Apple to Update iPad Mini With OLED Display in 2026 [Report]

Samsung has started development of OLED display panels for a new iPad mini, reports ZDNet Korea. The new iPad mini is expected to launch in early 2026, roughly two years after the launch of the new iPad Pro, which is Apple's first tablet to feature an OLED display.

Samsung Display started developing 8-inch panel samples for the iPad Mini last month. A few domestic partner companies involved in the initial development have also started responding to this initiative. Additionally, Samsung Display has plans to mass-produce these panels at its Cheonan A2 line. The A2 line primarily produces 5.5th generation rigid OLEDs, and there's a trend of increasing the production ratio of tablet panels over smartphone panels.

It's estimated that mass production of panels could begin in the second half of 2025 at the earliest.


A source said, "Samsung Display started developing OLED iPad Mini samples last month at Apple's request. Following initial sample development in the first half of this year, it is expected to enter the development phase for mass production within the year."

Samsung is expected to supply 4-5 million panels for the 11-inch OLED iPad Pro this year. Shipments for the OLED iPad mini could be higher at around 10 million units; however, the panel price will be lower for the smaller 8-inch display.

Apple is also expected to bring OLED to the iPad Air in 2026. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more iPad updates.