Apple has officially unveiled its new OLED iPad mini, confirming that pre-orders will begin on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, ahead of its release on Friday, November 6. The redesigned tablet starts at $699 in the United States and brings an 8.5-inch OLED display, Apple’s A20 Pro chip, improved cameras, and water resistance.
The announcement follows months of reports about Apple’s plans to upgrade its smallest tablet. As previously reported, the company was preparing a major display upgrade alongside a faster processor and a landscape-oriented front camera.
OLED iPad Mini Pre-Order and Release Dates
Apple has confirmed that customers can pre-order the new iPad mini through its official website and Apple Store app in 36 countries and regions, including the United States.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
| Details | Official information |
|---|---|
| Announcement date | October 26, 2026 |
| Pre-order date | October 28, 2026 |
| Release date | November 6, 2026 |
| Starting price | $699 |
| Cellular model | From $849 |
| Storage options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Available colors | Midnight, Starlight |
Customers who pre-order can receive their devices beginning November 6, depending on availability and their selected configuration. Apple Stores and authorized resellers will also begin selling the tablet that day.
How to Pre-Order the OLED iPad Mini
Apple will open orders on October 28. Once pre-orders become available, follow these steps to reserve your device.
- Visit Apple’s official iPad mini store or open the Apple Store app.
- Select the new iPad mini with the A20 Pro chip.
- Choose between Midnight and Starlight.
- Select your preferred storage capacity: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular connectivity.
- Add any accessories you need, including an Apple Pencil or Smart Folio.
- Review the delivery estimate, enter your payment information, and complete the order.
Customers can also check whether Apple Store pickup is available in their area. Delivery estimates depend on local inventory and may change as orders increase.
OLED iPad Mini Price and Available Models
The OLED iPad mini starts at $699 for the Wi-Fi version, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model starts at $849 in the United States.
Apple also offers education pricing starting at $649 for eligible customers. Buyers can choose from three storage capacities, although the final price increases with higher storage options.
What’s New in the OLED iPad Mini?
The new iPad mini delivers several hardware improvements over the previous A17 Pro model. Its larger OLED display offers deeper blacks, improved contrast, and peak brightness of up to 1,200 nits.
Other notable upgrades include:
- A20 Pro chip: Faster CPU, graphics, and on-device AI performance.
- 8.5-inch OLED display: A larger screen with thinner bezels and an optional nano-texture finish.
- 12MP Center Stage camera: Positioned along the landscape edge for video calls.
- IP67 rating: Improved protection against dust and water.
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6: Faster wireless connectivity through Apple’s N1 chip.
- Thinner design: A 5.4mm body that improves portability.
The tablet also supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C), making it suitable for note-taking, drawing, and everyday productivity.
The OLED upgrade marks a significant change from the previous model’s 8.3-inch LCD display. Earlier display supply chain reports suggested Apple would keep a standard refresh rate, although buyers should check Apple’s final technical specifications before assuming ProMotion support.
With pre-orders opening October 28 and retail availability beginning November 6, customers now have confirmed dates to plan their purchase.
Discussion