The iPad mini 8 with OLED screen is a long time coming: it will arrive in 2026 with a larger size and more power

The future iPad mini 8 with OLED display It's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases in Apple's tablet lineup. The latest rumors suggest we'll have to be patient, because The model won't arrive as soon as many thought.But in return, it will bring significant changes to the screen, power, and design, geared towards more demanding users. If you're wondering... what iPad to buyThis model could be an option to consider.

For those who use the iPad mini as their primary mobile device, leaks point to a clear leap in image quality, performance, and multimedia focusIn Spain and the rest of Europe, everything points to this model positioning itself as a powerful mid-range option between the more basic iPads and the Pro models, maintaining the compact format that has made it popular. The new iPad mini 8 seems designed to improve consumptionFor example, when it comes to play movies on iPad mini and other multimedia tasks.

When will the iPad mini 8 be released: a window that shifts to the end of 2026

The latest leaks from sources linked to the supply chain, including insiders such as Instant Digital point out that The iPad mini 8 with OLED won't arrive before the third quarter of 2026This places the launch window between July and September, with the possibility that it could even be pushed to the fourth quarter if Apple decides to concentrate the presentation around dates close to the new iPhones.

This calendar would be directly related to the start of mass production of OLED panelswhich would be around mid-2026. Taking into account the usual manufacturing, logistics and launch times, it would fit with a presentation at the end of summer and an arrival on the global market in autumn.

In the case of Europe, and more specifically Spain, it is most likely that The iPad mini 8 is part of the first group of countries in receiving the device. Apple has maintained virtually simultaneous launches in key European markets for years, so no major delays are expected compared to the United States or Asia.

This adjustment of deadlines puts an end to the initial rumors that pointed to a launch in late 2025 or early 2026Now, various reports agree that the transition to OLED in the mini will be somewhat slower, prioritizing other products first and adjusting panel production.

For those who were expecting to upgrade their tablet in the short term, this means that The current iPad mini will remain the available option for quite some time.In return, the wait should result in a more polished device, with a new screen and hardware better aligned with high-end iPhones. If you're unsure which unit you currently have, you can consult how to identify your device's current model: How to find out which iPad mini I have.

OLED screen of approximately 8,4-8,5 inches: larger and with better contrast

The most talked-about change in the upcoming model is its screen. Various reports from Asian media and regular leakers indicate that the iPad mini 8 will adopt a new screen. an OLED panel of approximately 8,4 or 8,5 inchesThis is compared to the 8,3 inches of the current generation. The increase won't be huge, but it will be enough to gain some usable screen space without losing the device's compact nature.

The manufacture of this panel would fall to Samsung Display, which would be the exclusive supplier of the OLED screens of the new model. Apple would be leveraging the South Korean manufacturer's expertise to guarantee a level of brightness, color, and uniformity consistent with what it already offers in other products with this technology.

Everything points to the iPad mini 8 having a LTPS OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rateIn other words, it wouldn't yet make the leap to higher refresh rates like those of the 120Hz iPad Pro, but it would still represent a clear improvement over current LCD panels: much deeper blacks, superior contrast, and a more "lively" image feel in series, games, and reading.

Leaks suggest that the quality of this OLED It wouldn't reach the level of the panels used in the iPad ProThese features are reserved for the higher-end models. Even so, a significant improvement is expected for those upgrading from a mini with an LCD screen, especially in dark scenes, HDR content, and indoor use with varying lighting.

For everyday use, the combination of compact size and OLED should offer a A more enjoyable visual experience for multimedia consumption, extended reading, and use with Apple Pencil.That slight increase in screen size would also help with working with productivity apps or splitting the screen without sacrificing too much comfort. If you want to use the Apple Pencil with your iPad, here's a guide. Connect the Apple Pencil to the iPad.

Apple's bet on OLED in iPad and its impact in Europe

The various reports agree that Apple is immersed in a progressive transition of their screens towards OLED technologyBeyond the iPhone, the iPad mini 8 would fit into a medium-term strategy that aims to extend this technology to a large part of its catalog of tablets and laptops by 2030.

Within that plan, it has been mentioned that The iPad mini would receive OLED lighting before the iPad Air.Some forecasts place the arrival of an iPad Air with this technology around 2027 or 2028, which would reinforce the role of the mini as an advanced model within the small-sized segment.

Meanwhile, various industry sources indicate that Future MacBook Pros will also adopt OLED panelswith calendars similar to those of this iPad mini 8. Samsung would once again be one of the key suppliers, reinforcing a collaboration that is already common in high-end screens despite the direct competition between both companies on other fronts.

While all this is happening, iPads that don't make the immediate switch will continue to use LCD panels.which in many cases already offer acceptable quality for most users. The switch to OLED is perceived more as a way to differentiate product lines and justify higher prices than as an urgent necessity for the entire product range.

In the European context, this approach will mean that The iPad mini with OLED stands out as one of the most attractive options for those who prioritize the screen.But they don't need to reach the level—or the price—of an iPad Pro. In countries like Spain, it's likely to be positioned in a mid-to-high price range within the product lineup.

Processor and performance: it's expected to use an A19 Pro chip

Beyond the screen, the latest leaks point to a significant leap in power. Several reports mention that the iPad mini 8 could feature a A19 Pro chip, the same one that will equip the future iPhone 17 ProIf confirmed, the tablet would be very close to the brand's most advanced phones in terms of performance.

This choice would maintain Apple's tradition of using A-series chips in the iPad miniInstead of using the M processors, which are reserved for larger or professional models, the idea is to find a reasonable balance between power, consumption, and cost, taking into account the device's smaller size.

With an A19 Pro, one would expect a More than enough performance for demanding games, photo editing, creative apps and multitasking with multiple windows open. iPadOS could also better leverage artificial intelligence features, advanced graphics, and new features that will arrive over the next few years. This would benefit those who want to play complex titles like the ones we explained in demanding games on iPad.

Regarding RAM and storage configurations, the leaks are less specific, but it's not ruled out that there will be adjustments to the base capabilities to align them with future iPhones And with the more "premium" positioning that the mini would gain with the adoption of OLED. If you need to identify your exact device before choosing settings, it's worth it. find out what model my iPad is.

In the Spanish and European markets, this set of specifications would make the iPad mini 8 a device capable of easily covering the market. Use cases ranging from leisure to light productivity on the goThis is especially relevant for students, professionals who travel a lot, or users who combine tablets and laptops.

Design, durability, and other changes being considered

Although the OLED panel is the main focus, some leaks have hinted at possible adjustments to the design and durability. Among these is talk of a improved water resistance compared to previous generations, an aspect that has not been a priority in the iPad range until now.

The possibility of Apple reviewing the speaker system, reducing visible holes and opting for vibration-based solutionsThis approach would help minimize openings in the chassis, making it harder for liquids and dust to get in, although there is no consensus yet on whether this idea will be applied to this particular model.

As for the overall aesthetics, a complete revolution isn't expected. Everything indicates that the iPad mini 8 It will maintain the current design line: straight edges, lightweight body and very manageable sizedesigned to be held comfortably with one hand and fit easily into backpacks and small bags.

The slight increase in screen diagonal would be achieved, as interpreted, making better use of margins and optimizing the frontIn this way, usable space would be gained without increasing the dimensions of the body, something important to preserve the "mini" essence.

Taken together, these rumors suggest a product that continues in form but with several tweaks designed to improve the everyday user experience: better screen, more power, potentially greater durability and revised audio, while maintaining a focus on portability.

Expected price and positioning in the range

Improvements to the screen, processor, and potential design changes will hardly come without impacting the price. Several supply chain analysts point out that The iPad mini 8 could be around $100 more expensive than the current model in its base configuration, somehow passing this increase on to prices in euros in Europe.

This increase would place the new mini in a range that is getting closer to the so-called "prosumer" segment rather than to the entry-level tablet segmentIt would still be below the iPad Pro, but would create a greater gap compared to the more affordable models in the range, reinforcing its role as an advanced compact option.

For users in Spain, this can translate to somewhat more considered decisions when renewingThose who prioritize an OLED screen, cutting-edge performance, and a compact size might find the price increase justified, while others might opt ​​for alternatives such as the Redmi K Pad that compete with the iPad mini.

In any case, the launch delay leaves some room for the market adjusts and interesting offers appear on current iPad mini modelsThis may be appealing to those who don't necessarily need OLED or the latest available chip.

The balance between cost, performance, and expected duration of software support will be, as is almost always the case with the Apple range, one of the key factors in deciding between buying now or waiting until the end of 2026especially in an economic context where many users are more careful about their investments in technology.

Everything known so far about the iPad mini 8 with OLED paints a picture of a device that will arrive later than desired, but with An interesting combination of an improved screen, a new generation chip, and possible adjustments in design and durability.For those in Spain and Europe looking for a small but ambitious tablet in terms of image quality and power, this model seems poised to become a serious contender, provided the new price point aligns with what each individual is willing to pay to make the leap to this next generation.