Apple has given the iPad mini its most substantial redesign in years, and Malaysian buyers will not have to wait long for it. The iPad Mini 2026 starts at RM2,999 for the Wi-Fi model and RM3,699 with cellular connectivity. Pre-orders open on 29 October, with availability beginning on 6 November.
The headline change is an 8.5-inch OLED display, replacing the LCD panel used by the previous generation. Apple quotes 600 nits of full-screen brightness, up to 1,200 nits of peak HDR brightness and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. That should make the smallest iPad a much stronger option for video and photo work, although those numbers remain manufacturer claims until the tablet can be independently tested.
There is one important compromise: unlike the iPad Pro, the new mini still has a 60Hz refresh rate rather than ProMotion’s smoother 120Hz. According to SoyaCincau’s Malaysian launch coverage, buyers of the 256GB and 512GB versions can also choose nano-texture glass for an additional RM400. That option may appeal to people using the tablet outdoors, but it is not essential for everyone.
A20 Pro brings more headroom
Inside is Apple’s A20 Pro chip, configured with up to a six-core CPU and seven-core GPU. Apple says the new model offers up to 4.5 times faster AI processing, 2.7 times faster graphics and 60% stronger multithreaded CPU performance than the previous iPad mini. These comparisons are useful for showing the intended direction of the upgrade, but they are not a substitute for third-party benchmarks across sustained gaming, creative workloads and battery life.
Not every capacity has identical processing hardware. The 128GB and 256GB versions use a five-core CPU, while the 512GB model has a six-core CPU and a Dual 16-core Neural Engine for more demanding on-device AI tasks. Anyone choosing between storage capacities should therefore be aware that the top model also offers extra computational headroom, rather than treating the differences as storage alone.
The extra performance matters because the iPad mini is often used as a compact field computer rather than simply a media tablet. Apple Pencil Pro support remains, while storage choices now span 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. The new body measures 5.4mm thick and carries an IP67 rating, a meaningful addition for anyone who uses the tablet while travelling or working outdoors. As always, water and dust resistance can diminish with normal wear and should not be treated as permission to submerge the device.
A better-placed camera and newer wireless hardware
Apple has moved the 12-megapixel Center Stage front camera to the landscape edge, which should produce a more natural angle during video calls with the tablet resting in a case or on a keyboard. It is a small ergonomic correction, but one that can matter more in daily use than another paper specification.
Connectivity also takes a step forward. Apple’s N1 wireless chip adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support, while cellular versions use the company’s C2 modem. Actual Wi-Fi speeds will still depend on a compatible router, internet connection and local network conditions. The Thread radio could become useful as Matter-compatible smart-home accessories grow, but buying the tablet solely for that feature would be premature.
Small tablet, clearer premium positioning
The 2026 model makes a clearer case for the iPad mini as a premium compact tablet. OLED, the faster chip and improved durability address three of the previous model’s most obvious limitations, while the landscape camera and newer wireless hardware make it easier to live with.
Apple has also changed the sound system with what it calls Acoustic Display, pairing specially designed woofers with the display and hiding tweeters between the glass and aluminium enclosure. Apple claims richer bass and clearer treble, although the sound quality has not yet been independently assessed. Fast charging is supported as well, with Apple’s stated claim of up to 50% in around 30 minutes using a sufficiently powerful compatible charger.
That said, the RM2,999 starting price puts it close to larger tablets and lightweight laptops. Buyers who mainly browse, stream and take notes may get better value elsewhere. The iPad mini is most compelling for people who specifically need a high-performance device that can be held comfortably in one hand, mounted in a vehicle or packed into a small bag.
For Malaysian buyers, the Wi-Fi versions are priced at RM2,999 (128GB), RM3,399 (256GB) and RM4,299 (512GB). The cellular models cost RM3,699, RM4,099 and RM4,999 respectively. Apple also lists education pricing from RM2,779, while the new TechWoven Smart Folio is RM349. Malaysian pricing is official, but configuration-specific availability and delivery times may vary once orders open. The tablet will ship with iPadOS 27 and is compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C).
