According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing significant updates to its iPad lineup. An OLED-equipped iPad mini is expected as early as this fall, with a likely October release window.
OLED iPad Mini: What to Expect
The new iPad mini will feature an OLED display, but notably, it will retain a standard 60Hz refresh rate — no ProMotion technology here. That keeps costs down and differentiates it from the iPad Pro lineup.
Pricing is expected to land in the $649-$699 range, a premium over the current model’s $599 starting price. The increase is driven by a reported 12% year-over-year rise in OLED panel costs.
Entry-Level iPad Gets a Power Boost
The next-generation base iPad is set for a Q1 2027 release (January to March). The most significant upgrade is the processor: either the A18 or A19 chip paired with 8GB of RAM, up from the current A16 with 6GB. This should dramatically improve multitasking and support for demanding applications.
Unlike the iPad mini, the entry-level iPad will continue using LCD panels to keep pricing accessible.
iPad Air and Accessories
An OLED iPad Air is also reportedly in development, though the timeline remains uncertain. It’s expected to arrive alongside the next generation of iPad Pros. Additionally, the Apple Pencil is scheduled for a 2027 redesign featuring a replaceable battery to extend its lifespan.
Apple’s iPad lineup is clearly moving toward OLED across more models, while the base model remains the budget-friendly LCD option. This strategy mirrors the iPhone lineup’s display segmentation.
