Apple has sent invites for a “Pro and Tell” event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, and the iPad mini 8 is one of the products most expected to appear. However, Apple has not named any products yet. However, code found inside Apple’s own software and several reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman point to the biggest iPad mini update in years, possibly with an OLED screen for the first time.
Here is everything we know about the iPad mini 8 so far, clearly split into what Apple confirmed, what leaked from Apple’s code and what is still rumour.
Is the iPad mini 8 announced?
Not yet. As of 24 October 2026, Apple has confirmed only the event itself. According to MacStories, Apple’s marketing chief Greg Joswiak announced a “Pro and Tell” event in Los Angeles on 28 October at 10am Pacific time. Still, it is not yet clear whether Apple will stream it live.
Reports point to new MacBook Pro models and the iPad mini around this date, and possibly a new iMac. So the iPad mini 8 is likely, but not guaranteed.
iPad mini 8: confirmed, leaked and rumoured
| Detail | Status | What we know |
|---|---|---|
| Event date | Confirmed by Apple | 28 October 2026, Los Angeles |
| A20 Pro chip | Found in Apple code | Same chip family as the iPhone 18 Pro |
| Landscape front camera | Found in Apple code | Camera moves to the long edge for video calls |
| New speaker system | Found in Apple code | Small groove at the top of the glass |
| OLED display | Rumour (Bloomberg) | Deeper blacks and better contrast |
| Refresh rate | Unclear | Apple tested 60Hz and 120Hz panels |
| Price | Rumour (Bloomberg) | Could start near $799 |
| 12GB RAM | Rumour | Up from 8GB today |
The code findings come from MacRumors, whose contributor found references and front images of the device in Apple’s own code on 25 September 2026. Because this came from Apple’s software, it is stronger evidence than a typical supply chain leak.
Design and display
Today, the current iPad mini has an 8.3 inch LCD screen. Most reports expect the iPad mini 8 to switch to OLED, the same display type that iPhones and the iPad Pro use. As a result, black areas would look truly black, and colours would look richer.
Screen size reports range from about 8.5 to 8.7 inches, so the display may grow slightly with thinner borders. However, the refresh rate is still an open question. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple tested both 60Hz and 120Hz panels, and the final choice is not known. If Apple sticks with 60Hz, scrolling will feel the same as today, which would disappoint some buyers at a higher price.
Also, the front camera is moving to the long edge. This means you will look centred on video calls when you hold the iPad sideways, which suits calls and meetings.
A20 Pro chip and AI features
Apple’s code points to the A20 Pro, a 2nm chip from the same generation as the iPhone 18 Pro. In addition, rumours suggest 12GB of RAM, up from 8GB. More memory matters because Apple Intelligence features run partly on the device itself. For example, writing tools, image tools and the upgraded Siri all need memory to work smoothly.
If you want to understand why memory matters so much for on device AI, our guide to MacBook for AI explains how unified memory affects AI tasks on Apple chips.
Other rumoured upgrades include Apple’s own N1 chip for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6, an Apple designed modem on cellular models and a first official water resistance rating. However, MacRumors notes these come from a mix of sources and are not all confirmed.
iPad mini 8 price: what to expect
The current iPad mini costs $599 in the US. Apple raised it from $499 in June 2026, blaming higher memory and storage costs linked to AI data centre demand, according to TechRepublic. In the UK, it rose from Ā£499 to Ā£599.
For the new model, Bloomberg reported a starting price could be near $799. Clearly, that would be a big jump for Apple’s smallest tablet. Still, Apple has not confirmed any price, so wait for the event before deciding.
Should you buy the current iPad mini or wait?
To sum up, here is a simple way to decide:
- Wait if you want an OLED screen, a better front camera for calls, or the best Apple Intelligence performance. The event is only days away.
- Buy the current model if you need a small tablet now and the A17 Pro chip is enough for reading, notes and streaming. Older models often get discounts after a new launch.
- Consider a foldable phone if you mainly want a bigger screen in your pocket. The new iPhone Duo opens to a 7.6 inch display, close to tablet size.
Also remember that Apple’s first October event brought the Apple HomeView smart display, so Apple is clearly spreading its launches across the month.
What happens on 28 October
Apple has called this a “Pro and Tell” event, and earlier Bloomberg reports suggested a mix of online videos and hands on time for media. So the iPad mini 8 may appear through a press release and video on the same day. We will update this article with official specs, prices and availability once Apple announces them.
FAQ
When is the iPad mini 8 release date?
Apple has not confirmed it. Apple’s event is on 28 October 2026, and reports expect Apple to announce the iPad mini 8 around then, with sales soon after.
Will the iPad mini 8 have an OLED screen?
Bloomberg reports it, but Apple has not confirmed it. Apple’s own code confirmed the A20 Pro chip and a landscape front camera, not the display type.
How much will the iPad mini 8 cost?
Bloomberg reported it could start near $799. The current iPad mini costs $599 in the US.
Will the iPad mini 8 support Apple Intelligence?
Yes, very likely. The A20 Pro chip and expected 12GB of RAM suit Apple Intelligence features, and the current iPad mini already supports them.