Apple’s new iPad mini is up to 2.7x faster for graphics, and that’s not even its biggest upgrade

By Shaun Conroy 27 October 2026, updated 29 October 2026 1 min read Add us on

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AI performance gets a boost
More than just a processor upgrade

Apple has unveiled its latest iPad mini, bringing a substantial performance boost to its smallest tablet. Powered by the new A20 Pro chip, the device promises up to 2.7 times faster graphics performance, alongside major improvements to AI processing and everyday multitasking. The new chip is built using Apple’s latest 2-nanometer process technology and features a seven-core GPU with Neural Accelerators in every core. It also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, making the new iPad mini considerably more capable of handling demanding games and 3D applications.

AI performance gets a boost

According to Apple, the A20 Pro delivers up to 4.5 times faster AI performance than the previous-generation iPad mini. That additional processing power is designed to support more demanding on-device AI applications, including image generation, creative tools, and local language models. The 512GB configuration also features a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, providing 32 cores for more intensive AI workloads. Apple says this delivers twice the processing power of the previous generation, with applications such as Draw Things and Detail among those benefiting from the additional capability.

Elsewhere, the A20 Pro offers up to 60% faster multithreaded CPU performance, while unified memory bandwidth has more than doubled. These improvements should help with everyday multitasking, photo editing, and other demanding applications, although Apple’s performance figures have yet to be independently verified.

More than just a processor upgrade

The new iPad mini also introduces an 8.5-inch OLED display, replacing the previous generation’s LCD panel. Despite the larger screen, Apple has maintained the tablet’s compact footprint by reducing bezel thickness by 24%.

Peak brightness reaches 1,200 nits, while a new nano-texture option is available to reduce reflections. The tablet is also thinner at just 5.4mm and, for the first time, carries an IP67 water and dust resistance rating. Connectivity has improved with Apple’s N1 wireless chip supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, while cellular models feature the new C2 modem, promising up to 50% faster cellular data speeds.

The new iPad mini (A20 Pro) starts at $599 in the US for the 128GB Wi-Fi model, with availability beginning November 6th.