The new OLED iPad Mini is planned to officially hit the market around October. OLED technology can deliver higher-quality visual effects, marking the first major upgrade for this product since 2021. New models of the entry-level iPad and the Air series are also scheduled for release next year. Apple's iPad sales have exceeded expectations for two consecutive fiscal quarters, and these product upgrades are expected to further solidify the recovery of the iPad business.
Apple is preparing for the most significant upgrade to the iPad Mini in nearly five years, while also planning to refresh the entry-level iPad and Air series next year to sustain the recent strong momentum of the iPad business.
According to Bloomberg, citing informed sources, the new iPad Mini will feature an OLED screen for the first time. Apple is expected to release the device as early as this fall, with sales planned to begin around October. This will be the first major update in terms of design and screen technology for the iPad Mini since its redesign in 2021.
These product upgrades are expected to further consolidate the recovery of the iPad business. Apple's iPad sales have surpassed Wall Street expectations for two consecutive fiscal quarters, with a projected year-on-year growth of 6% this fiscal year, reaching nearly $30 billion, making it one of Apple's most commercially valuable product lines.
As of press time, Apple's stock rose 1.5% during Thursday's trading session.
OLED Screen Debuts, iPad Mini Gets Its Largest Upgrade in Five Years
The new iPad Mini, internally codenamed J510, will introduce OLED display technology for the first time. OLED, or organic light-emitting diode, offers higher contrast and color performance. Apple has been using OLED in iPhones since 2017 and introduced it to the iPad Pro series in 2024.
Since its design overhaul in 2021, the iPad Mini has only received minor chip upgrades, with its screen technology remaining limited to LCD.
The introduction of OLED means this 8.3-inch compact tablet will significantly align its display specifications with higher-end product lines. Informed sources indicate that Apple also plans to release an OLED version for the iPad Air in the future, but the entry-level iPad will continue with LCD technology for the foreseeable future.
Notably, OLED panels will further drive up the price of the iPad Mini.
Apple recently raised prices for several of its devices last month. The entry-level iPad and iPad Mini each saw a $100 price increase, while the iPad Air saw a maximum increase of $200, with the 13-inch version reaching $949. The starting price of the 13-inch iPad Pro also increased by $200 to $1,499. Apple attributed the price hikes to rising memory costs.
Entry-Level iPad and Air to Be Refreshed Next Year, Pro to Follow Suit
The new entry-level iPad, internally codenamed J581, is expected to launch as early as the first quarter of next year. The update will focus on processor upgrades rather than major design changes. This product is primarily targeted at children, students, and users with light usage needs, with its last update occurring in March 2025.
The new iPad Air models will continue to offer 11-inch and 13-inch size options, internally codenamed J807 and J837 respectively, and are currently planned for release in the spring of next year.
According to previous media reports, Apple is also preparing updates for the new iPad Pro around the same time. Additionally, the company plans to launch new Apple Pencil accessories within the same timeframe.
This release schedule aligns with Apple's established pattern—the company typically introduces new generations of mid-to-high-end tablet products in the spring.
iPad Mini Faces Potential Competition from Foldable iPhones
Since its debut in 2012, the iPad Mini was initially designed to compete in the small-sized tablet market. However, with the proliferation of large-screen smartphones, its market position has gradually become marginalized.
After the discontinuation of the iPod touch in 2022, the iPad Mini regained some demand—it had previously been a primary choice for parents seeking non-phone small-screen devices for their children.
However, Apple's upcoming first foldable iPhone introduces a new competitive variable. Reports suggest that the unfolded screen of the foldable iPhone will measure approximately 7.8 inches, close to the iPad Mini's 8.3 inches, and will offer a tablet-like interface, potentially attracting some iPad Mini users as an alternative.
Price will remain a key differentiator. The foldable iPhone is expected to retail for over $2,000, approximately $1,500 higher than the current starting price of the iPad Mini. This price gap is likely to sustain the iPad Mini's market viability as an independent product category.
The release of the new iPad series will follow Apple's expected launch of the foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September this year. Apple also plans to update the Apple Watch and introduce several new Mac computers around the same time.
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