Apple is billing it as the “biggest update ever” to iPad mini and it is, coming just days after the in-store release of the all-new iPhone Duo which opens up like a book to reveal a mini tablet screen of its own. So what’s new, and what’s it going to cost?

Performance is key to the new iPad mini with a big jump up from the Apple A17 Pro silicon to the latest A20 Pro which is found in the latest iPhone series (18 Pro, Pro Max and Duo). This ensures the latest Siri AI capabilities and outstanding graphics too.

“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.”

At almost a millimetre thinner (5.4mm down from 6.3) the iPad mini has had a serious glow-up, though interestingly it’s only available in two colours not the wider range of colours previously offered.

A 34–38 gram weight saving also contributes to that well-known tech launch phrase “thinner and lighter” for the iPad mini, and it adds IP67-rated water and dust resistance for those sunning themselves poolside reading their favourite book or website.

All that aside, the real step forward for iPad mini is the OLED screen. A first for iPad mini, the new model has a 2316×1512 resolution retaining the 326 ppi density of the previous version, while also available with Apple’s nano-texture glass on the 256 and 512GB models, not the entry level 128GB version.

That screen is also capable of 1,200 nits peak brightness with HDR content which when combined with the nano-texture could make for excellent outdoor viewing.

Also under the hood are Apple’s own N1 and C2 (when optioned) chips – these enable the best connectivity features like WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread and better performance on WiFi as well as a more efficient mobile connection when optioned.

All of that, plus time, comes at a price. Two years since the previous model launched at $799, the new iPad mini will set you back $1,099 or $1,349 with eSIM capability.

Up the storage to 512GB, with eSIM and nano-texture and the iPad mini sets you back $2,099! It would be a portable powerhouse at that price though.

Pre-orders for iPad mini commence Thursday October 29, it goes on-sale November 6.

Web: Apple

Trevor Long is in Los Angeles as a guest of Apple