New iPad mini 2026 with OLED display and A20 Pro chip: what's new, Spanish price and what happens to cases

On 26 October 2026 Apple unveiled the new iPad mini (A20 Pro) and called it "the biggest update to iPad mini ever". That is not marketing hyperbole: it brings an OLED display, a slimmer body, water resistance and the chip from the iPhone 18 Pro. Here is what changes compared with the 2024 model, what it costs in Spain, when you can pre-order it and what happens to your case.

What's new in the 2026 iPad mini

8.5-inch OLED display

It is the first iPad mini with an OLED Super Retina XDR display. The diagonal grows from 8.3 to 8.5 inches without making the device any bigger, because the bezels are 24% thinner. Apple quotes 600 nits of full-screen brightness, 1,200 nits peak, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a minimum brightness of 1 nit for reading at night. As on the iPad Pro, nano-texture glass (anti-reflective) is available as an option on the 256 GB and 512 GB models. What has not changed is the refresh rate: it stays at 60 Hz, with no ProMotion, something the leaker yeux1122 had already flagged in early October.

Thinner, lighter and water resistant

The new mini is 5.4 mm thick (down from 6.3 mm) and weighs 255 g in the Wi-Fi version (down from 293 g). The 12 MP front camera with Center Stage moves to the long edge, as on the iPad Air and iPad Pro, so video calls in landscape are properly framed. The speaker grilles disappear: sound now comes through the display itself thanks to the Acoustic Display system. And for the first time an iPad carries an IP67 rating against water and dust.

2 nm A20 Pro chip

It runs on the A20 Pro, the same chip as the iPhone 18 Pro line-up, built on a 2 nm process. According to Apple it delivers up to 60% faster multi-threaded performance, 2.7x the graphics performance and 4.5x the AI performance of the previous generation. One detail to note: the 512 GB model gets a 6-core CPU and a dual Neural Engine; the 128 GB and 256 GB models get a 5-core CPU. Rounding things off are the N1 chip (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread), the C2 modem on Cellular models, a 12 MP rear camera with 4K video at 60 fps and fast charging: 50% in 30 minutes with a 35 W adapter (a 20 W adapter comes in the box).

Colours and Apple Pencil

It comes in two colours: midnight (new) and starlight. It works with the Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil (USB-C), and Apple has introduced a new Smart Folio in TechWoven fabric in navy and taupe.

iPad mini 2024 vs iPad mini 2026: the table

Price and dates in Spain

According to Apple Spain's press release, the iPad mini (A20 Pro) starts at €749 for Wi-Fi and €919 for Wi-Fi + Cellular (€699 with education pricing). That is €70 more than the previous model cost at launch. Pre-orders open on Wednesday 28 October on apple.com/es and in the Apple Store app, and it will be in stores and at authorised resellers from Friday 6 November. The Smart Folio costs €89, the Apple Pencil Pro €149 and the Apple Pencil (USB-C) €89.

Is it worth upgrading from the 2024 mini?

If you mainly read, watch shows and take notes, the move to OLED is the main reason: true blacks, far more brightness and better outdoor performance. The lighter body and the IP67 rating are things you notice every day. On the other hand, if you were hoping for 120 Hz or bought the A17 Pro mini for its performance, the upgrade is less pressing: the A17 Pro is still fast and the refresh rate has not improved. For anyone coming from a 2021 mini (A15) or older, this is the biggest update this form factor has ever had.

Cases: the previous iPad mini's cases won't fit

The new mini is 2.2 mm narrower and 0.9 mm thinner than the 2024 model, and the front camera switches sides. In practice, a 2024 mini case will sit loose or cover the camera, which is why Apple has released a new Smart Folio. If you buy the A20 Pro mini, look for a case designed for this model: we recommend waiting until its model numbers (Axxxx) are confirmed before ordering third-party accessories.

At Vivaldo we don't currently stock cases for the iPad mini. What you will find are folio cases for iPad (A16), iPad Air and iPad Pro with a stand and an Apple Pencil holder, in faux leather, woven, crocodile-effect or suede-effect finishes. If there is another iPad at home besides the mini, these are the favourites:

iPad Case in Black Faux Crocodile Leather — Crocodile-effect folio for iPad 10.9/11, iPad Air and iPad Pro; smart and easy to match.

iPad Case in Beige Woven Faux Leather — Woven finish in beige, with a multi-position stand for watching shows or typing.

iPad Case in Pink Faux Leather — Textured pink faux leather, lightweight and with room for the Apple Pencil.

iPad Case in Brown Faux Sheepskin Suede — Suede-effect feel in brown, for anyone who prefers a warm, understated finish.

Before ordering, check the Axxxx model number on the back of your iPad and choose the matching option: two iPads with the same screen size may need different cases. You will find every model in our iPad accessories collection.

Frequently asked questions about the new iPad mini

When does the 2026 iPad mini go on sale in Spain?

Pre-orders open on 28 October 2026 and it arrives in stores on 6 November 2026.

Does it have a 120 Hz display?

No. The OLED display stays at 60 Hz; ProMotion remains exclusive to the iPad Pro.

Will 2024 iPad mini cases fit the new one?

Not advisable: the new model is narrower and thinner, and the front camera switches sides. Apple sells a Smart Folio made specifically for the A20 Pro model.

Which Apple Pencil does it work with?

The Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil (USB-C). It is not compatible with the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil.

Is it water resistant?

Yes, it has an IP67 rating (dust and water): it is the first iPad with this protection. It withstands splashes and an accidental dunk, but it is not designed to be used underwater.

Sources: Apple Newsroom Spain (26/10/2026), MacRumors and 9to5Mac (26/10/2026). Images courtesy of Apple.