Apple iPad mini OLED: 8th-gen tablet gets A20 Pro, $699 price

The iPad mini starts at $699 for 128GB Wi-Fi. Upgrading to 256GB costs $100 more, and 512GB adds $300. The nano-texture display is a $100 upsell but only available on 256GB and 512GB models. Cellular connectivity starts at $849 for 128GB.

This marks another price increase for Apple. The 7th-gen iPad mini launched at $499 in 2024, later rose to $599, and the new model adds another $100. Preorders begin October 28, with in-store and delivery availability on November 6.

Despite the upgrades, the new iPad mini still has a 60Hz display. This has become the main talking point online, with many users expressing disappointment. "700 bucks and no 120hz display?" one commenter wrote. Another said, "60Hz in 2026. Apple should be ashamed."

Apple likely knows its market: the iPad mini has long been a favorite for business uses like restaurant ordering and inventory management, where high refresh rates matter little. Still, competitors like the Redmagic Astra 2 offer 185Hz, and even many budget devices now feature 120Hz. Whether Apple's decision will hurt sales remains to be seen.

If you're in Tunisia, the new iPad mini isn't officially available through Apple's local store yet, and no Tunisian pricing has been announced. Based on the US price of $699, expect a local price around 2,030 TND before taxes and import fees, though actual retail pricing may be higher.

For those who value a compact tablet with a great screen for reading, streaming, and note-taking, the OLED upgrade is a solid reason to consider it. But if you need a high refresh rate for gaming or smooth scrolling, you might want to look at alternatives like the Redmagic Astra 2, which offers a 185Hz display for a similar price. The iPad mini remains a strong choice for business and casual users, but gamers may be left wanting.