The last time Apple refreshed the iPad mini was back in 2024. This means that Apple’s small form-factor tablet is due for an update, and the good news is that we might not have to wait much longer. In fact, a recent report out of Korea claims Samsung has kicked off production on the OLED panels for the new iPad mini.
Samsung to supply OLED panels for new iPad mini
To give you some context on why this matters and why it’s more than just about production beginning on the iPad mini, Apple’s iPad minis have typically relied on LCD screens. This is compared to Apple’s higher-end iPad Pro models, which were the first to use OLED displays.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with LCD. In fact, for years, Apple has done a fine job with its displays, and they look pretty stunning. However, OLED has its benefits, namely more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, making it perfect for gaming and videos. So, Samsung supplying the OLED panels for the next-gen iPad mini is good news.
In fact, this is actually not the first time we heard this rumor. There were rumors dating back to 2024 that suggested an OLED iPad mini could arrive in 2026. Looks like those rumors are now one step closer to being a reality. That being said, we’re not sure if there is going to be a price hike.
Apple recently raised prices across multiple products due to the ongoing memory crisis. Thankfully, the current-gen iPad mini was spared, but there’s no guarantee the next-gen model will as well. Either way, we’ll have to wait and see. There’s no timeline on when Apple will announce the new tablet.
However, Apple sometimes hosts events towards the end of the year after its iPhone event to debut new Mac computers and iPads. This year, we expect Apple to launch new Macs with the M5 Ultra chip, so maybe we’ll have more details then.
Apple’s OLED push
We can’t say it’s surprising that the iPad mini is getting an OLED upgrade. Like we said, there are several benefits from going from LCD to OLED. But this won’t be Apple’s only push. There are rumors that the iPad Air could be getting an OLED upgrade as well, but Apple isn’t stopping there.
Some of you might have heard the rumors that Apple is also working on a new MacBook with an OLED touchscreen display. That device is currently rumored to debut either by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
The post Apple’s iPad Mini OLED Gets Closer as Samsung Starts Display Production appeared first on Android Headlines.
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