Key points
- The current iPad mini starts at $599 for the 128 GB configuration.
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports the new model will be considerably more expensive.
- The next-generation device is expected to launch later this month with an OLED display.
Apple is preparing to release a new iPad mini that will carry a significantly higher price tag than its predecessor, according to reports from Bloomberg. The upcoming device, which features an OLED display, is expected to launch later this month. This price increase represents a substantial shift for consumers and businesses that rely on the compact tablet form factor for mobile operations and field work.
How it unfolded
- The current iPad mini model is available for purchase with a starting price of $599 for the 128 GB storage configuration.
- Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reported that the next-generation iPad mini will be considerably more expensive than the current version.
- The new device is scheduled for introduction later this month, with a projected starting price closer to the $799 mark.
Who is affected
Organizations that have standardized on the iPad mini for specific workflows will need to reassess their hardware procurement budgets. The current model’s $599 entry point made it an accessible option for deploying compact devices to a wide range of employees. A jump to approximately $799 will increase the total cost of ownership for fleets, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that purchase devices in volume.
The price increase is attributed to the inclusion of an OLED display, which typically carries higher manufacturing costs than the LCD panels found in previous iterations. While the starting storage capacity may increase, the primary driver for the higher price point is the display technology upgrade. Buyers who were waiting for a minor refresh may find the new pricing prohibitive, forcing them to consider alternative devices or delay upgrades.
For individual consumers, the decision to upgrade becomes more complex. The current iPad mini remains available at its lower price point, but supply may dwindle as Apple transitions to the new model. Early adopters who value the OLED display’s improved contrast and color accuracy will have to pay a premium, while those satisfied with the current hardware can continue to purchase the older model at the existing price.
What happens next
The new iPad mini is expected to hit the market later this month, marking the end of the current generation’s lifecycle. Apple will likely promote the OLED display and any performance improvements as key selling points to justify the higher price. Retailers and resellers may adjust their inventory strategies, potentially offering discounts on remaining stock of the current model to clear the way for the new release.
Business leaders should monitor official announcements from Apple to confirm the exact launch date and final pricing. The transition period may offer opportunities to purchase the current model at a discount, but availability is not guaranteed. Organizations with long-term device replacement cycles may choose to wait for the new model, while those with immediate needs may opt for the current generation to avoid the price hike.
The market reaction to the price increase will indicate whether consumers are willing to pay more for the OLED upgrade. If sales volumes drop, Apple may need to adjust its pricing strategy in future generations or introduce a lower-cost variant. For now, the shift to a higher price point reflects Apple’s strategy of premiumizing its product lines, even in the mid-range tablet segment.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Review current iPad mini inventory and usage patterns to determine if an immediate upgrade is necessary or if the current model suffices for existing workflows.
- Compare the total cost of ownership for the new $799 model against the current $599 model to assess budget impact for fleet replacements.
- Monitor official Apple announcements for the exact launch date and final pricing to plan procurement strategies accordingly.
- Consider alternative tablet options from other vendors if the price increase makes the new iPad mini unaffordable for your organization’s needs.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security for Small Business: Control Without Cost
General security guidance from the Circuit Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How much will the new iPad mini cost?
Bloomberg reports the new iPad mini will start at approximately $799, a significant increase from the current model’s $599 starting price.
When will the new iPad mini be available?
The next-generation iPad mini is expected to be introduced later this month, according to reports from Bloomberg.
Why is the new iPad mini more expensive?
The price increase is attributed to the inclusion of an OLED display and potential increases in starting storage capacity.
