Apple may finally bring an OLED display to the iPad mini later this year. A new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claims the company could launch the device as early as this fall, with an expected release by October.
The upcoming iPad mini is expected to become the first model in the lineup to switch to OLED technology. However, recent rumors suggest the device will miss out on ProMotion support. As a result, the tablet may remain limited to a 60Hz refresh rate.
The move to an OLED panel could also lead to a higher price. The current iPad mini starts at $599 after Apple’s recent price increase. The next version may cost even more, although Apple has not confirmed pricing details.
Apple is also reportedly developing a new iPad Air with an OLED display. In contrast, the standard iPad lineup will continue using LCD screens for the time being. The company appears to be keeping LCD panels in its entry-level tablets to reduce production costs.
The next affordable iPad is expected to arrive in the first quarter of next year, which means it could launch between January and March. Most of the changes in the new entry-level iPad will likely be internal. Reports suggest Apple is not planning a major redesign. Instead, the company will focus on improving performance.
There are mixed reports about the processor that will power the tablet. Some sources claim it will use the A18 chip, while others believe Apple will opt for the A19 chip. Regardless of the final decision, the device is expected to come with 8GB of RAM.
That would mark a notable upgrade over the current model, which features the A16 chip and 6GB of RAM.
Meanwhile, Apple is also preparing new iPad Air models for a spring launch. It remains unclear whether these versions will include the rumored OLED screens. However, they are expected to debut alongside the next generation of iPad Pro models.
Apple is also planning changes to its accessories. According to the report, the Apple Pencil will receive an update in 2027. One of the biggest changes could be a replaceable battery, a feature that has not been available in previous versions.
With OLED technology slowly expanding across Apple’s tablet lineup, the company appears to be preparing a broader refresh of its iPad family over the next two years.
