Some gadgets slip into your bag without a second thought, and the new iPad mini is one of them. We tested it ahead of its launch, and the big news is easy to spot: a larger OLED screen in a size that hasn’t changed. It arrived in-stores on Friday, November 6.
A screen that’s a treat
At 8.5 inches, the OLED display brings deeper blacks and richer colours, great for watching a series, reading or flipping through recipes. It’s also much brighter, and an optional anti-glare glass helps when the sun gets in the way.
Thinner, lighter and water-resistant
At just 5.4 mm thin, it’s the slimmest iPad mini yet, offered in two pretty finishes, midnight and starlight. It also resists water and dust, which is reassuring for reading by the pool or on a rainy day, even though that resistance isn’t permanent.
Faster and smarter
Under the hood, the new A20 Pro chip makes everything quicker, from games to everyday tasks. Siri AI, available in beta in English and French, helps answer questions and find what you need, and the front camera now sits on the landscape edge, right where you want it for video calls.
Price and accessories
In Canada, the new iPad mini starts at $949 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model ($1,099 for 256GB and $1,379 for 512GB), before tax. On the accessories side, the new Smart Folio comes in navy blue and taupe, and the tablet works with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) for sketching or note-taking.
Disclosure: I received the iPad mini ahead of launch.
