Apple has launched a new iPad mini with a bigger 8.5-inch screen, a thinner body and protection against water and dust, according to an Apple press release issued on October 26, 2026. The new iPad mini starts at $699 in the US, which is about Rs. 193,500.
That is $200 more than the last model. The previous iPad mini was announced on October 15, 2024, and started at $499 for 128GB of storage. In rupees, the jump works out to roughly Rs. 55,400.
The price in rupees
These rupee figures use the State Bank of Pakistan’s rate of about Rs. 277 to the dollar. The SBP rate was Rs. 276.82 on Friday, October 23, 2026. The figures do not include import duty, taxes or shop margins, so local prices will be higher.
Apple’s press release says pre-orders open in 36 countries and regions but does not name Pakistan. Apple also has no official store here. Most Pakistani buyers will get the tablet through local resellers and importers.
| Item | US price | In rupees (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| iPad mini, Wi-Fi (from) | $699 | Rs. 193,500 |
| iPad mini, Wi-Fi + Cellular (from) | $849 | Rs. 235,000 |
| iPad mini, student price (from) | $649 | Rs. 179,700 |
| Smart Folio cover | $79 | Rs. 21,900 |
| Apple Pencil Pro | $129 | Rs. 35,700 |
| Apple Pencil (USB-C) | $79 | Rs. 21,900 |
Bigger screen, same size
The screen grows from 8.3 inches to 8.5 inches. The tablet itself is not bigger, because Apple made the borders around the screen 24% thinner.
The screen now uses OLED, the type found on top-end phones. It shows deeper blacks and sharper contrast. Apple says it gets more than twice as bright as the old model at its peak, which helps in strong sunlight. It can also dim right down for reading in bed.
Buyers can also choose an anti-glare finish, called nano-texture, which Apple first offered on the iPad Pro.
The body is now 5.4 mm thin. The 2024 model measured 6.3 mm. It comes in two colours, midnight and starlight, with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage.
Rain and dust protection
For the first time, the iPad mini has an IP67 rating. In simple words, Apple tested it in water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes, and it keeps dust out.
There is a catch. Apple’s own fine print says this protection can weaken over time with normal use. Water damage is also not covered by the warranty. So rain or a splash is fine, but it is not built for swimming.
Faster chip, louder sound
Inside is Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, the tablet’s “brain.” Based on Apple’s own tests, AI tasks run up to 4.5 times faster than on the last model. Graphics run up to 2.7 times faster, which helps with games. Everyday multitasking is up to 60% faster.
The front camera has moved to the long side of the tablet. This keeps your face centred on video calls when you hold it sideways. The back camera now has a flash, which helps with photos and scanning documents.
Apple has also redesigned the speakers to give louder sound and deeper bass. Other upgrades include Wi-Fi 7, fast charging and, on SIM models, mobile data up to 50% faster.
Dave Pakula, Apple’s Vice President of Hardware Engineering, called the new model “a huge leap forward” for people who like a full iPad they can hold in one hand.
Siri AI arrives in test form
The tablet runs iPadOS 27. It will get Siri AI, a new version of Siri that can understand what is on your screen and answer broader questions. It is arriving as a beta, or test version, with iPadOS 27.2.
Apple lists English among the supported languages for Siri AI, but Urdu is not on the list. Apple also says some features may not work in every country.
Orders open October 28
Pre-orders start on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, through Apple’s website and app. Deliveries and store sales begin on Friday, November 6, 2026. The new Smart Folio cover, in navy blue and taupe, goes on order the same day.
