iPad mini – Image courtesy of Apple
Apple’s next iPad mini update is expected to include OLED, but given Apple’s typical lag between releases, that could be years away.
Apple has released the 7th generation iPad mini with an LED-backlit LCD screen. The display technology of this model is not likely to change immediately, but it may switch to OLED in the next update.
In a response to an X post discussing the iPad mini, display supply chain consultant CEO Ross Young said late Wednesday that “the next iPad mini will have OLED.” Ta.
Other than a six-word response, Young did not elaborate further on the allegations. But it’s a suggestion that may ultimately be correct.
Young, and by extension DSCC, are pretty accurate when it comes to display-related rumors and analysis. Given the relatively limited details of the post and other previous rumors and reports, the replies to his post are quite plausible.
pretty safe bet
There have been repeated rumors that an OLED iPad mini is in development and coming. In 2023, there were rumors that a new iPad mini display and iPad Air screen using OLED would arrive in 2026.
By May 2024, it was reported that major display partner Samsung Display is working on a new display for the iPad Mini, expected by 2026. Samples using OLED will be sent to Apple in April for consideration, with mass production expected to begin in the second half of 2025.
It also confirms Apple’s claim that the model’s update release schedule for the next iPad mini isn’t all that urgent. There was a gap of 3 years between the 7th and 6th generation, 2.5 years between the 6th and 5th generation, and 3.5 years between the 5th and 4th generation.
If released in late 2026, the gap between the current generation and the next model will be just two years.
It’s entirely possible that Apple will introduce new iPad minis more regularly. Especially following the planned spec enhancement update for the latest iPad mini. Based on the past four generations, it seems unlikely that we’ll see significantly faster updates for the smallest Apple tablets any sooner than 2026.
