Apple updates iPad Mini with OLED display and price increase

Apple has unveiled its latest iPad Mini, incorporating OLED screen technology previously exclusive to the Pro model line. The updated device is thinner and lighter than previous versions, reflecting Apple's ongoing design refinements. However, the update comes with a $100 price hike, bringing the base model starting price to $699 for 128 GB of storage.

The new iteration introduces an "Acoustic Display" audio system, which allows the speakers to reside behind the screen. This structural change has enabled the device to achieve an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance—a first for the iPad lineup. Furthermore, the front-facing camera has been relocated to the landscape edge to better facilitate video calls, a feature that aligns the Mini with other contemporary models in Apple's tablet portfolio.

Despite the higher price point, Apple has opted to retain the Touch ID sensor in the power button instead of upgrading to the Face ID facial recognition system. Positioned closer to the iPad Air in terms of cost, the new Mini remains targeted at users who prioritize portability and single-handed use over the processing capabilities found in larger, more expensive professional tablets.