Apple has introduced the latest iteration of its iPad mini, now in its eighth generation, featuring notable enhancements in specifications and design. The new model is equipped with the A20 Pro chip, aligning its performance with the recently released iPhone 18 Pro series. Additionally, the display has been enlarged to 8.5 inches from the previous 8.3 inches, while maintaining a similar overall size. This is the first instance of an OLED display being used in the iPad mini, providing a brightness level that is reportedly double that of its predecessor.

The previous update to the iPad mini occurred in late 2024, which introduced the A17 Pro chip. Apple’s Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Dave Pakula, expressed that the iPad mini is cherished for its portability and performance across various user demographics, including professionals and gamers. The latest model boasts a thinner and lighter design, alongside improved water and dust resistance features.

The iPad mini is now available in two colour options: Midnight and Starlight. The storage configurations include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, catering to a range of user needs.

Pricing and Variants

The starting price for the Wi-Fi only model of the new iPad mini is set at ₹82,900, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular variant is priced at ₹1,00,900. A new Nano-texture matte glass option will also be available for the 256GB and 512GB models, starting at ₹1,06,900, compared to ₹94,900 for the standard glass version. This pricing reflects the rising costs associated with components and supply chain challenges that have affected the pricing of various electronic devices throughout the year.

For context, the previous generation, the seventh iPad mini, was launched in India starting at ₹49,900 for the Wi-Fi version and ₹64,900 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular version. The increase in pricing for the latest model indicates a broader trend in the technology market, where many brands have adjusted their pricing strategies in response to escalating production costs.

The Nano-texture glass is designed to reduce glare, making it particularly useful in environments with bright lighting, although it may be prone to scratches, especially in the hands of younger users. Creatives may find that colours appear slightly muted, which could impact their work requiring precise colour accuracy.

Advanced Features and Specifications

The iPad mini introduces a new feature called the Acoustic Display, which incorporates specially designed woofers and custom tweeters to enhance audio quality. This technology is intended to provide deeper bass and clearer high frequencies, contributing to an improved multimedia experience. The device also achieves an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, a significant advancement for a compact tablet.

Performance-wise, the A20 Pro chip includes a 7-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, offering robust capabilities for various applications, including those utilising Apple’s AI and Siri. The device is equipped with the N1 wireless networking chip, ensuring compatibility with Wi-Fi 8 and Bluetooth 6, while the cellular models will feature the C2 modem, which is also found in the latest iPhone models.

Camera capabilities have also been enhanced, with both front and rear cameras featuring 12 megapixels. The front camera now aligns in landscape mode, allowing for a more natural viewing angle during video calls. The iPad mini retains its USB-C connector, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and support for Apple Pencil, ensuring a comprehensive user experience.

Pre-orders for the new iPad mini will commence in India on October 28, with official sales starting on November 6, marking an eagerly anticipated release for Apple enthusiasts.

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