The future of Apple’s smallest tablet is looking brighter – literally. Whispers from within the tech world suggest the next iPad mini will leap to a stunning OLED screen, a feature previously reserved for the company’s flagship devices. Surprisingly, this upgrade is anticipated *before* the more expensive iPad Air receives the same treatment.
The news originated from a respected source on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, known for accurately predicting upcoming tech releases. The account, Instant Digital, stated plainly that the iPad mini is poised to be the first in its family to embrace OLED technology, while the Air remains without any confirmed movement towards the display type.
It’s important to note a nuance: the iPad mini won’t be the *very first* iPad with an OLED display. That honor belongs to the latest M4 iPad Pro models, which debuted with OLED panels last year. This detail may have been lost in translation, but the core message remains clear – the mini is next in line for a significant visual upgrade.
Further discussion revealed a likely timeframe for the OLED mini’s arrival. The account estimates a release in the third or fourth quarter of next year, potentially alongside the anticipated iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, and even a possible foldable iPhone. This would mark a two-year wait since the launch of the current 7th-generation model.
However, a two-year gap is actually consistent with the iPad mini’s release history. Previous generations have seen even longer intervals between updates – three years between the 6th and 7th generations, and similar delays before those. Consistent yearly refreshes haven’t been a pattern for the mini since 2015.
Cost considerations are also playing a role in the development. The source indicated that keeping the overall cost of the OLED screen low is a priority for the iPad mini. This suggests a 60Hz refresh rate is more probable than the smoother, but more expensive, 120Hz option.
Despite the potential for a 60Hz display, the inclusion of OLED technology in a more affordable tablet like the iPad mini is a welcome development. Coupled with the expected performance boost from a new A19 Pro chip, the next iPad mini promises to be a compelling upgrade.
