New iPad mini 8 (officially iPad mini with A20 Pro chip) features an 8.5-inch OLED display, IP67 resistance, speakers that play through the screen, and a front camera on the longer edge. It is also thinner and lighter than the iPad mini 7 with the A17 Pro chip.
Covers, glasses, and Smart Folio from the iPad mini 7 do not fit the new model, as the dimensions of the casing and screen have changed. The Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) work with both models.
Apple unveiled the new iPad mini on October 26, 2026. Pre-orders in Poland start on October 28 at 6:10 PM, and sales begin on November 6. Below is a point-by-point comparison.
iPad mini 8 (A20 Pro). Photo: Apple.
5 key changes in iPad mini 8
- 8.5-inch OLED display instead of 8.3-inch LCD, with brightness up to 1200 nits in HDR.
- A20 Pro chip, but in 128 and 256 GB versions with a 5-core processor.
- IP67 resistance, first time in iPad mini.
- Speakers in the screen and front camera on the longer edge.
- New casing: thinner and narrower, so covers and glasses from iPad mini 7 do not fit.
iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7: differences table
| Feature | iPad mini 7 (A17 Pro, 2024) | iPad mini 8 (A20 Pro, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 8.3″, LCD, 2266 × 1488 | 8.5″, OLED, 2316 × 1512 |
| Brightness | 500 nits | 600 nits, HDR up to 1200 |
| Matte nanostructure | ❌ | ✅ in 256 and 512 GB versions |
| Chip | A17 Pro | A20 Pro |
| CPU Cores | 6 | 5 (128 and 256 GB) or 6 (512 GB) |
| GPU Cores | 5 | 7 |
| Water Resistance | ❌ | ✅ IP67 |
| Front Camera | 12 MP, shorter edge | 12 MP, longer edge |
| Speakers | with openings in the housing | play through the screen |
| Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
| Fast Charging | ❌ | ✅ up to 50% in 30 min (35 W+ charger) |
| Dimensions | 195.4 × 134.8 × 6.3 mm | 195.3 × 132.6 × 5.4 mm |
| Weight (Wi-Fi) | 293 g | 255 g |
| Colors | space gray, blue, purple, moonlight glow | midnight, moonlight glow |
| Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C | ✅ | ✅ |
Data according to iPad mini (A20 Pro) specifications and iPad mini (A17 Pro) technical data.
Screen: OLED instead of LCD
The biggest change is the OLED display. It has deeper blacks and higher contrast than the LCD in the iPad mini 7, and in HDR movies, it brightens up to 1200 nits. The diagonal has grown from 8.3 to 8.5 inches because the bezels are 24% thinner. The pixel density remains the same: 326 ppi.
In the 256 and 512 GB versions, you can pay extra for a matte nanotexture that reduces glare. This is an option known from the iPad Pro and MacBook Pros.
Apple does not mention ProMotion, which is the 120 Hz refresh rate. According to MacRumors, the display therefore most likely operates at 60 Hz, just like in the iPad mini 7.
iPad mini 8 in northern light and moonlight glow colors. Photos: Apple.
Performance: A20 Pro, but beware of the 128 GB version
The iPad mini 8 has the A20 Pro chip, the same as the iPhone 18 Pro. According to Apple, the graphics are up to 2.7 times faster, and AI tasks are up to 4.5 times faster than in its predecessor.
There is one catch that few people mention. The 128 and 256 GB versions have a 5-core processor, which is one core less than the iPad mini 7. The full A20 Pro with 6 cores and a dual Neural Engine is only available in the 512 GB version. The graphics have 7 cores in all versions.
In everyday use, such as browsing, watching movies, and taking notes, this core difference won’t matter. In gaming and heavy applications, the new graphics will provide an advantage.
New Features: IP67, Speakers in the Screen, and Horizontal Camera
- IP67: The iPad mini 8 can withstand immersion at a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes. The iPad mini 7 had no waterproof rating.
- Speakers Under the Screen: Sound comes through the screen, and the casing has no speaker openings.
- Front Camera on the Longer Edge: More convenient for video calls when holding the tablet horizontally.
- Fast Charging: Up to 50% in about 30 minutes with a USB-C power adapter of at least 35 W.
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 instead of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Touch ID in the top button, USB-C port (USB 3, up to 10 Gb/s), and the 12 MP rear camera remain unchanged. The declared battery life is also the same: up to 10 hours.
iPad mini 8 with Apple Pencil. Photo: Apple.
Prices in Poland
| Memory | iPad mini 8 Wi-Fi | iPad mini 8 Wi-Fi + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 128 GB | 3,499 PLN | 4,299 PLN |
| 256 GB | 3,999 PLN | 4,799 PLN |
| 512 GB | 4,999 PLN | 5,799 PLN |
Prices according to Apple’s store in Poland as of October 28, 2026. The matte nanotech finish costs 500 PLN more.
Apple no longer sells the new iPad mini 7. At the time of publication, it can be purchased at the Apple store as refurbished, starting from 2,529 PLN for the 128 GB Wi-Fi version. Before the successor’s launch, the new iPad mini 7 cost 2,999 PLN at Apple.
Does the case for iPad mini 7 fit iPad mini 8?
No. The iPad mini 8 is 2.2 mm narrower and 0.9 mm thinner. Additionally, the front camera has moved to a different edge, and the speaker openings are gone. Cases for iPad mini 6 and 7 will be too loose on the new model, and the cutouts will not align with the camera.
The original Smart Folio does not fit either. Apple sells the new TechWoven Smart Folio, which according to the Apple store is compatible only with the iPad mini (A20 Pro).
The first cases for the new model are already in the store:
ESR Rebound Magnetic for iPad mini 8 in black.
ESR Rebound Magnetic for iPad mini 8 in navy blue.
ESR Rebound Magnetic is a magnetic flap case. It is available in black and navy blue. More cases and glass for the iPad mini 8 will be added to the iPad mini accessories category.
Does the glass from the iPad mini 7 fit the iPad mini 8?
No. The new screen has a larger diagonal (8.5 instead of 8.3 inches) and thinner bezels. The glass for the iPad mini 7 will have different dimensions and will not cover the screen to the edge. We do not have glass for the iPad mini 8 in our offer yet, but it will be available after the launch.
If you are sticking with the iPad mini 7, you can still find accessories for it in the store.
UAG Plyo Folio for iPad mini 6 and 7.
Glass for iPad mini 7: Bizon Glass Tab Clear and GrizzGlass HybridGlass.
For the iPad mini 7, we recommend among others:
- UAG Plyo Folio: durable folio case,
- Mercury Bulletproof: transparent back,
- Bizon Glass Tab Clear: two tempered glasses included,
- GrizzGlass HybridGlass: hybrid glass,
- Paperlike 3.0: paper-like film, for those who write a lot with a stylus.
Apple Pencil, styluses, and chargers: this fits both
Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) work with the iPad mini 7 and iPad mini 8. This is confirmed by the Apple Pencil page. If you already have a stylus, you don’t need to buy a new one.
According to Apple, the Apple Pencil Pro costs 649 PLN, while the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is 399 PLN. A cheaper alternative is styluses from other brands. However, their compatibility with the iPad mini 8 has not yet been confirmed by the manufacturers, so check the description before purchasing. You can find a ranking of models in the text the best stylus for iPad.
Chargers and USB-C cables also fit both models. In Poland, the iPad mini box contains only the cable, without a power adapter. To take advantage of fast charging for the iPad mini 8, you need a power adapter with a minimum output of 35 W. You can find them in the power adapters category.
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iPad mini 8 or iPad mini 7: which one to choose?
| Your situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| You are buying your first iPad mini and care about the display | iPad mini 8, which has OLED |
| You read and watch in bed or in the bathtub | iPad mini 8 with IP67 |
| You want to spend as little as possible | refurbished iPad mini 7 from Apple |
| You have an iPad mini 7 and are satisfied with it | stick with it |
| You have an iPad mini 6 or older | iPad mini 8 |
| You play demanding games | iPad mini 8 in 512 GB version, with full A20 Pro |
Summary
- iPad mini 8 is the biggest change in the series’ history: OLED, IP67, speakers in the display, and a lighter case.
- 128 and 256 GB versions have a 5-core processor. Full A20 Pro is only in the 512 GB version.
- Cases, glass protectors, and Smart Folio from iPad mini 7 do not fit. Apple Pencil and chargers do.
- Prices in Poland start at 3,499 PLN, and sales begin on November 6.
Read more about Apple’s October news in the article Apple Pro and Tell: touch MacBook Pro and iPad mini OLED.
FAQ
What is the difference between iPad mini 8 and iPad mini 7?
The iPad mini 8 has an 8.5-inch OLED display instead of an 8.3-inch LCD, an A20 Pro chip, IP67 resistance, speakers that play through the screen, a front camera on the longer edge, and fast charging. It is also thinner (5.4 mm) and lighter (255 g).
Does the case for the iPad mini 7 fit the iPad mini 8?
No. The new iPad mini is 2.2 mm narrower and 0.9 mm thinner, has a differently placed front camera, and does not have speaker openings. You need a case for the iPad mini 8 (2026).
Does the Apple Pencil work with the iPad mini 8?
Yes. The Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) work with both the iPad mini 7 and the iPad mini 8.
How much does the iPad mini 8 cost in Poland?
Starting from 3,499 PLN for the 128 GB Wi-Fi version. The version with a modem costs from 4,299 PLN.
When will the iPad mini 8 go on sale?
Pre-orders in Poland start on October 28, 2026, at 6:10 PM, and sales begin on November 6.
Does the iPad mini 8 have ProMotion?
Apple does not specify, so it most likely does not. The display has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, just like the iPad mini 7.
