Apple has unveiled a new iPad Mini featuring an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) screen, a next-generation mobile chip, and water and dust resistance.

Apple announced on the 26th (local time) the launch of the 8th-generation iPad Mini, equipped with an 8.5-inch display. While maintaining its classic outer form factor, the device features slimmer bezels, expanding the screen size by 0.2 inches. By adopting an OLED screen, the new model supports a peak brightness of 1,200 nits—more than double that of the previous generation—along with a contrast ratio of 2 million-to-1.

The new iPad Mini is 5.4 mm thick, measuring 0.9 mm thinner than its predecessor, and its weight has been reduced by 38 grams, dropping from 293 grams to 255 grams.

Notably, unlike the previous model which featured the A17 Pro chip built on a 3-nanometer process, the new device is powered by the 2-nanometer 'A20 Pro' chip. This upgrade boosts AI performance by up to 4.5 times and graphic performance by 2.7 times. The A20 Pro is the same mobile chip featured in Apple's latest iPhone 18 Pro.

Additionally, the device comes with Apple's custom-designed wireless communication chip, 'N1,' while cellular models are equipped with Apple's proprietary 'C2' chip. For the first time, the iPad Mini gains IP67-rated water and dust resistance, a feature absent in prior generations.

Dave Pakula, Apple's Vice President of Hardware Engineering, stated, "With an astonishingly thin and light design, a stunning new OLED display, immensely powerful A20 Pro, and water and dust resistance, the new iPad Mini delivers a breakthrough experience for users seeking the full iPad experience right in the palm of their hand."

However, alongside these major upgrades, Apple has implemented a price increase. While the previous generation debuted at a starting price of $499 two years ago and was later raised to $599 this June, the new iPad Mini sees another $100 price hike, bringing the base model starting price to $699.

In the South Korean market, the launch price has increased by 400,000 KRW to 1,149,000 KRW, compared to the predecessor's initial price of 749,000 KRW. The cellular model is priced at $849 (1,399,000 KRW in South Korea).

The new iPad Mini is available in two colors: Midnight and Starlight. Pre-orders will begin on the 28th (at 2:10 AM KST on the 29th) across 36 countries, including the United States and South Korea, with official sales starting on the 6th of next month.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]