Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPad mini 8 as early as the third quarter of the upcoming year. This particular model is poised to make history as the first in its line to feature an OLED screen. It will join the iPad Air (which is anticipated to adopt this technology as early as 2027) as the second product in the iPad series to embrace this cutting - edge display technology.

When compared to LCD screens, OLED displays come with a host of benefits. For instance, they can deliver deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and higher contrast ratios.

The iPad mini 8 will also be powered by the A19 Pro chip, the same high - performance processor found in the latest iPhones. This chip is expected to bring about a modest yet noticeable improvement in both speed and energy efficiency, enhancing the overall user experience.

In addition, Apple is in the process of developing a brand - new vibrating speaker system for the iPad mini 8. This innovative system is not only designed to deliver superior audio quality but also to help the device achieve waterproof and dustproof capabilities, making it more resilient in various environments.

However, these enhancements come at a cost. Due to the incorporation of an OLED screen and the addition of waterproof support, the price of the iPad mini 8 is projected to increase. It is estimated that the price hike could reach up to $100. For reference, the current starting price of the iPad mini stands at $499.