Apple could be preparing a big update for the iPad mini lineup, and this time, it may borrow one of the most popular hardware features from the iPhone. According to recent reports from industry insiders, the 2026 iPad mini might include an OLED display, similar to the one found on the latest iPhone models.
The move would mark a major shift for Apple’s smallest tablet, which currently uses a Liquid Retina LCD screen. An OLED panel would bring richer colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast — something that fans have been waiting for since the iPad mini’s last redesign in 2021.
Sources familiar with Apple’s supply chain suggest that Samsung and LG Display are already working on OLED panels tailored for smaller tablets. This aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to transition its entire iPad lineup to OLED by 2026, beginning with the iPad Pro models in 2024.
In addition to the display upgrade, the next iPad mini is expected to feature a new A17 or A18 Bionic chip, delivering faster performance and improved battery life. Apple might also refine the device’s design to make it more consistent with the iPhone 16 series, potentially adding slimmer bezels and enhanced color options.
If Apple sticks to its usual release pattern, the OLED iPad mini could debut in late 2026, offering a more premium experience for users who prefer compact tablets without compromising on performance or visuals.
While nothing is official yet, the possibility of an iPhone-like OLED display on the iPad mini has already generated excitement among Apple fans — and if the rumors prove true, 2026 might finally be the year the mini gets a major glow-up.