Rumors of an OLED iPad mini continue to build, and a new leak suggests Apple may introduce the upgraded model by the end of 2026. The claim comes from serial Weibo leaker Instant Digital, who says the compact tablet will be the first non-Pro iPad to switch to OLED technology.
Apple already uses OLED displays in the latest iPad Pro models, and analysts expect the company to expand the technology across more devices. Because of this trend, many believe the iPad mini is next in line for a more advanced screen.
Release Window Narrowing
According to Instant Digital, the earliest possible launch would fall in the third or fourth quarter of 2026. While Weibo leaks vary in accuracy, Instant Digital has gained a reputation for landing key Apple details correctly.
The leak also notes that there is no movement on an OLED iPad Air, suggesting Apple may prioritize its smallest tablet for this transition.
Rumors Supported by Multiple Sources
Although one leak alone doesn’t confirm Apple’s plans, several earlier reports align with the late-2026 timeline. For example:
- Samsung Display reportedly began preparing OLED panels for the iPad mini as early as May 2024.
- Display analyst Ross Young also predicted an OLED iPad mini, repeating the claim several times throughout 2024 and 2025.
- In April 2025, Digital Chat Station stated Apple had started evaluating new small-size OLED panels.
- Bloomberg later echoed these reports, pointing toward an early-2026 launch window.
Together, these reports paint a consistent picture: the next iPad mini is likely to receive a major display upgrade.
More Than Just a New Screen
While the OLED display is expected to be the headline feature, it may not be the only major improvement. A code leak from August pointed to an updated A19 Pro chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 17 Pro. If accurate, the upgrade would deliver a noticeable jump in speed and efficiency.
