Ahead of the expected imminent release of the new iPad Mini 8, reports from Asia suggest that the device will feature OLED display instead of the 120Hz ProMotion display. This news has caused a stir among Apple fans, as many expected the new iPad mini to incorporate the more advanced display technology already used in other products by the company.
See also: New Mac mini, OLED iPad mini and AirPods 5 coming soon
The information comes from an unreliable tipster who runs the account “yeux1122” on the Korean blog Naver. “There have been reports of 120Hz in some foreign reports, but the domestic production quantity has already been confirmed to be LTPS at 60Hz,” the tipster wrote. “That’s it.” This statement comes to confirm previous rumors circulating since July, when the same tipster had reported that the new iPad mini would be equipped with a hybrid OLED low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) panel with a 60Hz refresh rate.
Display technology is one of the most critical features that define a device's user experience. Apple's iPad Pro models feature a two-layer low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED panel, which enables the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate between 10Hz and 120Hz, also known as ProMotion. This allows for a smoother user experience, especially in applications that require fast response, such as gaming and video editing.
In contrast, LTPS OLED panels are usually paired with fixed refresh rates – such as 60Hz, 90Hz, or 120Hz – and are typically darker than LTPO panels.
If the leak is true, it's likely to disappoint iPad mini fans. Previous reports were unclear on whether the iPad mini 8 would feature a higher refresh rate than the 60Hz LCD display used in the existing iPad mini 7. Given that the base iPhone 17 uses a 120Hz ProMotion panel, some would think it'd be reasonable to expect the same in the first OLED iPad mini.
See also: Rumors about MacBook Pro with OLED display: "Significantly lighter"
Still, the iPhone 17e shows that Apple is still in the 60Hz OLED market, so it may not consider the iPad mini a big enough market to justify more advanced panel technology.
There are at least a few other new features of the new iPad mini 8 that we can expect. It should come with a faster A20 Pro chip, which will offer improved performance and power efficiency. The FaceTime camera will be moved from a vertical to a horizontal layout, which will make it easier to make video calls in landscape mode. In addition, the new iPad mini will feature a redesigned speaker system for better sound quality and a water-resistant design, offering greater durability in everyday use.
The new iPad mini is expected sometime in October, but Apple has yet to announce a release date. Apple will unveil some new home products on Tuesday, October 13, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. However, MacRumors’ sources suggest that Apple is planning to hold a separate event in the last week of October, so the iPad mini 8 could arrive then.
Apple's decision to go with a 60Hz OLED display for the iPad mini 8 may reflect a strategic choice to keep costs down, making the device more affordable to a wider audience. At the same time, keeping ProMotion technology for the more expensive models could enhance Apple's product differentiation, offering different options depending on consumer needs and preferences.
See also: Rumors of MacBook Pro with OLED touchscreen to be released in October or November
In any case, the launch of the iPad mini 8 is eagerly awaited, as it will offer a number of improvements and new features that will enhance the user experience for consumers. Apple's final decision on display technology will largely determine the market response and success of this new device.
