iPad devices have always been a focal point for Apple enthusiasts, and the conversation is now centered on the upcoming iPad mini, which is highly expected to finally transition to the world of OLED displays. However, as is often the case with Apple, there seems to be a bitter pill to swallow; the latest leaks from the supply chain suggest that this long-awaited upgrade might not be as exciting or thrilling as we all hoped for in terms of achieving a super-smooth browsing experience.
Leaks shock 120Hz fans
According to a new report published by the well-known leaker yeux1122 via the South Korean blog Naver, the upcoming iPad mini will indeed include an OLED display, but it will retain a refresh rate of only 60Hz! Yes, you read that correctly; there is no sign of the 120Hz ProMotion technology seen in iPad Pro devices or iPhone Pro models, which could be a major disappointment for users accustomed to fast displays.
Although this leaker’s track record has some inconsistencies at times, this news aligns perfectly with Apple’s usual policy of drip-feeding and stinginess with features. Apple first introduced the term ProMotion in 2017 with the second generation of the iPad Pro, which had LCD screens at the time, and kept it as an exclusive feature for high-end models. Even when the iPhone moved to OLED displays with the iPhone X in the same year, it took four full years for the 120Hz feature to reach the iPhone 13 Pro, and here we are waiting for more years to see it in standard devices.
OLED display roadmap for iPad devices
Since late 2023, Apple has been striving to transition most of its iPad devices to OLED technology. The start was very strong with the iPad Pro, equipped with the ultra-thin M4 chip and its Tandem OLED display. But what about the rest of the family? Previous reports from the supply chain indicated that only iPad Pro devices would receive advanced LTPO displays that support variable refresh rates, while iPad Air and iPad mini devices would receive single-layer LTPS displays.
This LTPS technology is the same one Apple used in the displays of the iPhone 12 through the standard iPhone 16, which operate at a fixed refresh rate of 60Hz. As for the iPad Air, reports previously indicated the possibility of seeing OLED displays in it by 2026, but with recent updates and Apple retaining the current generation of iPad Air with M4 chips, it seems that the OLED upgrade for Air devices might be delayed until 2027 or even 2028, leaving the stage for the iPad mini to be the next hero of OLED displays in the mid-range category.
When will we see the new iPad mini and what is the upcoming processor?
The iPad mini remains the strongest candidate to receive an OLED update soon, especially since its small screen makes production less complex and costly compared to larger devices, and because this device remains on the market for long periods without updates compared to other devices. The current version of the iPad mini (7th generation) was launched in late 2024 and received a modified version of the A17 Pro chip to run AI features while maintaining a reasonable price.
With the dwindling stock of these older chips, questions are mounting about the processor the next OLED version will receive. Previous expectations pointed to the A18 Pro chip, but with Apple allocating this chip to the new budget MacBook Neo to meet high demand, Apple might surprise us by putting the A19 Pro chip in the upcoming 2026 iPad mini, ensuring its superiority and longevity for many years to come without the need for a quick update.
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