If you have been holding off on buying a small tablet until the next generation arrives, you might want to start saving a bit more money. The upcoming iPad mini is getting a major screen upgrade, but that fresh new look is going to cost you. A recent Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman suggests the switch to a new display technology will push the retail cost much higher than what shoppers are used to paying right now.
A better screen technology drives the retail cost upward
The current iPad mini sells for $599 at its base storage level. However, a recent report from Bloomberg notes that the next version will be significantly more expensive. Shoppers can expect the starting cost to jump closer to the $799 mark.
This steep bump in cost comes down to the hardware inside the tablet. Adding a high quality OLED panel makes manufacturing the device much more costly for Apple. On top of the screen upgrade, higher memory costs are also pushing the final retail price upward.
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Fans will see the device before the month is over
Buyers will not have to wait very long to see if this new tablet is worth the higher cost. While the company is focusing on smart home devices at its October 13 event, this smaller iPad will get its own time to shine shortly after.
According to recent rumors, the updated hardware is launching October 27 alongside other new computing devices. This timeline gives fans just a few weeks to decide if they want to pay top dollar for the best screen possible or grab the older model while it is still around.
With a $200 jump in price, this small tablet is stepping out of the budget category. It will be interesting to see if buyers feel the vibrant new display justifies spending nearly eight hundred dollars on a compact device.
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