Apple is preparing to take a significant step forward in display technology with the iPad mini 8, the newest member of its compact tablet lineup. The new model is expected to switch to an OLED panel and be released in the third or fourth quarter of 2026. According to industry sources, Apple is outsourcing OLED panel supply for the iPad mini 8 to Samsung.

Panel Supply Shifts to Samsung

According to ETNews, Samsung will supply approximately 3 million OLED panels annually for the new iPad mini 8, with mass production of these panels to begin in July 2026. The new-generation model, with its 8.4-inch OLED panel, will offer a significant image quality improvement over its predecessor, the iPad mini 7.

However, Apple is reportedly opting for LTPO or tandem OLED technologies for this model. Instead, the panel will continue to use a single-layer light-emitting structure and LTPS TFT. This means that the high-refresh-rate ProMotion support found in the iPad Pro series will not be implemented in the iPad mini 8.

The company’s desire to maintain the distinction between the Pro and Mini series may be a key reason for this choice. Current information suggests that the iPad mini 8 will see a price increase compared to the previous model due to increased production costs due to the use of OLED displays.

Meanwhile, Apple plans to bring OLED technology to its iPad Air models in the coming years. However, this transition is expected to be delayed until 2028.

Other significant technological transformations are also taking place within the Apple ecosystem at a similar timeframe. It’s rumored that the OLED M6 MacBook Pro models will launch in a similar timeframe to the iPad mini 8.

These MacBook Pro models will reportedly feature a redesigned bezel, a notchless touch panel, and a new hinge. However, this OLED upgrade will reportedly be exclusive to models powered by the M6 ​​Pro and M6 Max processors.