Apple has launched its new iPad mini in India with a larger OLED display, a more powerful processor and water and dust resistance. The new tablet retains the compact design of the iPad mini but brings upgrades to its screen, performance, cameras and wireless connectivity.
The iPad mini starts at Rs 82,900 for the 128GB storage variant, keeping its entry-level model under Rs 90,000. The 256GB model costs Rs 94,900, while the top-end 512GB variant is priced at Rs 1,18,900.Pre-orders for the new iPad mini will open in India at 10:40pm IST on October 28, with sales beginning on November 6.
It will be available in midnight and starlight finishes.iPad mini gets OLED display and A20 Pro chipOne of the biggest changes is the move to an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Despite the larger screen, Apple has retained the tablet's overall footprint by reducing the bezels by 24 per cent.
The OLED panel promises deeper blacks, more vivid colours and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1.The display offers peak brightness of up to 1,200 nits, more than twice that of the previous generation, according to Apple. Buyers can also opt for a nano-texture display that reduces glare in bright environments.
The new iPad mini is powered by Apple's A20 Pro chip, built using a 2-nanometre process. Apple claims the processor delivers up to 60 per cent faster multithreaded CPU performance, up to 2.7 times better graphics performance and up to 4.5 times faster AI performance compared with the previous generation.The tablet is also 5.4mm thin and now carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, adding protection for users who carry it outdoors or use it while travelling.Cameras, connectivity and AI features Apple has moved the 12-megapixel Center Stage front camera to the landscape edge, making video calls and online meetings more convenient when the tablet is held horizontally.
The rear 12-megapixel camera supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and includes an Adaptive True Tone flash.Audio gets an upgrade through Apple's Acoustic Display system, which uses specially designed speakers to deliver louder sound and stronger bass. The tablet also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread through Apple's N1 wireless networking chip.
Cellular models get the C2 modem, which Apple says enables up to 50 per cent faster cellular data speeds than the previous generation.The new iPad mini runs iPadOS 27 and supports Apple's next-generation Apple Intelligence features and Siri AI. These include tools that can use personal context to help users find information, understand content displayed on the screen and answer questions.
Apple says its AI features use on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute to protect user privacy.For accessories, the tablet supports both Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C). Apple has also introduced a new Smart Folio cover, sold separately.- Ends