Quick Summary
Apple might be cutting corners with its next iPad mini, thought to be coming later this year.
While it is expected to switch to an OLED display, it is claimed that it will retain a 60Hz refresh rate – a lot lower than many rivals.
Apple will reportedly release a new iPad mini later this year, according to several rumours flying around, but one leaker has also revealed some less welcome news.
The iPad mini 8 could feature a significant upgrade by adopting an 8.4-inch hybrid OLED display – the current model comes with an IPS LCD panel. This would give it improved black levels and colour saturation, while an LTPS back panel could ensure it is capable of brighter images, too.
However, according to Korean tipster yeux1122 (via MacRumors), the OLED panel used will continue to be locked to 60Hz. This allegedly comes from the display supply chain, with "mass production" said to be "underway".
The iPad Pro models have used OLED panels for a while, but they're capable of 120Hz refresh rates. Same with the iPhone 17 models (bar the 17e). So it seems a shame that a device that is be seen as an all-rounder might miss out.
Can 60Hz still cut it in the face of the competition?
Rival tablets of its size often have panels capable of at least 120Hz. The gaming-centric RedMagic Astra goes up to 185Hz, in fact. And that sports an OLED display, as well.
Hopefully though, Apple will manage to keep the price down. It has recently raised prices across most of its products, in response to the ongoing global components crisis, but the iPad mini is traditionally its more accessible tablet.
And, with the iPhone Ultra looming large, which is effectively a foldable iPad mini, surely the actual iPad mini will be now seen as an alternative for those that can't justify the Ultra's expected costs (over $2,000, it is said).
We should find out soon enough, with previous suggestions that the new mini will arrive in October, along with a potential MacBook Pro refresh. We'll keep you up to date with any further goings-on in the meantime.
