Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil the iPad mini 8 with an OLED display at its Los Angeles event on October 28. Attendees are expected to get hands-on time with the new tablet, alongside rumored touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro models, an M6-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro, and a new M6 iMac.

The next-generation iPad mini could bring major upgrades to performance, display quality, connectivity, and durability. Here are 10 new features and changes expected for the iPad mini 8.

1. A20 Pro Chip Built on a 2nm Process

The iPad mini 8 is rumored to feature Apple's A20 Pro chip, reportedly manufactured using TSMC's advanced 2nm process.

Compared with the A17 Pro in the current iPad mini, the new chip could deliver up to approximately 1.5 times the CPU performance and 2.5 times the GPU performance. It is also rumored to feature a dual 16-core Neural Engine, bringing the total to 32 cores.

These improvements could boost gaming, multitasking, and on-device AI performance.

2. 12GB of RAM for Improved AI Features

The upcoming iPad mini could increase its memory from 8GB to 12GB of RAM, helping support more demanding AI features and applications.

One rumored benefit is the ability to customize Siri AI's speaking pace and expressiveness. More memory could also improve performance when running multiple apps or handling intensive workloads.

3. OLED Display With Better Image Quality

One of the biggest expected upgrades is the move from LCD to OLED.

An OLED panel could deliver richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast than the current iPad mini's LCD display. The new model is also expected to have a slightly larger screen and slimmer bezels.

Apple has reportedly tested both 60Hz and 120Hz ProMotion refresh rates, but it remains unclear which option will make it into the final product.

4. Slimmer Display Bezels

The iPad mini 8 could feature narrower bezels around the display, giving the tablet a more modern appearance and potentially increasing usable screen space without significantly increasing its overall size.

Combined with the rumored larger OLED panel, this change could make the compact tablet feel more immersive when watching videos, reading, or gaming.

5. Landscape Front Camera

Apple is reportedly planning to move the front-facing camera to the landscape edge of the iPad mini 8.

When the tablet is held upright, the camera would sit in the right bezel rather than the top bezel. This placement could make video calls feel more natural when the iPad is used horizontally with a keyboard or stand.

6. N1 Chip With Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6

The iPad mini 8 could adopt Apple's custom-designed N1 wireless chip, bringing support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

These connectivity upgrades could improve wireless performance and efficiency, although actual speeds and benefits would depend on compatible networks and accessories.

7. Apple's Custom Cellular Modem

For cellular models, Apple may use its custom-designed C1X or C2 modem.

A newer modem could improve cellular connectivity and power efficiency compared with the existing hardware. However, the exact modem planned for the iPad mini 8 has not been confirmed.

8. Redesigned Speaker System

Apple is reportedly developing a redesigned speaker system for the next iPad mini.

One possibility is a design without conventional speaker holes, potentially using a speaker arrangement similar to the earpiece speaker found in iPhones along the top bezel.

If implemented, this could give the tablet a cleaner exterior design, although the final speaker configuration and audio improvements remain uncertain.

9. Water Resistance

The iPad mini 8 could introduce IP-rated water resistance for the first time in the lineup.

Such protection would make the tablet more resilient to accidental splashes and exposure to water, depending on its final rating. Apple has not confirmed whether the new model will receive an official IP rating.

10. A Potential Price Increase

The iPad mini 8 could cost more than its predecessor, particularly if Apple adopts a more expensive OLED display and upgraded internal components.

In the U.S., the current iPad mini starts at $599, following a $100 price increase in June. Apple reportedly attributed that increase to rising memory and storage chip costs.

With a new display technology and potentially more advanced hardware, the next model could carry an even higher starting price. No official pricing has been announced.

When Will Apple Announce the iPad mini 8?

Apple's October 28 event in Los Angeles is expected to focus on new Mac hardware, including touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro models and M6-powered Macs. The OLED iPad mini 8 could also make an appearance, although Apple has not officially confirmed the device or its launch date.

If the rumors prove accurate, the iPad mini 8 could be a substantial upgrade, combining a sharper OLED display, faster performance, more memory, improved connectivity, and a redesigned camera and speaker system.

Source: MacRumors