OLED iPad mini could arrive by October

Apple is reportedly targeting October for the launch of its first OLED iPad mini, according to Bloomberg, in what the outlet describes as the biggest refresh for the small tablet in years.

Bloomberg says Apple is preparing to unveil the new iPad mini, code-named J510, as early as this fall, with a release planned by October. The report also says Apple is working on an eventual OLED upgrade for the iPad Air, while the base iPad is expected to stick with cheaper LCD panels for the foreseeable future.

The timing lines up with other recent rumors. Earlier this week, Weibo leaker yeux1122 also said the iPad mini would move to OLED, but claimed it would ship without ProMotion and stay at a fixed 60Hz refresh rate.

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Bloomberg notes that the display upgrade could drive the iPad mini’s price even higher. The current model now starts at $599, up from $499 before Apple introduced broader price increases across much of its lineup a few weeks ago.

For the rest of the iPad range, Bloomberg outlines a staggered update schedule:

• The next entry-level iPad, code-named J581, is expected as early as the first calendar quarter next year, with a faster processor as the main change rather than a redesign.
• New iPad Air models, code-named J807 and J837, remain on track for spring in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.
• New iPad Pro models are also planned for the same period, Bloomberg previously reported.
• Apple is still expected to update the Apple Pencil next year, potentially with replaceable batteries.

If the report is accurate, the iPad mini will be first in line for Apple’s next wave of tablet updates.