iPad mini could get it's biggest display upgrade in years, with OLED expected in a new model that could launch by October, according to Mark Gurman via MacRumors.
Apple's smallest iPad model currently uses an LCD display, the same screen technology found in the latest iPad and iPad Air models.
iPad Pro made its transition to OLED in May 2024, with the first-ever Tandem OLED screen on any Apple product. Following this release, the iPad Pro Display is regarded as the best screen on any Apple device.
Whilst iPad Pro features 120Hz ProMotion, the OLED iPad mini is expected to remain with its 60Hz refresh rate, which could disappoint many users.
What does the new display mean for iPad mini?
OLED technology allows for deeper blacks and better contrast ratio.
LCD screens often have a blue or grey tint to them when viewing darker content, such as a TV show shot in low-light.
Black screens also do not produce a true black colour, and will look slightly purple when compared to an OLED display.
The introduction of OLED to the iPad mini product line will improve the experience for users who use the device for gaming and watching content.
Price
Last month, Apple increased the price of the current iPad mini by £100 to £599, citing the current memory chip cost crisis.
It had been rumoured that the OLED display could start at £599 before June's price increases were announced, as the new screen technology often costs more than LCD.
However, there is now the expectation that iPad mini could see an even higher price.
It is unlikely to overtake iPad Air as the second most expensive iPad model at £749 as this would mess up the lineup.
Despite pricing pressure, this release is widely anticipated and an expansion of OLED displays into the iPad lineup will be welcome news, considering OLED was first introduced to iPhone 9 years ago.
Source: MacRumors
Image Credit: iPad mini with smart case image, Ashley Pomeroy
