the iPad mini or iPad Air.
Is the OLED display on the iPad mini worth the extra cost to you, making it more affordable than the iPad Air – or would that be a deal-breaker for you? Let us know your reasoning in the comments.
