Weibo leaker Instant Digital has reportedly confirmed that Apple is working on bringing an OLED display to the iPad mini. According to the leak, Apple plans to release this model by late 2026, possibly in the third or fourth quarter. This aligns with a previous report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who revealed that Apple has been testing OLED panels for the iPad mini, iPad Air, and MacBook Air.
If these reports prove accurate, the new OLED iPad mini could debut around the same time Apple launches its redesigned MacBook Pro—though the timeline might slip into early 2027. Gurman also believes the eighth-generation iPad mini could feature a redesigned chassis and become Apple’s first tablet with water resistance. Other rumors suggest a new speaker system powered by advanced vibration technology. However, it remains unclear whether Apple will equip the device with a ProMotion display like the iPad Pro or stick with a 60Hz panel similar to the iPhone 14.
OLED Might Take Longer for iPad Air and MacBook Air
Apple typically refreshes the iPad Air every 18 to 24 months, while the MacBook Air receives more frequent updates. Based on the current pace, the iPad Air may not adopt OLED technology for another two generations. As for the MacBook Air, OLED integration could take as long as three generations to arrive.
Still, when these updates do come, they’re expected to bring significant design changes. Apple tends to revamp its hardware designs when introducing new display technologies—just as it did with the iPhone X and its OLED screen, the MacBook Pro with mini-LED, and the iPad Pro featuring a tandem OLED display with the M4 chip.
Beyond display enhancements, it’s uncertain what additional upgrades Apple might introduce. The company could switch the iPad mini to an M-series processor, introduce a nano-texture screen option, or integrate in-house Wi-Fi and 5G modems. More details about the upcoming Mac and iPad lineup should surface in the coming months, and BGR will continue to follow the developments closely.
