The iPad mini is tablet from Apple for those who want a device smaller than a full-sized iPad but larger than a smartphone.
The original version was first introduced in 2012. Over the years, Apple has released several iterations with various improvements in display size, performance and features.
That first model had a 7.9-inch screen instead of the then-standard 9.7 inch display for the full-size iPad. By the sixth-generation version, screen size was up to 8.3 inches.
But all versions have kept to the original goal: a small tablet that’s not short on features. That makes iPad mini is a great option for users who are looking for a powerful and portable tablet.
iPad mini in use
The device is handy for browsing the web, checking email, playing games, reading books and magazines, and even watching movies and TV shows.
Like all Apple tablets, the computer runs iPadOS. It comes with a suite of useful applications written by Apple, and there are millions more available in the App Store.
There’s a wide array of accessories on the market. Apple even offers an attachable keyboard with trackpad that turns the tablet into a mini notebook.
Want an iPad mini for less? For just $464.99, you can snag this refurbished iPad mini 7, the 2024 model that packs Apple’s A17 Pro chip into a compact package.
It comes with 128GB of storage and support for Apple Intelligence. And at this price, it won’t gut your bank account.
The long-anticipated OLED iPad mini is almost here! Concept: Cult of Mac
Apple’s OLED iPad mini is closing in on release. A fresh report says the redesigned tablet would reach store shelves by the end of October.
Expect a sharper, brighter screen as well as a faster chip built for Apple Intelligence. Apple is also said to be reworking the tablet’s shell for better water resistance.
Read on for everything to expect in the OLED iPad mini.
There's so much for iPad fans to look forward to. Image: Cult of Mac/Apple/ChatGPT
Want to know which iPad models will get revamps in the next year? The answer is easy: all of them. Every single one.
An iPad mini upgraded with an OLED is reportedly at the top of the list, and we can look forward it being followed by new versions of the basic iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro… each before the end of spring 2027.
Grab a refurbished sixth-gen iPad mini at a great price. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
With this refurbished iPad mini 6 deal, you can pick up a tiny Apple tablet for less than 300 bucks. That’s less than half the price of the latest model, the seventh-generation iPad mini, which now starts at $599 after Apple’s recent price hikes.
This sixth-gen iPad mini is slightly older, and it’s used. But if you want a solid slate for less, this is a great buy. Grab a refurbished iPad mini 6 for just $294.99 before they sell out.
Apple's iPad charger is bit rubbish. You can get a far better one. AI image: Apple/Perplexity/Cult of Mac
The charger that came with your iPad Pro or iPad Air is wasting your time. Your tablet could be charging almost twice as fast (up to three times as fast for the latest iPad Pro). Plus, the included charger is not well-designed for travel.
Here’s what’s going on, along with recommendations for better options.
Wi-Fi on your Mac or iPad just got faster. AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac
Apple silently gave some Macs and iPads a Wi-Fi speed boost with macOS Tahoe 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The update enables 160MHz channel bandwidth support on 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, eliminating a restriction that tamped down the maximum possible speeds.
The additional bandwidth should let your recent Mac or iPad benefit from higher throughput.
Almost all the iPad lines get a refresh in 2026. Image: ChatGPT
Using an aging iPad? Or maybe you’re thinking about getting your first tablet. Great news! Updated models with significantly more horsepower will hit store shelves soon.
The latest iPad mini 7 with A17 Pro has never been more affordable. Never. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
The iPad mini 7 is a standout in this year’s Cyber Monday sales, with the steepest price cut the compact tablet has ever seen. You can get the powerful yet ultra-portable iPad at an amazing 30% off, dropping the cost way, way down to $349.
Whether you want a travel-friendly device, a sleek tablet for reading and note-taking, or a capable companion for school or work, this iPad mini Cyber Monday deal is one of the most compelling tablet bargains of 2025.
Apple's smallest tablet should get an OLED screen by the third quarter of 2026 at the earliest. Photo: Cult of Mac/Apple/Paul Inkles
Apple’s smallest tablet may be getting a significant upgrade soon, with iPad mini 8 expected to adopt OLED display technology by late 2026, according to Chinese leaker Instant Digital. The third quarter of next year at the earliest, they said.
The iPad mini made a big splash for such a tiny device. Photo: Apple
November 2, 2012: The first iPad mini goes on sale, shrinking both the size and the price tag of Apple’s groundbreaking tablet computer.
With a reduced screen size of 7.9 inches – instead of the then-standard 9.7 inches – the original iPad mini is the fifth iPad to be released by Apple. Critics hail Apple’s most affordable iPad ever, although some people complain about the tablet’s lack of a Retina display.
Do you want a water-resistant iPad? Photo: Ian Fuchs/Cult of Mac
Apple could bring the iPhone’s water-resistant design to the iPad. The company has internally tested an iPad mini casing with an IP rating.
Unlike iPhones, iPads typically aren’t exposed to the same environmental challenges. So, Apple never made iPads with an IP rating, but that could eventually change.
Add iPad mini to the list of Apple devices getting an OLED screen. Image: Cult of Mac/Apple/Paul Inkles
The next-generation iPad mini will be upgraded with a gorgeous OLED display, according to a generally reliable source of Apple insider info. It’s apparently part of a drive that will eventually see an OLED screen coming to the iPad Air, too. But there’s bad news about the budget iPad.
The move comes as the oft-predicted OLED MacBook Pro moves closer to release.
Don’t pay full price for the iPad mini 7. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
A iPad mini deal knocks a sweet $120 off the cost of the 7th-generation tablet. That’s up to 25% off, the best price we’ve ever seen for the ultra-portable computer. And the sale includes a range of colors and storage capacities.
The special price is timed to be part of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days but is also available from rival retailer Best Buy.
iPad is getting a speed boost. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The 2026 version of the budget iPad will be able to use Apple Intelligence thanks to an A18 processor, according to information leaking out of Apple. And the next Apple TV 4K refresh could feature Apple’s A17 Pro chip. The company is working on an iPad mini update with an A19 Pro chip, too.
Internal code accidentally shared by Apple revealed key details about these upcoming devices and their processor upgrades.
Save big on M4 iPad Pro and M3 iPad Air and more… if you don’t delay. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
Good news for anyone in the market for an iPad: Amazon Prime Day brings low prices on every tablet Apple makes. But that’s underselling it — there are amazing deals here!
The budget iPad 11 is down to a rock-bottom price, and so is the iPad mini. And Amazon significantly cut the Price of iPad Pro and iPad Air, too. We’re talking deals as good as 24% off. You can save hundreds of dollars.
iPad repair is doable, but it’s far, far from easy. Image: Gemini/Cult of Mac
Apple now offers tools and parts to repair your own iPad, but the instructions provided by Apple show that working on one of its tablets is not for the faint of heart.
Just removing the screen from an iPad Pro is a 32-step process that requires special tools to detach the glue, tape and screws holding everything together.
With a variety of models to choose from, what the best iPad for you? Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
You want the best iPad, but shopping for one can be overwhelming. Apple sells six iPad models in a wide range of sizes, prices and capabilities. Our iPad comparison explains the strengths and weaknesses of each model. You don’t want to get one that doesn’t have all the features you want, but you also don’t want to pay too much for features you won’t use.
Here’s some straightforward advice on picking the best iPad for you.
Here's the iPad mini, fresh from the River Thames after five years submerged. Photo: Metropolitan Police Service
An iPad retrieved from the River Thames in London — after sitting underwater and lodged in mud for more than five years — became the crucial piece of evidence that helped police solve a complex international criminal network. The crime ring involved museum heists, luxury robberies and an attempted murder, according to a new report. No big surprise that iPad evidence helps convict criminals — except under these extreme conditions.
The extraordinary case highlights the remarkable resilience of Apple’s iPad technology. It maintained crucial evidence integrity even after years of submersion. The case also demonstrates how digital devices can become key pieces of evidence in solving complex criminal investigations. And that’s even when criminals believe they have successfully disposed of incriminating technology.
Whether watching videos or creating amazing art, find the perfect iPad at a sale price. Image: Cult of Mac
Stop procrastinating on the new iPad, iPad Pro or iPad Air you’ve been wanting. You can buy one now and save up to $200 with the iPad sales currently available.
Apple’s tablets are great whether you only want something to watch video on or are looking for a light-duty notebook. And a wide variety of models are now on sale at up to 17% off!
Your next MacBook could have an OLED screen. Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple intends to introduce its first MacBooks with an OLED screen in 2026, according to industry analysts. And the iPad mini will allegedly go OLED that same year. Apple’s full transition to OLED will take until 2028, though.
And that’s supposedly the same year the company will introduce a computer with an 18.8-inch foldable display.
Grab an iPad mini for less with this refurb deal. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
Looking for a device that’s small enough to carry anywhere but powerful enough to handle everything? This fifth-gen, grade-A refurbished iPad mini combines portability and performance, and it’s on sale for a limited time for just $279.99.
With Wi-Fi and cellular capabilities, a sleek 7.9-inch Retina display and the powerful A12 Bionic chip, it’s the perfect mix of productivity and entertainment.
iPad Pro sells very well. iPad mini… not so much. Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Trying to decide which Apple tablet is right for you? Knowing which is the most popular might help. And there’s no doubt which one earns the top spot: iPad Pro.
You can probably guess the second most purchased iPadOS model.
The new Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 is well-suited to iPad mini 6 or the new iPad mini 7. Photo: Pitaka
Pitaka designed the protective and stylish new MagEZ Folio 2 for iPad Mini 6 and the new iPad Mini 7 with A17 Pro chip, the company said Monday.
“The MagEZ Folio 2 is designed to enhance the portability, versatility and protection of the latest iPad Mini models,” Pitaka told Cult of Mac. “With a focus on flexibility and user convenience, this new folio cover is set to redefine the iPad experience and is available in black, white and blue color options.”
iPad mini 7's teardown raises more questions than it answers. Screenshot: iFixit
iFixit’s iPad mini 7 teardown reveals that Apple made almost no internal changes to the device. Its internal layout is also the same as that of the iPad mini 6.
Interestingly, rumors previously indicated Apple rotating the iPad mini 7’s display controller to fix the jelly scrolling issue. But that’s not the case.
The new iPad mini looks just like the old one. Photo: Apple
Apple’s new iPad mini with Apple Intelligence support is now on sale. Announced on October 15th, the iPad mini 7 sports an A17 Pro chip.
Despite Apple Intelligence being a key highlight, the new iPad mini will launch with iPadOS 18, meaning buyers must wait a few days to get the new AI-powered features.