Japan's beloved "iPad mini" receives its biggest update since its debut! Following the iPad Pro, it makes its new appearance equipped with an organic EL (OLED) display. The price starts from ¥119,800, and it will be released on Friday, November 6th. Pre-orders begin at 2:10 AM on Thursday, October 29th.
With OLED + A20 Pro, it Leaps into the Spotlight as the Star of the iPad Series! Achieving a Thinner and Lighter Design, Nearly 1mm Thinner and Almost 40g Lighter Than the Previous Model
The iPad mini, with its easy-to-use, one-handed size, is particularly popular among Japanese users who commute by train. However, it's also true that it had a lower update frequency within the iPad series, making it a somewhat overshadowed presence. But this time, it has received a major update with specifications that seem poised to make it the undisputed star.
First, the display has grown slightly from the previous model's (iPad mini (A17 Pro)) 8.3 inches to 8.5 inches, and it now adopts an organic EL (OLED) panel, a feature previously exclusive to the top-tier iPad Pro in the iPad series. With a peak brightness of 1200 nits and a high contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, it's an ideal device for viewing video. Furthermore, a Nano-texture display option (additional ¥34,000) is available, offering particular benefits when viewing the screen under bright sunlight.
Adopts an OLED panel that renders vivid blacks with high contrast
The adoption of an OLED panel has also led to a thinner and lighter design. Its thickness is now 5.4mm, nearly 1mm thinner than the previous model's 6.3mm. The weight is 255g (Wi-Fi model), not significantly different from a large smartphone. This represents a weight reduction of nearly 40g from the previous model's 293g.
OLED adoption enables a thin chassis in the 5mm range
Adopts the Same "A20 Pro" CPU as the iPhone 18 Pro; Also Noteworthy is the First-Ever Water and Dust Resistance Support in the iPad Series
The basic specifications are also high. It is equipped with the "A20 Pro," manufactured using the latest 2nm process, which was first adopted in the iPhone 18 Pro. Compared to the previous model, it boasts up to 4.5 times faster AI performance, up to 2.7 times better graphics performance, and up to a 60% improvement in CPU performance.
Latest Apple Intelligence and Siri AI are available
Incidentally, the 128GB/256GB models and the top-tier 512GB model have different A20 Pro specifications. The 512GB model features a 6-core CPU / 7-core GPU / dual 16-core Neural Engine, matching the specifications found in the iPhone 18 Pro. However, the 128GB/256GB models have slightly lower specifications with a 5-core CPU / 7-core GPU / 16-core Neural Engine.
Furthermore, both the front and rear cameras are 12-megapixel, with the front camera featuring Center Stage, which is particularly convenient for video conferences. In terms of networking, both the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth "N1" chip and the 5G-compatible "C2" chip for Cellular models are Apple-made, enhancing power efficiency and delivering higher performance for Apple services like AirDrop and AirPlay. Note that the SIM is eSIM-only.
Center Stage camera always keeps the subject in the center
Furthermore, the first-ever water and dust resistance (IP67) for an iPad is also a noteworthy point. The device's USB-C port supports display output and data communication up to 10Gbps. Compatible Apple Pencils remain the Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).
Water resistance is also a key highlight
The body colors are Midnight and Starlight, two options. As a genuine option, a cover-style case made of tech-woven fabric, the "Smart Folio," is available in colors matching these two. Its price is ¥14,800.
Midnight
Starlight
Genuine option "Smart Folio"
