Apple has unveiled a refreshed iPad mini that becomes the first iPad to feature water and dust resistance, alongside a thinner and lighter design, an upgraded processor, and a new OLED display. The device starts at £699 for the Wi-Fi model and £849 for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model, with availability in stores next month.
First iPad with water and dust resistance
The new iPad mini is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, and its watertight aluminium body offers protection against water and dust for the first time on an iPad. This design has been long requested and is expected to be extended to more tablets in the future.
Under the hood, the device is powered by the latest A20 Pro processor, which Apple says could boost some tasks by up to 60 percent.
OLED display and other upgrades
The tablet features an 8.5-inch OLED screen that is bigger than before without increasing the overall size of the device, thanks to 24 percent thinner bezels. Apple is also offering its Nano-texture technology, previously available only on Pro models, to reduce glare in bright environments.
Other extras include full support for Apple Intelligence and the latest Siri upgrade, along with Wi-Fi 7 for faster web access. The 12MP Centre Stage front camera has been moved to the landscape edge, making it better for FaceTime calls. Like all iPads, it is compatible with the Apple Pencil.
Pricing and availability
“iPad mini is beloved for its fantastic portability, performance, and display by a wide range of users, from creators and small business owners to doctors, field service workers, and gamers,” said Dave Pakula, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering. “With a remarkably thinner and lighter design, a stunning new OLED display, the incredibly powerful A20 Pro, and water and dust resistance, the new iPad mini is a huge leap forward for users who love having the full iPad experience in the palm of their hand.”
The Wi-Fi model starts at £699, while the Wi-Fi + Cellular model costs £849. The device will arrive in stores next month.
