iPad mini (2026) review: great OLED display, waterproof and dustproof, and fast A20 Pro chip, but it is expensive, no 120Hz display, and still lacks Face ID

The new iPad Mini is now durable enough to withstand spills and dust, making it suitable for use around the kitchen or with children.

Apple's 2026 iPad Mini introduces a larger 8.5-inch OLED display and an A20 Pro chip, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The device now boasts IP67 water and dust resistance, enhancing its durability for use in demanding environments like kitchens or workshops, and making it more resilient to everyday accidents. Despite these advancements, the iPad Mini retains a 60Hz refresh rate display, lacking Apple's ProMotion technology, and continues to rely on Touch ID instead of Face ID. The base model starts at $699 for 128GB of storage, with a 512GB model featuring a nano-texture matte display costing $1,249, positioning it as the most expensive iPad Mini ever released. The tablet is thinner and lighter, with battery life remaining around nine hours.

The iPad Mini's new IP67 rating signifies a major shift towards ruggedness, positioning it as a device suitable for professional field use or everyday durability against spills and dust. This increased resilience, coupled with the enhanced OLED display and powerful A20 Pro chip, makes it a more capable tool for specific applications, moving beyond casual consumption to potentially replace paper-based workflows in environments where traditional tablets might fail. Apple's strategic choice to prioritize durability and usability over features like a 120Hz display or Face ID suggests a deliberate market segmentation for the Mini.

The elevated price point, with the base model starting at $699 and configurations reaching $1,249, positions the iPad Mini as a premium niche device. This strategy may alienate some long-time users who expect more value at its price, but it also signals Apple's confidence in a dedicated user base willing to pay for its unique combination of size, durability, and performance. Future iterations will likely continue to balance these factors, with the market watching if Apple will eventually incorporate ProMotion or if the Mini's identity will remain tied to its current compromises.