Next iPad mini could overshadow the iPad Air
A rumored iPad mini is expected at Apple's 'Pro and Tell' event with an OLED screen, an IP rating, and a 2nm processor. The article argues that these upgrades could make the mini a better mid-range choice than the iPad Air, especially after the Air's price rose by $150. It suggests the Air may no longer have a clear place in Apple's tablet lineup.
Apple’s rumored “Pro and Tell” event is expected to bring an iPad mini with an OLED panel, a formal water-resistance rating, and a 2nm A20 Pro chip. The article says this would make the mini the first non-Pro iPad to adopt OLED and the first iPad to carry an official liquid-resistance certification.
The report adds that the mini would include 12GB of RAM, the same amount as the M4 iPad Pro, and could beat the iPad Air’s M-series chip in some workloads. Meanwhile, the Air now costs $150 more and has lacked a substantial refresh for years, weakening its mid-range appeal.
The rumored mini could affect compact-tablet buyers who value durability, portability, and media quality, possibly making it a stronger default than the pricier Air. Apple’s lineup and pricing choices may also shape how rivals position mid-range tablets, while existing Air owners could see slower upgrade appeal or resale value. These effects remain speculative until Apple confirms the device and its price.