Apple has revealed the battery capacity of its new OLED iPad mini, confirming that the eighth-generation tablet has a slightly smaller battery than its predecessor. According to Apple’s newly published European Union energy label, the device packs a 4,900 mAh battery, compared with 5,034 mAh in the previous generation.
Despite the reduction, Apple continues to advertise the same battery life for both models, suggesting that improvements in power efficiency help compensate for the smaller battery.
New iPad Mini Battery Capacity Compared to Previous Model
Apple’s official technical specifications confirm that the new iPad mini has an 18.9-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, down from 19.3 Wh in the seventh-generation model.
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Here’s how the two generations compare:
| Model | Battery Capacity | Watt-Hours |
|---|---|---|
| iPad mini 8 (2026) | 4,900 mAh | 18.9 Wh |
| iPad mini 7 (2024) | 5,034 mAh | 19.3 Wh |
The figures represent approximately a 2.7% reduction in milliampere-hour capacity, although the difference in total stored energy is closer to 2.1%.
Apple Promises the Same 10-Hour Battery Life
Apple still rates the new iPad mini for up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi or video playback, matching its predecessor.
The improved efficiency of the A20 Pro chip and the new 8.5-inch OLED display likely help maintain battery life, particularly when displaying darker content.
Apple has also introduced faster charging, allowing the tablet to reach 50% battery in approximately 30 minutes when using a compatible 35W or higher USB-C power adapter.
As covered in our comparison of the new and previous iPad mini, the redesigned model is approximately 15% thinner and lighter, while offering several hardware improvements.
The new iPad mini starts at $699 in the United States and will become available on November 6. Independent battery testing will help determine whether Apple’s unchanged endurance claims hold up in everyday use.
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