Apple announced a new iPad mini on October 26, 2026. In Canada it starts at $949 CAD for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. The new model uses the A20 Pro chip and has an 8.5-inch OLED display. It is also the first iPad mini with an IP67 water and dust resistance rating. Pre-orders opened on October 28 through Apple's Canadian online store and the Apple Store app, and the tablet reaches Apple Stores and authorized resellers on Friday, November 6.
The update is a large hardware change over the previous iPad mini with A17 Pro. It also raises the Canadian starting price considerably. This guide covers configurations, pricing, specifications and compatibility details for Canadian buyers.
Canadian pricing by configuration
Apple's Canadian store lists the following prices before tax:
| Storage | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $949 | $1,149 |
| 256GB | $1,099 | $1,299 |
| 512GB | $1,379 | $1,579 |
| 256GB, nano-texture glass | $1,249 | $1,449 |
| 512GB, nano-texture glass | $1,529 | $1,729 |
Nano-texture glass adds $150 and is available only on the 256GB and 512GB models. A cellular model costs $200 more than the matching Wi-Fi model. Education pricing starts at $879 for eligible students, teachers and staff.
All configurations come in two colours: midnight and starlight. Prices do not include GST/HST or provincial sales tax, AppleCare+ or an Apple Pencil.
How the price compares with the previous iPad mini
The A17 Pro iPad mini launched in Canada in October 2024 at $679. Following Apple's Canadian price changes earlier in 2026, iPhone in Canada reported that its regular price had reached $849. The new 128GB Wi-Fi model is $100 more than that later price and $270 more than the 2024 launch price.
Apple's iPad mini page now lists the A17 Pro model only as a comparison option. Some Canadian retailers may still sell remaining stock of the older model, and prices will vary.
iPad mini (A20 Pro) specifications
| Feature | iPad mini (A20 Pro) |
|---|---|
| Display | 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2316 x 1512 at 326 ppi |
| Brightness | 600 nits full-screen; up to 1,200 nits peak; 1-nit minimum |
| Processor | A20 Pro, up to 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Water and dust resistance | IP67 (up to 1 metre for 30 minutes) |
| Rear camera | 12MP Wide, 4K video up to 60 fps, Adaptive True Tone flash |
| Front camera | 12MP Center Stage, on the landscape edge |
| Wireless | Apple N1: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread |
| Cellular | Apple C2 modem, 5G (sub-6 GHz), eSIM only |
| Port | USB-C with USB 3 (up to 10 Gb/s) and DisplayPort |
| Authentication | Touch ID in the top button |
| Battery | 18.9 Wh; up to 10 hours of web or video on Wi-Fi |
| Size | 195.3 x 132.6 x 5.4 mm |
| Weight | 255 g (Wi-Fi); 263 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) |
| Software | iPadOS 27 |
Display
The screen grows from 8.3 inches to 8.5 inches, measured diagonally. Apple says the bezels are 24 percent thinner, so the overall footprint stays about the same as the previous model. As with other iPads with rounded corners, the actual viewable area is slightly smaller than the stated diagonal.
The previous iPad mini used an LCD panel. The switch to OLED brings a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,200-nit peak brightness for HDR content and a minimum brightness of 1 nit for reading in the dark. Apple's specifications page does not list a ProMotion or higher refresh rate for this model.
Nano-texture glass is offered on the iPad mini for the first time. It reduces glare and reflections, which can help in bright rooms or outdoors. Models with this option include a polishing cloth.
A20 Pro performance and the 512GB difference
The A20 Pro is built on a 2-nanometre process. Compared with the previous iPad mini, Apple claims up to 60 percent faster multithreaded CPU performance, up to 2.7 times faster graphics and up to 4.5 times faster AI performance. Each of the seven GPU cores includes a Neural Accelerator, and memory bandwidth is more than double that of the previous generation.
There is one storage-related difference. Apple's announcement lists a Dual 16-core Neural Engine only for the 512GB configuration and says it doubles on-device AI processing compared with the previous generation. Apple does not give separate Neural Engine figures for the 128GB and 256GB models, and it has not published RAM capacities. Buyers who plan to rely on on-device AI features may want to compare configurations before ordering.
IP67 rating and design
The iPad mini is now rated IP67 for water and dust resistance. Apple tested it at a depth of up to 1 metre for up to 30 minutes under controlled conditions. The rating covers spills and brief accidental submersion. It does not mean the tablet is designed for swimming or prolonged water exposure, and Apple notes that resistance may decrease with normal wear. Our iPhone water resistance guide explains how IP ratings work in more detail.
At 5.4 mm, the tablet is thinner than the 6.3 mm previous model. The Wi-Fi version weighs 255 g. Apple says the enclosure uses 100 percent recycled aluminum.
Cameras and audio
The 12MP front camera with Center Stage is now on the landscape edge. That position works better for video calls when the tablet is in a case stand or held sideways. The rear 12MP Wide camera records 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and supports Smart HDR 4.
Apple describes the new speaker system as an Acoustic Display: woofers work through the display, and tweeters sit between the glass and the aluminum enclosure. Apple says this improves bass and volume. The sealed enclosure also contributes to the IP67 rating.
Wi-Fi, cellular and eSIM in Canada
Every model includes Apple's N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread. Wi-Fi 7 speeds require a compatible router. The tablet still works on older Wi-Fi networks at the speeds those networks support.
Cellular models use Apple's C2 modem, which Apple says delivers up to 50 percent faster cellular data than the previous iPad mini. The specifications page lists sub-6 GHz 5G, including bands n77 and n78 used by Canadian carriers for 5G.
The cellular iPad mini supports eSIM only and is not compatible with physical SIM cards. Before buying, confirm that your carrier offers eSIM for tablets, whether as a standalone tablet data plan or as an add-on to a phone plan. Our guide to converting a physical SIM to an eSIM on iPhone covers how eSIM activation generally works with Canadian carriers.
Charging and accessories
The USB-C port supports USB 3 transfers at up to 10 Gb/s and can drive one external display at up to 4K and 60Hz. A 20W USB-C power adapter and a 1-metre USB-C cable are included. Apple says fast charging to about 50 percent in around 30 minutes requires a 35W or higher USB-C adapter, which is sold separately.
Canadian accessory prices:
- Apple Pencil Pro: $169 ($159 with education pricing)
- Apple Pencil (USB-C): $109 ($95 with education pricing)
- TechWoven Smart Folio: $99, in navy blue or taupe
Both Apple Pencil models work with the new iPad mini and support Apple Pencil hover. Older first- and second-generation Apple Pencils are not listed as compatible. Because the dimensions have changed, cases made for earlier iPad mini models may not fit correctly.
iPadOS 27 and Siri AI
The tablet ships with iPadOS 27. Apple says Siri AI is available in beta with iPadOS 27.2, in English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish, on Apple Intelligence-enabled devices set to a supported language. It is not available to users under 13. Some server-based features, including Siri AI, have daily usage limits, and Apple says expanded access will require a fee in the future.
For background on Apple's AI features, see our guides to which iPhones support Apple Intelligence and whether to update to iOS 27.
Who should consider the new iPad mini?
The new model is most relevant to people who want a small tablet for reading, note-taking with an Apple Pencil, travel or field work. The OLED display, IP67 rating and landscape front camera address several common limitations of earlier mini models.
The higher price narrows the gap with larger iPads. Owners of the A17 Pro iPad mini who mainly read, browse and stream video may find the older tablet still meets their needs. Owners of older models, such as the 2021 iPad mini with A15 Bionic, will see a larger difference in display quality, performance and connectivity.
Anyone choosing a cellular model should confirm eSIM support with their carrier before ordering. Anyone who plans to use on-device AI features should note the Neural Engine difference on the 512GB configuration.
Sources
- Apple Canada Newsroom: Apple gives iPad mini its biggest update ever
- Apple Canada: iPad mini technical specifications
- Apple Canada Store: Buy iPad mini
- iPhone in Canada: Apple launches new iPad mini in Canada
Prices, specifications and availability are current as of October 30, 2026.