iPad Mini 8 OLED Leak: Release Date, Specs, Display, and Design Details Revealed

Apple fans have something exciting to look forward to: the upcoming iPad Mini 8. Based on multiple leaks and supply chain reports, the next generation of Apple’s compact tablet is expected to bring the biggest upgrades in the Mini’s history—most notably, an OLED display, a slightly larger screen, and possibly even Apple’s powerful M-series chip. Here’s everything we know so far about the iPad Mini 8.

OLED Display Confirmed for iPad Mini 8

One of the most anticipated upgrades is the move from LCD to OLED. Respected analyst Ross Young has confirmed that Apple plans to ditch LCD technology in favor of OLED for the iPad Mini 8. This switch will bring deeper blacks, higher contrast, improved brightness, and better power efficiency—leading to longer battery life.

Importantly, OLED may also fix the jelly scrolling issue that plagued previous Mini models like the iPad Mini 6 and 7, as OLED panels refresh more evenly across the screen.

Release Date Expectations: When Is It Coming?

Although excitement is building, don’t expect the iPad Mini 8 to launch in 2025. Instead, leaks suggest a release window in the second half of 2026. With the Mini 6 launched in 2021 and the Mini 7 arriving in 2024, a 2026 release would align with Apple’s multi-year upgrade cycle.

According to ZDNet Korea, Apple has already requested OLED panels from suppliers like Samsung Display, which is currently working on 8-inch OLED samples. Mass production could begin in 2025, making a late 2026 release date very likely.

Will the iPad Mini and iPad Air Launch Together?

Interestingly, reports suggest Apple might release OLED versions of both the iPad Mini and the iPad Air simultaneously in 2026. While analyst firm Omdia initially predicted the Mini’s OLED update would come in 2027—after the Air—Korean sources claim both are on track for 2026.

Launching both OLED iPads together would help unify Apple’s tablet lineup, leaving only the entry-level iPad with an LCD screen.

A Slightly Larger Display with Thinner Bezels

Another rumored update is a modest increase in screen size—from 8.3 inches to around 8.7 inches. Apple could achieve this by shrinking the bezels or slightly modifying the chassis, giving users more screen real estate while maintaining the compact design the Mini is known for.

Even with the larger screen, the Mini will likely remain ultra-portable and perfect for reading, gaming, and watching content.

Will It Get a Pro Display?

Despite the OLED upgrade, don’t expect the iPad Mini 8 to feature Apple’s Retina XDR display tech found in the iPad Pros. It will likely use a single-stack LTPS OLED panel rather than the more advanced dual-stack versions, meaning peak brightness may not reach the 1600-nit level of Pro models. Also, like the current Mini and Air, the display is expected to remain at 60Hz with no ProMotion (120Hz) support.

A Performance Boost with A-Series or M-Series Chip

The iPad Mini 8 is expected to receive a serious performance upgrade. The current Mini 7 already uses Apple’s A17 Pro chip, and the next version could jump to the A18 or A19 chip—depending on the release year.

However, there’s speculation that Apple could include an M-series chip, such as the M3 or even M4. This would give the Mini desktop-class power, bringing it closer to the iPad Air and iPad Pro in performance, and possibly justifying a name change to “iPad Mini Pro.”

Enhanced Software Support and Stage Manager Features

Leaks suggest iPadOS 19 may introduce a more advanced Stage Manager, complete with a macOS-like menu bar and improved external display support. If Apple includes an M-series chip in the Mini 8, it could unlock powerful multitasking features like full external display support—something current Mini models don’t offer.

This would place the iPad Mini in a sweet spot between productivity and portability.

Potential Design Changes: Thinner, Lighter, and Better Camera Placement

The iPad Mini 8 may also feature a thinner and lighter design in line with Apple’s new trend of making its devices the thinnest in their class. We’ve already seen this with the 2024 M4 iPad Pro, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10, and the expected iPhone 17 Air.

Expect slimmer bezels, possible weight reduction, and perhaps even landscape-oriented front cameras—ideal for video calls. Apple may also finally introduce a Magic Keyboard for the Mini, especially if the body becomes slightly larger.

Will the iPad Mini Be Replaced by the iPhone Fold?

Some speculated that Apple’s upcoming iPhone Fold, rumored to have an 8-inch screen, could replace the iPad Mini. However, this is unlikely. The iPhone Fold and iPad Mini will be completely separate products, especially considering the huge price gap.

How Much Will the iPad Mini 8 Cost?

The current iPad Mini starts at $499, which is only $100 less than the iPad Air with an M3 chip. If Apple upgrades the Mini with an OLED display and an M-series chip, a price increase is likely. If so, Apple may also raise the Air’s price to maintain the same $100 gap between models.

Final Thoughts

The iPad Mini 8 looks set to be Apple’s most exciting compact tablet yet. With an OLED screen, a potential M-series chip, and thinner, more modern design, it could become the perfect alternative to bulkier tablets or even folding phones.