The new iPad mini 8 has a chip on its shoulder. It's almost like it's saying to the iPhone Duo, "Anything you can do, I can do better."

The iPad mini 8 (from $699) has a bigger display than the Duo (8.5 vs 7.6 inches); it supports the latest Apple Pencil Pro (that magnetically attaches to the side); and you get the same A20 Pro chip for serious power.

Of course, the iPad mini 8 doesn't fold, but I played with it for about 30 minutes and I think it makes a serious case for carrying a separate phone and small tablet. It could easily make our best tablet list, but we still have to do our full round of testing. Here are my first impressions.

iPad mini 8: Bigger OLED display, thinner design

The iPad mini 8 makes an awesome first impression with its OLED display, which is a first for the iPad mini.

This panel is 8.5 inches, larger than the 8.3-inch panel on the previous iPad mini 7. You also get 24% smaller bezels, so the iPad mini 8 gives you more real estate without ballooning the design.

In fact, at 5.4mm and and 255 grams, the iPad mini 8 is thinner and lighter than the iPad mini 7 (6.3 mm, 293 grams). That's pretty impressive given the new iPad has a larger display.

The iPad mini is also IP67 rated against water and dust.

A better display than iPhone Duo?

The iPad mini 8's 8.5-inch display isn't just bigger than the iPhone Duo's 7.6-inch panel. It looks more colorful in person, and it offered better black levels side by side when watching a trailer for 'Ted Lasso.'

However, the iPhone Duo's main display gets brighter at up to 3,000 nits compared to 1,200 for the iPad mini.

The iPad minis I played around with had a nano-texture finish, but that costs a pretty penny. You need to get a 256GB or 512GB model, so you'll need to pay at least $899.

A20 Pro power, and what you can do with it

The iPad mini 8 packs the same A20 Pro chip as the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Duo, and it packs a pretty big punch.

When playing Petit Planet, this tablet offered smooth and detailed graphics as I panned around a large world.

Working in Pixelmator Pro, I could apply complex edits with ease using either touch or Apple Pencil. And in the Shapr3D app, I manipulated a complex 3D model of a skateboard and added different colors to the parts on the fly. There was no lag.

Front camera where it's supposed to be

Apple has done the right thing by moving the 12MP Center Stage camera to the long side of the device, making it easier to hold video calls in landscape mode. This is especially welcome because the Smart Folio accessory props up the device in this mode.

I didn't get a chance to check out the improved sound yet. The iPad mini has what's called an Acoustic Display. The woofers are paired through the display to give you more bass, and there's custom tweeters hidden between the glass and aluminum enclosure. The result should be boomier bass and clearer highs.

The back camera is a 12MP wide lens, so you get only a single shooter. There's no ultrawide like you have on the iPhone Duo. But the images I captured in the hands-on area with the iPad mini 8 were reasonably crisp.

is the iPad mini worth $100 more?

Yes, the iPad mini 8 is $100 more than the iPad mini 7, but I think the upgrades are worth it. You get a bigger and better OLED display and faster performance in a thinner and lighter design.

As for the iPad mini vs iPhone Duo comparisons, the new iPad mini starts at $699 and when you add an iPhone 18 Pro Max that brings you to $2,000. That's the same price as an iPhone Duo.

So it's really up to you if you want to carry one device or two for this sort of versatility. I prefer the iPad mini's bigger and richer display and support for the latest Apple Pencil — and the fact that you can dock it to the device. But the iPhone Duo is still a great choice if you want to fit a mini tablet in your pocket.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to pre-order iPad mini 8: Here's how to secure Apple's new mini tablet
• iPad mini 8 vs iPad mini 7: What's new, and is it worth buying?
• Cancel your iPhone Duo pre-order: Here's why I think the iPad mini 8 and iPhone 18 Pro combo is cheaper and better

So Apple just dropped the highly anticipated OLED iPad mini 8 to kick off its “Pro and Tell” week, and on paper, it’s a $699 powerhouse that you best believe I’m pre-ordering.

But look closer, and you may see that the tablet’s surprise arrival just created a massive problem for Cupertino’s most hyped product of the year. Because in my opinion, Apple essentially just nerfed the iPhone Duo.

For the past few weeks, the tech world has been obsessed with the new foldable, and it’s a great piece of hardware for sure. But let me explain why pairing a standard iPhone 18 Pro with the new iPad mini 8 isn’t just a better big-screen experience — it’s actually cheaper, stronger and infinitely more reliable.

Here’s the math

So, my first reason is cutting straight to the numbers. Apple’s leap into the foldable market is expensive. You are paying at least $2,000 for the privilege of a folding screen.

But what happens when you unbundle that experience?

• iPhone 18 Pro: $1,199
• iPad mini 8: $699
• Total: $1,898

Don’t get me wrong — that's still a hefty chunk of change. But for significantly less than a Duo, you can have a flagship iPhone with a better camera (and better battery life), and a dedicated 8.5-inch OLED tablet.

You get the same expansive inky-black OLED canvas for reading, gaming and watching movies, but you keep over $100 in your pocket. Apple has inadvertently priced its own foldable out of the market for anyone willing to carry a small bag.

The durability trap

Now, if you’ve been anywhere on the internet recently, you’ve seen that iPhone Duo screens are cracking. iFixit did a teardown and noted a potential hinge design flaw that could be causing it.

Make no mistake: IP68 resistance rating aside, foldables are incredibly fragile pieces of tech with moving mechanical hinges. Even if it's a small percentage, the risk of damage does go up.

Now look at the iPad mini 8. The speaker grilles are eliminated in favor of what the company’s calling an Acoustic Display — speakers behind the screen. And there’s no folding mechanism here. It’s a solid slab of aluminum and rigid glass (with no crease to be found).

Why spend two grand on a fragile folding screen when you can buy a sealed OLED tablet that you can casually toss into a backpack (or big pocket) without a second thought?

No spec compromises

Usually, separating your devices means you are sacrificing power on the tablet side. Not this time.

The iPad mini 8 skipped several generations of silicon to pack the 2nm A20 Pro chip you’ll find in the Duo and 18 Pro. And while nothing about RAM has been formally announced yet, I’m guessing it’ll sport the same 8-12GB of memory (maybe 8GB on that base model, but again, not confirmed).

It also features the new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Thread, and the C2 chip for a beastly 5G modem.

You aren’t getting a watered-down companion device; you’re getting a tablet that’s just as powerful as the Duo with a massive battery. Plus, that iPhone 18 Pro has a much better camera system to boot.

My verdict

I don’t want this to feel like a dunk on the iPhone Duo. It is a fundamentally great foldable, and if you’re in that crowd that loves the versatility, you’ll love it.

But look past the shiny status symbol — to me, the iPad mini 8 just proved foldables are a bad investment for most of us.

If you want the ultimate mobile setup, the play is obvious. Cancel your iPhone Duo pre-order. Pick up a standard iPhone 18 Pro for daily comms and photography, and spend the rest on an OLED iPad mini 8 for bigger-screen consumption and gaming.

You’ll save money, get a larger OLED screen and most importantly, you won’t wake up in a cold sweat worrying that a grain of sand just destroyed your $2,000 phone.

More from Tom's Guide

• We predicted the OLED MacBook Pro's $500 price hike — here's what the leaks say and why MacBook Air buyers may miss out
• I strapped a touchscreen to my MacBook Pro to see if macOS is ready — 3 things that need fixing quickly
• At $1,000, Apple's rumored HomeView Max better do the dishes, too

Apple just surprised everyone with the news of the iPad mini 8, announced two days ahead of the company's Pro and Tell event.

The iPad mini 8 marks the biggest redesign in years, although some key specs stay the same. One thing has changed: The price, and not for the better.

What's new compared to the iPad mini 7, and is now the right time to upgrade? We'll dig into the specs and compare the iPad mini 8 to our own review of the previous generation.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Specs

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Price and availability

Apple's iPad mini 8 was announced on October 26, 2026, with pre-orders opening on October 28 at 10:10 a.m. PT. The tablet ships starting on Friday, November 6.

Pricing for the iPad mini 8 starts at $699 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model, or $849 for the Wi-Fi + cellular model. Students and educators can score a discount, bringing the price down to $649 and up.

Swapping to nano-texture glass adds an extra $100, but the option is only available on the 256GB and 512GB models. Those higher-capacity iPads start at $799 and $999, respectively, and that's without the nano-texture glass.

This is a big price hike compared with the iPad mini 7's launch price: $499. Apple recently raised the price to $599 in June, along with the rest of its lineup. This new model adds another $100 on top in its cheapest configuration.

With this gen-to-gen price increase, the mini is just $50 below the 11-inch iPad Air.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Design

The new iPad mini looks familiar at a glance, but it should be noticeably slimmer. It measures 5.4mm thick compared to the iPad mini 7's 6.3mm. The Wi-Fi model weighs 0.56 pounds (255g) vs. 0.65 pounds (293g) on the iPad mini 7. In Apple's own words, it's the lightest iPad ever made.

The footprint barely changes, with the two iPads nearly identical in dimensions (7.69 x 5.22 x 0.21 inches vs. 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches for the iPad mini 8 and 7, respectively). That doesn't mean there are no hardware changes within, though. Apple still managed to fit a larger 8.5-inch screen by cutting the bezels by 24%, so you get more display in a tablet that's essentially the same size.

The bigger change is durability. Apple added IP67 water resistance, with the company claiming the tablet survived lab testing at a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. It's the first water-resistant iPad, which is handy for travel and for use in the kitchen, for instance.

Color-wise, we're seeing a downgrade. The iPad mini 8 comes in midnight and starlight, while the iPad mini 7 offered four colors. There's still no Face ID.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Display

The display is the headline upgrade for the iPad mini 8, because Apple is finally bringing OLED to this line of iPads. It swaps the old 8.3-inch LCD for an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR panel, increasing the resolution from 2266 x 1488 to 2316 x 1512, so pixel density stays at 326 ppi on the bigger screen.

Apple rates the contrast at 2,000,000:1, so expect bright, vivid colors and deep blacks. The iPad mini 8 could make a huge difference when you're watching movies or playing games.

The display is also significantly brighter. Apple rates the new mini at 600 nits for regular content, up from 500 nits on the mini 7 (we measured 493 nits in our review). HDR content peaks at double that, hitting 1,200 nits, and the screen can dim down to 1 nit, which makes reading in bed a lot less hard on your eyes.

There's also the new nano-texture option to cut glare, but as mentioned before, it'll cost extra across every model (except the 128GB, which doesn't have it). It's the same matte glass Apple offers on the iPad Pro.

One upgrade that's still missing from the mini is ProMotion. Apple hasn't listed it on the spec sheet, so we presume the iPad mini 8 will stay locked at 60Hz.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Performance

The iPad mini 8 runs on Apple's A20 Pro chip, the same 2nm chip as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPad mini 7 uses the A17 Pro, built on a 3nm process and first found in the iPhone 15 Pro. That's a big generational jump between the two chips.

We won't know the actual performance figures until the new mini lands in our reviewers' hands, but we know Apple's claims for now, and they're big.

Apple promises up to 60% faster CPU performance and up to 2.7x faster graphics. AI performance gets a huge boost of up to 4.5x. Apple also says that memory bandwidth will more than double.

Not every iPad mini gets the same chip, though. The 128GB and 256GB models have a five-core CPU and a single 16-core Neural Engine. The priciest 512GB model gets the full power of the A20 Pro chip, with a six-core CPU and Apple's dual 16-core Neural Engine.

The fine print says Apple's 60% CPU figure comes from testing the six-core version. We can't imagine this will make or break the performance of the cheaper model, though.

Every iPad mini 8 gets the same seven-core GPU, up from five cores on the mini 7, with Neural Accelerators built into each core.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Battery life

There are no shake-ups in battery life between the iPad mini 8 and the mini 7. Apple rates both at up to 10 hours.

It appears that Apple chose to spend the 2nm efficiency gains on the brighter OLED panel. While battery life seems to have stayed the same, it's good news that it hasn't dropped with the other upgrades and the thinner chassis.

Apple says the mini 8 can reach 50% in about 30 minutes, but only with a 35W or higher charger, which is sold separately. Of course, our lab tests will reveal how long the new iPad mini can endure.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Audio and cameras

The iPad mini 8 uses what Apple calls an Acoustic Display: woofers that play through the screen for punchier bass and more volume, plus tweeters tucked between the glass and the aluminum frame. Apple got rid of speaker holes, and that must've played a part in the IP67 rating, since we're looking at a more sealed design.

The camera upgrades seem subtle at a glance, but they're not insignificant. The front camera has finally moved to the landscape edge, which fixes our biggest complaint from our iPad mini 7 review. With that said, it's still a 12MP Center Stage camera, but with a wider f/2.0 aperture (up from f/2.4). That could help in dim rooms.

The 12MP rear camera shoots 4K video at 60 fps as before. It also adds an Adaptive True Tone flash, which Apple says should improve document scanning.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Connectivity

The iPad mini 8 uses Apple's own N1 wireless chip. That brings you Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. That's an upgrade over the mini 7, which offered Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Apple says N1 boosts performance on 5GHz networks and makes AirDrop and AirPlay more reliable. To make the most of Wi-Fi 7, you'll need a Wi-Fi 7 router, but it still offers solid future-proofing.

Cellular models switch to Apple's C2 modem, which Apple says delivers up to 50% faster data speeds than the mini 7 while using less battery life. Both iPad minis are eSIM-only.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Software and Siri AI

Both the iPad mini 8 and mini 7 run iPadOS 27 with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. Siri AI is Apple's rebuilt assistant, which leans heavily on your personal context and understands what's on screen.

The difference is that only the newest iPad mini supports Apple's most advanced on-device model, which brings more expressive Siri voices and more accurate dictation. Siri AI recently got a sizeable upgrade that makes it more useful than ever, so this is good news for the new iPad.

iPad mini 8 vs. iPad mini 7: Is it time to upgrade?

Apple's iPad mini 8 brings a host of interesting upgrades, such as an OLED display, promised performance upgrades, and even water resistance. There's a lot to get excited about.

However, the iPad mini 7 is no slouch. When it first launched, we dubbed it the best iPad mini ever. If you're still using the iPad mini 7 and you're happy with its performance, you may not need to rush to upgrade unless the new OLED display really speaks to you. The steeper asking price could also be discouraging, unless you're using a much older iPad mini model.

With the iPad mini 8 launching on November 6, it won't be long until we can truly pit it against its predecessor to see if the upgrades make a significant difference. Expect a review from us soon, so stay tuned!

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple iPhone Duo 2 with Face ID is reportedly being tested even before the first foldable hits shelves
• I put the iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Fold 8 through a 10-round photo face-off — and there's a clear winner
• 'Polished but rough': The common flaws in the iPhone Duo found by nine different reviewers

Apple just announced the upgraded iPad mini 8, the first small Apple tablet with an OLED display, as part of the company's "Pro and Tell" event. New MacBooks should be announced later this week.

The update is huge but also comes with a $100 price increase, meaning the new iPad mini starts at $699, or $58.25 per month for 12 months. Fortunately, Apple also increased the trade-in value for older iPads.

It's not a massive increase — $20 more than previous rates at most — but it might help take some of the sting away from the new price tag.

As a reminder, this depends on the model. A newer iPad mini 7 will get you more money, and the tablet's condition matters, too. The numbers we're showing here are potentially what you can get if everything is in good shape.

MacBook trade-in values

This week we're expecting Apple to introduce a new version of the MacBook Pro, likely featuring the M6 chip that we just tested in the updated Mac mini. Additionally, like the iPad mini 8, we should also see a new MacBook Pro with a touchscreen OLED display, a first for Apple.

Like the iPad trade-in program, the Mac and MacBook version will also get a bit more money. Unfortunately, that suggests that the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Ultra will be far more expensive than last year's models.

We're looking at a potential $3,000 price tag for the OLED MacBook.

With that in mind, here's what you could get for trading in your MacBook or Mac.

Right now, we know that pre-orders for the iPad mini 8 will open up on Wednesday, October 28, with shipping beginning on November 6. Presumably, the new MacBooks will have a similar pre-order and shipping window.

How to trade in your iPad or Mac

If you haven't traded in with Apple before, you can swap out your device online or at an Apple Store.

In-store is pretty straightforward. You'll want to unpair any accessories, back up the device and sign out of services like iCloud, iTunes and the App Store. For an iPad, you don't need to erase anything as an Apple specialist will help you with that.

On a Mac, however, Apple requests you erase your hard drive and reinstall macOS. Once those are done, take it into an Apple Store where a specialist will inspect the device and give you a value; if it has no value, Apple will recycle the device.

If you go the online route, you'll need your device's serial number. Plus, you'll do it as part of purchasing a new Apple device. Adding the device is part of the checkout process. Apple will send you a trade-in confirmation email with instructions for backing up your data and prepping the device.

Finally, you can mail the device in or drop it off at an Apple Store. The company will include step-by-step instructions for this part in the confirmation email.

More from Tom's Guide

• The iPhone Duo just came out, and owners are already seeing screens crack at the hinge
• After spending three months testing iOS 27, these 5 features are my absolute favorite
• Apple iPhone Duo 2 with Face ID is reportedly being tested even before the first foldable hits shelves

The iPad mini 8 is on the way! The latest mini but mighty tablet from Apple comes with a ton of upgrades and exciting new features. I'm super hyped to see that OLED panel for myself.

The iPad mini 8 starts at $699, and pre-orders officially started at 10:10 a.m. PT today (October 28.) Pre-order now and you're all set to get your new tablet on release day on November 6.

Want the full iPad experience in a small package? The iPad mini has always been a go-to for powerful performance on the go, and the 8th iteration of the tablet looks like it's going to be better than ever.

For starters, it now comes with an 8.5-inch OLED panel — or Super Retina XDR panel, as Apple calls it. OLED displays arguably offer the best visuals of any display type, with enhanced contrast making colors truly pop off the screen. There's also now an option for a nano-texture display that will cut down on glare, making this device easier to use in bright conditions.

Also new for this tablet is an IP67 durability rating. This rating ensures the tablet can survive submersion in water in case it takes an accidental dip.

iPad mini 8 pre-orders begin now! Don't forget to lock yours in to secure your tablet.

Apple's second hardware event of October is taking place this week and I'm expecting it to be even bigger than the 'Welcome home' showcase a couple of weeks ago that unveiled the Apple HomeView.

This time around, Apple is widely expected to unveil OLED MacBooks in both 14-inch and 16-inch variants. And, at long, long last, Apple will make the jump to a full touchscreen for the first time ever. Slight sidebar here; my colleague Jason got tired of waiting and has already strapped a touchscreen to his MacBook Pro.

Mark Gurman, the Apple Whisperer himself, confirmed in a report over the weekend these machines are coming but added there'll be a twist to the tail. Although the MacBook Pro OLEDs will come with touch enabled, they'll be saddled with an M5 Pro and M5 Max chipset, while an also-announced non-touch MacBook Pro 14-inch will debut with the brand new M6 chip. Strange stuff indeed.

But there's going to be more on offer this week than just the MacBook OLED. Apple has today announced a refreshed iPad mini 8 — so let's dig into exactly what you can expect to see at Apple's "Pro and tell" event this week.

Apple 'Pro and tell': When is it?

Apple's "Pro and tell" event is taking place on Wednesday, October 28 and, just like the "Welcome home" showcase a couple of weeks ago, it was teased by Apple's senior vice president of marketing, Greg Joswiak.

There has been very little information beyond the name of the event, but some journalists (Tom's Guide included) have been invited to Los Angeles for an in-person presentation at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 5pm GMT on Wednesday, October 28.

We haven't seen any details on a livestream and following today's surprise iPad mini 8 announcement, it seems like Apple's plan is to drip-feed the announcements between now and Wednesday. We may see a few announcement videos and corresponding press releases posted to Apple's newsroom over the next few days.

Finally, once the products are out in the open, Apple will host its showcase on Wednesday giving media the chance to go hands-on with them. Of course, we'll be giving you up-to-the-minute reports as it happens, so stay tuned to Tom's Guide.

Apple 'Pro and tell': Confirmed and rumored products

If the rumors are to be believed, we could see up to four different devices unveiled by Wednesday.

Let's take a look at each one of them in turn.

Confirmed: iPad mini 8

The new iPad mini 8 is official and swaps the 8.3-inch LCD on the iPad mini 7 for a larger 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel. As a result, the tablet is thinner and lighter.

Another design upgrade is IP67 water and dust resistance. The iPad mini 8 is also powered by the A20 Pro chip, which should make it the fastest iPad mini yet.

You can read everything about the iPad mini 8 right here.

Rumored: MacBook Pro OLED

The most exciting new product likely to launch is the touchscreen-enabled MacBook Pro I mentioned up top. This could be the biggest upgrade to the MacBook product line in years but will require some heavy tweaks to macOS 27 to make it more touch-friendly. Considering Apple has been refining iPadOS for years, this isn't a chasm that'll be difficult to cross.

Elsewhere, the benefits of and OLED display will be hard to beat. You can expect a much better contrast with deeper blacks that the already-impressive Liquid Retina XDR display on the existing MacBook Pro.

As mentioned above, Mark Gurman seems to believe the MacBook Pro OLED (MacBook PrOLED?) will arrive with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips instead of an M6 chip. It will reportedly come in 14- and 16-inch variants and will be slimmer and lighter than the current MacBook Pro. Expect a sky-high price tag, though. Possibly as high as $2,399 for the 14-inch model and $3,599 for the 16-inch variant.

Rumored: M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch)

Alongside the MacBook Pro OLED, it's likely we'll also see an upgrade to the base level MacBook Pro, bumping it from the M5 chip to the M6 that was first unveiled inside the Mac Mini earlier this year.

Some rumors suggest we'll get a hole-punch front-facing camera in place of the current notch. Otherwise, it's likely to be the exact same outer shell as the current 14-inch MacBook Pros.

Rumored: M6 iMac

Following in the footsteps of the upgraded M6 MacBook Pro it's been heavily rumored we'll also see a new version of the iMac with the M6 chip on board. As with the M6 MacBook Pro, the M6 iMac will be an iterative upgrade that likely consists of a chip upgrade and little change to the design or the screen.

The current iMac features a 24-inch 4.5k Retina display with a 4,480 x 2,520 resolution and a max brightness of 500 nits and I'd expect to see the 2026 model remain unchanged.

There may be a lot of potential iMac customers out there hoping Apple will give its all-in-one the touchscreen treatment. Sadly, that doesn't look like it's on the cards for this week either.

Apple 'Pro and tell': Prices and should I buy?

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but judging by the way prices have skyrocketed this year, it's unlikely these new Apple products are going to be easy on the wallet.

For example, the new iPad mini starts at $699, or $58.25 per month for 12 months, for the Wi-Fi model, and $849, or $70.75 per month for 12 months, for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model. That's a big jump from the $499 starting price of the iPad mini 7 a couple of years ago and I expect the other devices announced this week to follow suit.

However, in some cases if you've been holding out on an upgrade for awhile, this could be the time to make your move. Pre-orders will almost certainly be available from Wednesday, October 28 (that's the case for the iPad mini 8) with shipping likely to occur in November.

Of course, we’ll keep an eye on the prices of outgoing models the day they’re discounted, so you’ll know exactly when the discount is real. And let's not forget that with Black Friday on the horizon we could see some stellar discounts on slightly older models that might make more sense for some people. Either way, the next few weeks are going to be prime time for buying a new Mac.

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone Duo wait times — latest updates and how to beat Apple's January delay
• I’ve been living with Nvidia’s RTX Spark for a week — it’s not a MacBook Pro killer but something much weirder and wildly powerful
• At $1,000, Apple's rumored HomeView Max better do the dishes, too

Apple has just given its smallest tablet a giant upgrade.

As posted in the Apple Newsroom, the new iPad mini swaps the old 8.3-inch LCD for a larger 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel. As a result, the tablet is thinner and lighter. Another design upgrade is IP67 water and dust resistance. The iPad mini 8 is also powered by the A20 Pro chip, which should make it the fastest iPad mini yet.

Here's everything we know about the new iPad mini.

iPad mini 8: Price and release date

The new iPad mini starts at $699, or $58.25 per month for 12 months, for the Wi-Fi model, and $849, or $70.75 per month for 12 months, for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model.

Pre-orders begin on Wednesday, October 28, with shipping starting on November 6. The iPad mini will be available in Midnight and Starlight with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations.

iPad mini 8: Display

The biggest overhaul is the 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, as Apple calls it. According to the company, it delivers a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, which is more than double the previous peak brightness. Like the iPhone Duo, there is a nano-texture option to cut glare.

Apple doesn’t mention ProMotion, so this likely stays at 60Hz. Even so, the shift from LCD to OLED with true blacks and much higher brightness should be immediately noticeable for video, reading, and general use.

iPad mini 8: Design

The new mini keeps the same overall footprint but is now just 5.4mm thick, and the bezels are 24% thinner. That lets Apple fit a slightly larger screen without making the tablet any bulkier in your hand or bag.

It comes in midnight and starlight colors and carries an IP67 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance, which is a first for any iPad. Apple notes the rating isn’t permanent and can diminish with wear, but it’s still a meaningful upgrade for a device people toss in bags or use outside.

There’s also a new Acoustic Display speaker system with redesigned drivers for punchier bass and clearer highs, plus a 12MP Center Stage camera now placed on the landscape edge.

iPad mini 8: Performance

Inside, the iPad mini 8 packs an A20 Pro chip, which is the same one as in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Apple says it offers up to 60% faster multithreaded CPU performance and up to 2.7x faster graphics, along with a major jump in AI capability (up to 4.5x). Higher storage configurations get a dual 16-core Neural Engine.

Connectivity also improves with the N1 chip, adding Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while cellular models get the more efficient C2 modem. The tablet runs iPadOS 27 with the latest Apple Intelligence features.

iPad mini 8: Outlook

The rumors appear to be true, as the iPad mini 8 has received its biggest upgrades in years. This is especially true with the addition of OLED and water resistance.

The higher price will be the main sticking point, especially after recent increases across Apple’s lineup. That said, the new features could make folks forgive the new sticker price, as this promises to be the best iPad mini yet. Stay tuned for more!

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple iPhone Duo 2 with Face ID is reportedly being tested even before the first foldable hits shelves
• I put the iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Fold 8 through a 10-round photo face-off — and there's a clear winner
• 'Polished but rough': The common flaws in the iPhone Duo found by nine different reviewers

The iPad mini 8 could be here soon. Invitations for Apple’s "Pro and Tell" event started going out, and it will likely unveil the long-rumored OLED MacBook Pro. But if Bloomberg reporter and Apple tipster Mark Gurman is correct, we’ll also see a brand-new iPad mini, or the iPad mini 8.

Like the iPad Pro M5, the iPad mini 8 will reportedly get an OLED panel, making it the second iPad with that display technology. In addition, the diminutive tablet will also get a repositioned front-facing camera and redesigned speaker system.

The iPad mini 7 is currently among the best iPads. If what we’ve heard about its successor is true, that tablet could make that list, too. Here are all the rumored upgrades for the iPad mini 8.

iPad mini 8: Rumored launch date & potential price

Reports haven’t provided a definitive launch date or price for the iPad mini 8, but we can indulge in a few educated guesses.

Based on my experience, Apple typically launches devices around a week after they’re unveiled at events. If that holds here, the iPad mini 8 could arrive the week of November 2. Previous iPads have arrived in that timeframe, so this is a relatively safe bet.

Price is where things get nebulous. The iPad mini 7 originally started at $499 for a 128GB Wi-Fi model. However, thanks to Apple price hikes, this small tablet now starts at $599. Given the rumored upgrades, I'd be surprised if Apple keeps the $599 price, so I think this tablet will likely cost $50 to $100 more.

And on the subject of upgrades…

iPad mini 8: Design & display

If rumors hold, the iPad mini 8 won’t be just a simple spec bump over the 2024 model.

Rumors claim the iPad mini 8 will have an OLED panel. Now, whether this is an optional upgrade or built-in is anyone’s guess. We also haven’t heard whether Apple will use the same tandem OLED tech as the iPad Pro, or opt for a different kind of OLED.

There is also no concrete reporting about the iPad mini’s refresh rate. The iPad mini 7 tops out at 60Hz, but some believe the new model will bump that up to 120Hz. While Mark Gurman says Apple has tested 60Hz and 120Hz versions, the company hasn’t decided which to go with.

The latest iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets all have landscape-oriented front-facing cameras, and the iPad mini 8 is expected to finally get its own. That’s a smart upgrade, as it makes video calls and selfies feel more natural in landscape.

If the OLED rumors are true, then the iPad mini 8 should be thinner and lighter than the last model. After all, that’s why the iPad Pro is even slimmer and lighter than an iPad Air, which lacks an OLED. That, along with rumored thinner bezels, could make for a more pleasing experience.

iPad mini 8: Performance

MacRumors reports that the iPad mini 8 will use an A20 Pro chip, the same processor powering the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Built on TSMC’s 2mn process, the chip can deliver up to 1.5x faster CPU performance and 2.5x faster GPU performance than the A17 Pro chip in the iPad mini 7.

Memory-wise, the iPad mini 8 will allegedly have 12GB of RAM, a big bump from the iPad mini 7's 8 GB. This, along with the A20 Pro chip, should deliver noticeably better performance in games and with AI features.

iPad mini 8: Outlook

Apple hasn’t officially announced the iPad mini 8, so take all the reports I’ve detailed above with a healthy dose of skepticism. If these reports and rumors are true, we could be looking at a pretty significant upgrade for Apple’s small wonder tablet.

Of course, these upgrades likely won’t come cheap, so brace yourself for a steeper-priced iPad mini 8 when Apple eventually announces it. In the meantime, stay tuned for more!

More from Tom's Guide

• At $1,000, Apple's rumored HomeView Max better do the dishes, too
• My iPhone 18 Pro Max just arrived and I immediately regret the purchase
• 20 smart iOS 27 features that will make your life easier

Apple cannot wait to “pro and tell” all next week, which if you’ve been following the rumor mill, is marketing speak for we’re announcing new Macs and we’re going to enjoy the pun.

A deluge of leaks point to an OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro, a new entry-level M6 MacBook Pro, M6 iMac and an OLED iPad mini 8 — with announcements expected at an in-person media “experience” on Wednesday, October 28, and sales starting as soon as Friday, November 6.

Translation for anyone with a shopping cart open right now: close the tab.

First, the thing you actually came here to do

If you are considering buying a MacBook Pro, iMac or iPad mini in the next 30 days, stop.

You are standing in the exact spot where people have handed Apple full price for hardware that becomes last year’s model in literal days. Three separate outcomes favor you being patient:

• You want the latest? Wait two weeks — the new machines are about to exist, and the OLED MacBook Pro is the biggest notebook upgrade Apple’s shipped in years.
• You want a bargain? Wait slightly longer — when Apple refreshes, the outgoing machines don’t vanish. They get discounted, and retailers will start clearing stock at genuine discounts within weeks.
• You need a laptop today? That’s fine, this advice has an escape hatch, and it’s at the bottom of this piece.

Now, the fun part — what have you been waiting for.

What October 28 is (probably) going to bring

Let’s start with the big one: the OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro. This redesigned prosumer notebook has been rumored for years, and it’s going to be the biggest change to Apple’s notebook lineup in years.

Outside of all that vivid OLED goodness, gorgeous contrast and easy-on-the-eyes HDR, this is a tectonic shift in the way you can actually interact with your Mac — taking notes from the iPad to bring touch to the conversation. If you’ve faithfully owned an M1 MacBook Pro, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

Then, there’s the new entry-level M6 MacBook Pro. The rumors seem to be aligning around this sharing the exact same 14-inch shell of the MacBook Pros you’ve seen over the past few years, but with that all-important silicon upgrade.

As we’ve found out from testing this base model over the past few years, it’s become clear that the “cheapest MacBook Pro” has always been the best-value Mac nobody noticed.

Next, the all-in-one looks set to get the silicon bump. The M6 iMac is less revolution, more the annual injection of “newer is faster,” to keep the all-in-one up-to-date for folks who would rather not think about towers, monitors or cable management.

And finally, there’s the OLED iPad mini — which is, low key, the one I’m most excited for. I’ve loved the iPad mini for a while now, but that LCD display has always been the thorn in its side. Clearly, the mini’s been on borrowed time for two years; this is Apple saying it isn’t dead, it’s just been saving its energy.

Who’s actually safe to buy now?

Playing both sides of the wallet is my job, so here’s the honest carve-out. If your laptop just died, your classes start this month, or you’re about to spend your rent money — buy what you need, today.

Any Mac on Apple’s current shelves is absurdly fast; your productivity is worth more than a speculative OLED panel, and the M4 MacBook Pro is still a monster.

What you should not do in a panic: buy the current MacBook Pro at full price as a “just in case” machine while your old one still works, which is how a lot of folks look when refresh cycles hit.

And if you’re holding a trade-in-eligible Mac: lock in your trade-in quote now or wait for the dust to settle, because trade-in allowances on older generations typically drop once new silicon is officially on the table.

What to do while we wait

Stay locked in on Tom’s Guide — we’ll update the moment Apple confirms or changes anything. We've received our invite to the October 28 event, and we can’t wait to see everything the Cupertino crew’s been working on!

On top of that, we’ll keep an eye on the prices of outgoing models the day they’re discounted, so you’ll know exactly when the discount is real. If the November 6 sale date is true, Black Friday collides with fresh discontinuations, and that is going to be the single best fortnight of the year for buying Macs.

The “Pro and Tell” pun may be a bit cringe, but the buying window is not.

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone Duo wait times — latest updates and how to beat Apple's January delay
• I’ve been living with Nvidia’s RTX Spark for a week — it’s not a MacBook Pro killer but something much weirder and wildly powerful
• At $1,000, Apple's rumored HomeView Max better do the dishes, too

We're still catching our breath from the Apple HomeView announcements this week and another Apple event is reportedly right around the corner.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman revealed that Apple is planning another product launch in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 28. He specified that the event will showcase a touchscreen MacBook, iPad mini and M6 Mac.

Here's what we know about the three devices based on rumors and leaks.

Touchscreen MacBook

The MacBook Ultra will be the headliner of the event as it should be Apple's first laptop to feature both a touchscreen and an OLED display. It was rumored to be thinner and lighter thanks to the slimmer OLED panel, but a new leak last week walked that back.

The high-end laptop should come in 14- and 16-inch versions powered by either the M6 Pro or M6 Max chipsets.

Thanks to the OLED touchscreen and flagship silicon, we expect the MacBook Ultra to carry a steep premium price that could be at least 20% higher than the current MacBook Pro. That translates to a starting price of around $2,499 for the 14-inch model and $3k for the 16-inch version.

iPad mini 8

The eighth-generation iPad mini is expected to follow its larger brethren and finally sport an OLED display. It's not clear if it will be a tandem OLED like in the M5 iPad Pro though.

Beyond that, with the iPhone 18 Pro finally here, it's likely that the new iPad mini will feature the A20 chipset.

And that's it for the hardware; if the HomeView event is any indication, expect to hear a lot about Siri AI and how it'll work with your iPad.

M6 upgrades

Beyond the iPad mini and MacBook OLED, Apple should introduce M6 versions of the 14-inch MacBook Pro and the iMac desktop computer. This follows the initial launch of this upgraded chip in the new Mac mini M6.

We're not expecting any major redesigns or updates for those devices beyond the new chip.

Tom's Guide will be on hand with all the latest news from the October 28 event so keep us in your tabs to find out what Apple reveals in two weeks.

More from Tom's Guide

• You don’t need the $300 Apple TV 4K to get its best feature — just buy the new Siri remote
• Apple 'Welcome home' event RECAP — HomeView, Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2 unveiled — all the news, prices and release dates
• iPhone Duo Geekbench scores leak, and Apple's foldable is about to leave Android rivals in the dust

If you’re looking to buy one of the best iPads, then you’re in luck, as the October Prime Day event is happening this week. Although the sales officially run October 6 and October 7, Amazon has slashed prices on all current iPad models. While these prices aren’t as low as they were in the past thanks to Apple’s price hikes, you can still save big on the company’s tablets.

Right now, you can save $100 on the iPad mini and the 11-inch iPad Air M4. The same is true for the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro models. If you want the most affordable Apple tablet right now, you can’t go wrong with the base iPad for $50 off.

These sales aren’t too shabby, but we could see deeper discounts once October Prime Day is officially underway. To that end, bookmark this post, and I’ll update it with the latest prices. Without further ado, here are the best Prime Day iPad deals happening now.

Quick Links

• shop all iPads on sale at Amazon
• 11" iPad (A16): was $449 now $399 @ Amazon
• 8.3" iPad mini: was $599 now $499 @ Amazon
• 11" iPad Air (M4): was $749 now $649 @ Amazon
• 13" iPad Air (M4): was $949 now $849 @ Amazon
• 11" iPad Pro (M5): was $1,199 now $1,139 @ Amazon
• 13" iPad Pro (M5): was $1,499 now $1,399 @ Amazon

Best iPad deals

Best iPad Air deals

Best iPad Pro deals

Rumors of the iPad mini's death are greatly exaggerated. I'll go to my grave defending Apple's smallest tablet and right now, thanks to Amazon Prime Day, it's been given a nice price cut. So maybe you don't need to spend two grand on the iPhone Duo.

Right now, the iPad mini 7 is $100 off at Amazon. That brings the price back to what it was before Apple hiked prices on its devices earlier this year. Even though it's a smaller iPad, you still get the full experience. I'll admit the A17 Pro chip is showing signs of age at this point, but you can't beat it for portability.

Don't be so quick to write off the iPad mini just because the iPhone Duo is on the horizon. The latter is a $2,000 device, and while I was mightily impressed when I saw it, I don't think it'll displace the iPad mini anytime soon.

Apple's diminutive slate is one of the best tablets, measures 7.69 x 5.3 x 0.25 inches and weighs just 0.6 pounds. It might not fold in half, but you can have it sitting in your backpack for most of the day without even realizing it. Furthermore, there are a ton of accessories — like cases, keyboards and gamepads — that you can use to get even more from it.

The iPad mini 7 runs on the A17 Pro chip, the same processor that arrived with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It's true that we're now a few years on and while it won't match up to the silicon in the newest iPads, it's going to be more than adequate for the majority of use-cases. You can manage multiple browser tabs as well as stream audio or watch YouTube without stress.

And yes, it can update to iPadOS 27 with full compatibility with Apple Intelligence features like conversational Siri, writing tools, and photo editing enhancements like Clean Up and Extend.

Finally, the battery life on the iPad mini 7 is still a champ. We ran it through our typical lab test, involving continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi with the display set to 150 nits, and our unit lasted for 10 hours and 36 minutes.

Your mileage may vary, but if you need a dependable little tablet with the full suite of Apple software, this is the one to go for. It still stings that a tablet selling for $400 in 2025 is now on sale for that much — but this is still the best price I've seen since Apple rolled out its price hikes and the best way to sidestep them so far. It's also a lot cheaper than what the iPhone Duo is going to cost you.

Shop more deals

• See all deals in the Prime Day sale
• All headphones on sale at Amazon

The iPhone Duo has been getting a lot of attention thanks to its hybrid design, offering an iPhone and iPad-like experience in a single device. But as exciting as that may be, the $2,000 price tag is more than a lot of us can justify. Which is why Prime Day iPad deals are worth checking out.

If you want to save the most money and still get the iPad experience for the times you need it, this deal on Apple's iPad 11-inch option is worth considering. Amazon has dropped the price of the entry-level iPad down to $399, which is $50 off the normal price.

This deal doesn't bring the iPad 11-inch down to its pre-price hike cost of $349. But considering major discounts on Apple products are rare, and the price isn't going to come down in the near future, this deal is worth taking advantage of.

Obviously picking up the cheapest iPad Apple offers means you're not going to get the same premium experience you would with an iPhone Duo — or even an iPad Air. For starters, this is a Wi-Fi-only model, and adding cellular support is going to cost you another $150.

On top of that, it misses out on the anti-reflective matte display that Apple utilizes on its foldable. I can speak from experience that the entry-level iPad's glossy Liquid Retina display is incredibly reflective — and that can cause problems at certain angles or in bright conditions. The A16 Bionic chipset isn't as powerful as the A20 Pro, and there's only a single main camera to work with.

None of that means the iPad 11-inch is a bad device. You get a large 11-inch display to do all those tablet-y things an iPad is good for. Whether that's reading, streaming, drawing, writing or something else entirely. You'll need an Apple Pencil USB-C for the latter two, and that costs extra, but I find it so useful that I wouldn't be without a stylus regardless of which tablet I own.

Plus our custom battery life testing found the iPad 11 lasted 11 hours and 25 minutes on a single charge. That's almost an hour longer than the iPad mini 7, though it isn't quite as much as the iPad Pro M4's 13 hours and 13 minutes.

If you're looking for a simple iPad experience, without the high price tag of other Apple tablets (and the iPhone Duo) command, then the iPad 11-inch is an ideal choice for you.

Shop more deals

• See all deals in the Prime Day sale
• Sign up for Amazon Prime

A quartet of unannounced Apple products was reportedly discovered in a company code that revealed images of a new iPad mini 8, iPad 12, HomePod mini 2, and the long-awaited Apple TV 4K refresh.

The images were found by Aaron Perris, a regular contributor to MacRumors. It's not clear what code Perris dug through to find the images, though usually it's one of the major operating systems like iOS or macOS.

Per MacRumors, where the images were discovered indicates that these devices could launch very soon.

Here's what we know about the four products.

Apple TV 4K

The image Perris discovered appears to be labeled "Apple TV 4K (4th generation)." Based on this image, the fourth generation will look pretty much exactly the same as gen three.

The upgrades should all be inside, including a new chip, anything from an A17 Pro all the way up to the A20, based on rumors. The newer chip will come with more RAM and the ability to run Apple Intelligence and the new Siri AI.

It's also rumored to get an Apple-designed N1 chip (possibly the N2) and WiFi 7 support, plus an updated Remote.

iPad 12

Not every leaked image comes with potential technical specifications, but the iPad 12 apparently did. According to the code, Apple's updated entry-level iPad 12 will feature an A19 chip, an Apple-built C1X modem, an N1 chip and 8GB of RAM.

In all, those are expected updates based on previous rumors. Like the Apple TV, more RAM and a more recent chip will enable the iPad 12 to support Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, which the current iPad 11 can't run.

iPad mini 8

Interestingly, the leaked code of the iPad mini 8 doesn't seem to discuss the rumored OLED display. Instead, MacRumors found that it will have an A20 Pro chip, a new landscape front-facing camera, and an updated speaker system.

Many previous rumors have suggested that the next mini tablet will be the iPad mini with OLED, meant to launch this October. Just because OLED doesn't appear in the code doesn't mean that it won't launch this fall though.

That said, the iPad mini running the A20 Pro chip is new and should make Apple's smallest tablet quite powerful. For instance, the iPad mini 7, released two years ago features an A17 Pro chipset.

HomePod mini 2

It appears that new version of the HomePod mini will be released in five colors which appear to include white, black, green, blue and a pinkish variant. The current models come in blue, yellow, orange, midnight and white.

We've tracked the HomePod mini 2 on our rumor radar since at least 2023. It should be a simple update including a new chip that will likely let it run Apple Intelligence and Siri AI as with every other device listed above. It's also expected to have improved audio.

We expect all four devices to launch before the end of October alongside the HomePad smart home hub, and new M6 Macbooks.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to add Apple's new dynamic step count widget to your Apple Watch
• I swapped my Shokz for the Apple Airpods 5 on my runs — here’s 4 things I love, and 2 I don’t
• Android president on Apple iPhone Duo: 'Android is usually where you see the future first'

It’s official. Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, will be taking up a surprisingly small space in early adopters’ pockets next month.

It’s undeniably expensive, however. The base 256GB model will set you back $1,999 which critics have noted is more than it would cost to buy the iPhone 18 Pro and the latest iPad mini 7.

So is that worth doing, or does the unique form factor of the iPhone Duo justify the extra cost? Here’s what you should consider before making your choice.

Why you should choose iPhone Duo

Unmatched portability

The main thing the iPhone Duo has going for it is its portability.

When folded, it measures 117.8mm x 84.1mm x 11.3mm. Though that’s not too far removed from the iPhone 18 Pro’s 71.9mm x 150mm x 8.75mm, add in a 134.8mm x 195.4mm x 6.3mm iPad mini 7, and pockets alone just wouldn’t cut it.

And while the iPhone Duo weighs a not-insubstantial 254g, that’s still lighter than the combined weight of the phone and tablet, which together tip the scales at 504g.

When Tom's Guide sat down to talk with CEO John Ternus and Greg Joswiak following the Apple keynote, Joz specifically highlighted the joy of being able to fold up an iPad and take it around with you as part of the device's appeal.

Unique features

As well as the cool factor of a folding phone, the iPhone Duo has a couple of features that are unique to the iPhone family. The internal FaceTime camera is an under-screen model, only visible when required. And that internal screen has a matte finish for less glare and fewer reflections.

In addition, the iPhone Duo's apps can morph based on the folding state of the device. For example, if you're watching Netflix and fold the device like a laptop, you'll see the video up top and controls down below.

Also, bear in mind that while the iPhone Duo uses the same A20 Pro chipset as the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, the iPad mini 7 is a bit longer in the tooth, still using the same A17 Pro silicone as the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPad mini 8 will no doubt close the gap, but its release date (and likely price increase) is still to be determined.

Better multitasking

One of the main reasons people use a tablet is for the enhanced multitasking abilities that a larger screen offers.

While both the iPhone Duo and iPad mini allow multiple apps for genuine multitasking, the former has the advantage here. Why? Because all your files, apps and notes are in one place. With an iPad mini, you’d need to make sure your files were synced between devices — something made that bit harder if you opt for the Wi-Fi-only model.

Only one device to keep charged

Keeping electronics charged is one of the more tedious things about modern living. As a two-in-one device, you only need to monitor the battery of one handheld, rather than two.

Why you should choose an iPhone 18 Pro and an iPad mini

Significant savings

The most obvious advantage of opting for a phone and a tablet over the iPhone Duo is the price difference. An iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, whereas buying both an entry-level iPad mini 7 and a base iPhone 18 Pro together comes to $1,698 — a $301 saving. Even if you opt for an iPhone 18 Pro Max with the iPad mini, you'll still pay a combined $1,798 that comes in cheaper than the Duo. Given the iPad mini 7 is coming up to its second birthday, you’d be able to save a packet by shopping around, too.

These savings can be even greater if you opt for a different combo, too. The iPhone 17 starts at $899 on the Apple site, immediately slashing a further $300 from the price, and again, if you shop around, you’ll be able to get it cheaper.

The battery power of two devices

Though I already covered the hassle of having to top up two batteries, the flip side to this is the added longevity.

The iPhone Duo is expected to have a battery that will last for 44 hours of video on the outer screen, or 31 on the internal one. The iPhone 18 Pro is quoted as going for 34 hours of video (our own battery test knocked it out after 16 hours and 17 minutes of real-world endurance), and the iPad mini lasted just over ten hours in our battery tests. That’s a slight edge to the pair of devices if the Duo is only used folded, and a resounding win if unfolded.

Better camera power

For a flagship device, the iPhone Duo is surprisingly under-specced in the camera department. There are two 48MP rear cameras: a f/1.6 main lens and a f/2.2 ultrawide.

While the iPad mini’s camera can be safely ignored for the most part, the iPhone 18 Pro is clearly far more flexible. Not only does the 48MP main camera include a variable aperture, letting photographers choose between f/1.48m, f/1.8m f/2.8 and f/4.0 values, but you also get an additional 48MP telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom.

A full Apple Pencil experience

Although the iPhone Duo supports the Apple Pencil on both of its screens, there is one big caveat: you have to use the paired-back USB-C version. That means there’s no pressure sensor, haptic feedback, Find My support or added features like squeeze or double-tap.

While that’s better than the iPhone 18 Pro, which doesn’t support any Apple Pencils, the iPad mini 7 lets you use the USB-C model or the far better Apple Pencil Pro. That makes it the superior option for serious doodlers.

iPhone Duo or iPhone 18 Pro + iPad mini?

Ultimately, there are benefits to both configurations. The iPhone Duo is undoubtedly more convenient and portable than lugging around two devices, and it has a few neat features that aren’t (yet) available on other Apple handhelds, like the under-screen selfie camera and a matte display.

But opting for both a less glamorous iPhone and iPad instead will save you at least $200, and likely more if you shop around or look beyond the brand new iPhone 18 Pro. On top of that, you get a superior camera setup and the full Apple Pencil experience.

In short, there’s no straightforward right or wrong answer here, and what you should choose will depend on your budget and specific circumstances.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your iPhone Duo deserves better than a cheap case — here are 9 life-savers
• Apple Watch Series 12 review: A new heart rate sensor and a readiness score make this the best smartwatch on the market
• iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max benchmarks: These are the fastest phones we've ever tested

Whether you're picking up an iPhone, iPad or some other Apple device, you'll know that official repairs can get very expensive. Heck, a simple screen repair on the iPhone 18 Pro Max is going to cost $379, which is almost a third of the cost of the phone itself. AppleCare+ makes those fees a little more palatable, so long as you're willing to subscribe and pay a monthly fee.

The problem is that paying for AppleCare on multiple devices can get pretty expensive, especially if you're part of a whole family of Apple users. AppleCare One already offers the chance to cover up to three devices on a single plan, and now AppleCare One Family offers that same coverage for up to six people — for $50 a month.

What devices you can add

There are surprisingly few limits on the number of devices you can add to this plan. All devices that are covered by AppleCare will be automatically added to the Family plan when you sign up, as will any devices purchased within the previous 60 days.

However, devices that are over four years old, or AirPods and Beats that are over a year old, will need to undergo a device check to ensure they're in good condition. This can be done remotely, or by visiting your nearest Apple Store. Apple has also made it clear that you can't add more than six Vision Pro headsets to the plan — not that anyone would.

The usual AppleCare+ service fees still apply. Battery servicing is totally free under the plan, while repairs to the screen and back glass are $29. Other accidental damage is $99, while theft or loss claims come with a $149 deductible. You're also limited to six loss and theft claims over the course of a year.

Devices will remain covered so long as you keep your AppleCare One Family Plan active, and provided they connect to an Apple server at least once every 12 months. However, Apple does note that devices can be removed from the plan if it runs out of the necessary parts to service and make repairs.

Coverage is also dependent on the devices being signed into a family member's Apple Account. If they sign out, and a non-family member later signs in, coverage will end.

How to set up AppleCare One Family

AppleCare One Family is currently only available in the United States, and the setup process can be initiated by any adult member of a Family Sharing Group. Payments are automatically made by the family organizer, regardless of which adult actually signs up. However, the person who initiated the subscription can choose their own payment method if they prefer. Other family members will be restricted from signing up for a different AppleCare plan unless they leave the family group.

If you're part of a family or friendship group that's big on using Apple products, signing up for an AppleCare One Family plan feels like a no-brainer. A simple AppleCare One plan costs $20 a month, and coverage for up to three devices is included in the cost plus $6 a month for each additional product.

The Family plan with a full six people means that you're paying $8.33 per person, and without any major device limitations. All you have to do is make sure the participants actually pay you their dues, which should be a lot easier considering sharing money is now as easy as bumping phones together.

More from Tom's Guide

• Your phone may run iOS 27, but only these devices support the new Siri AI
• Why your iPhone says 'Optimizing Search and Siri' in iOS 27 — and how to speed it up
• I’ve used macOS Golden Gate for 3 months — and here’s what I think

iPadOS 27 is here for the best iPads that support it! Like iOS 27 and macOS 27, iPadOS 27 focuses on overall system refinements and deeper AI integration. That last bit is especially noteworthy, as there’s now a dedicated Siri AI app that functions like a standard chatbot. Beyond answering questions, Siri AI can also take actions on your behalf since it’s integrated into the operating system and works with Apple’s applications.

I’ve been using iPadOS 27 since the beta launched over the summer, and have generally had a smooth experience with the latest OS update. Though I’m not a big AI user, the updated Siri can be handy — especially as it can do things on your behalf. And if you have kids, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the new child safety features.

iPadOS 27 isn’t a game-changer, but features like the overhauled Siri AI, the Liquid-Glass slider, and other quality-of-life improvements make using Apple’s tablets feel smoother and more personalized. Here is my full review of iPadOS 27.

iPadOS 27 review: Compatible iPads

Here are all the iPads that support iPadOS 27.

• iPad Pro (M4 and later)
• iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (4th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11‑inch (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later)
• iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)
• iPad Air 11-inch (4th generation and later)
• iPad (A16)
• iPad (9th generation and later)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad mini (6th generation)

iPadOS 27 review: Biggest features

The new Siri

Apple Intelligence is finally ready for prime time on the company’s devices. Thanks to the new Siri AI app, you can now interact with Apple’s virtual assistant the same way you would with a chatbot like ChatGPT or Google Gemini. Apple Intelligence runs on both servers and your device to offer better image understanding and more.

There is now a dedicated Siri AI app, which looks and functions like a regular chatbot app. In this window, you can ask Siri questions or have it perform tasks for you. For example, I used Siri to send a message to one of my iMessage group chats, and it did so after I approved it. Sure, I could have just done this directly in the group chat, but it’s a good demonstration of what the new Siri can do.

Siri AI also understands what's on your screen. When I had the Tom’s Guide homepage open on Google Chrome, it correctly detailed what was on the screen, including all the articles. It couldn’t open the articles or read them aloud (despite saying it could), but since I’m testing a beta version, I’ll give it an A for effort, even if it failed to complete the task.

Siri is most useful when you’re using Apple’s own apps and programs. It can create calendar events, set reminders, play music, and more. For example, when you’re looking at a schedule, you’ll see an “add to calendar” button pop up. When you right-click certain folders, files, or apps, you’ll see an “Ask Siri” option at the bottom. Selecting this will open a window where you can start texting or talking with Siri.

Though Siri can’t yet interact with many third-party applications (such as those from Google), it’s a huge improvement over the old Siri.

Liquid Glass improvements

Liquid Glass hasn’t gone anywhere, as Apple is leaning more into the UI with its latest operating system updates. However, Apple is now giving you more control over how it looks with a new slider that adjusts opacity. You can’t eliminate the Liquid Glass look, but you can minimize it significantly.

Other improvements include more diffuse, complex background visuals, so text stands out more. You’ll also notice that the edges of icons are more pronounced to help further separate them from the background. The uniform corner radius of all app windows also helps them stand out more.

Even if Liquid Glass hasn’t gone anywhere, even detractors should find the updates tolerable since they do greatly improve overall readability and visibility. The Liquid Glass slider is a nice touch.

I've never had a problem with Liquid Glass because I think it’s an interesting visual effect. That said, I’m glad that folks can now fine-tune it to their liking. The slider is especially neat because it’s easy to use and clearly shows how much of a difference there is when you go from one extreme to the other.

Child safety features

If you’re a parent, you’ll be happy to know that Apple is expanding its parental control features with iPadOS 27. This way, you can let the kiddo use Apple’s tablet without worrying too much about the kind of content they’re watching and for how long they’re using the slate.

These updates include a redesigned, more intuitive Screen Time Dashboard with one-tap controls and expanded safeguards. There are also Time Allowances for app categories, Ask to Browse website approval, Communication Safety that blurs gore or violence, and one-tap access management. You can tailor these features to suit your child.

I don’t have kids, but I did find the child safety features simple enough to use and customize. Given how much kids love iPads, it’s smart for Apple to keep refining these safety features.

iPadOS 27 review: Other features

• Spatial Reframing: As the name suggests, you can now reframe a photo after it’s been taken thanks to this feature. You can also expand your shots with the Extend Tool and remove objects with the Clean Up tool.
• Upgraded Image Playground: Image Playground can now generate higher-quality images. You can also modify and transform existing images by describing what you want.
• Siri in Notes: Siri AI can assist with your handwritten or typed notes in the Notes app by (for example) organizing bullet points into a formatted agenda or turning handwritten lectures into a detailed study guide.
• Safari updates: In Safari, tabs can now be automatically grouped by topic, making related pages easier to find. With Safari Notify Me, you can receive an alert if there’s a price change or a restock for an item you’ve been eyeing.
• Describe Shortcuts: Instead of manually building complex workflows, you can now describe what you need, and Shortcuts connects actions across multiple apps to make it happen. This is useful if you want to set specific routines, such as launching a specific app when you connect a peripheral.

iPadOS 27 review: Verdict

I use an iPad Pro every single day and have largely been pleased with iPadOS 27. Again, it won’t set the world on fire with revolutionary new features, but the upgraded Siri AI and deeper Apple Intelligence integrations help make iPads that support the update more useful. This is especially true if you use Apple’s own apps often.

As I said in my macOS Golden Gate review, iPadOS 27 feels like a holding-pattern update for whatever big OS refresh the folks in Cupertino are cooking. But there’s also nothing wrong with not fixing what isn’t broken, so it’s fine that this isn’t a huge update. If you own a compatible iPad, you should update as soon as you can to test the new features yourself!

Apple's big week of operating system updates is finally here with the new iPadOS 27. This year's update isn't groundbreaking; instead, it focuses on Apple Intelligence, which should make for a more personal, customized experience.

As with iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate, the main attraction is the reinvented Siri, which finally lives up to its potential. Siri AI, as it’s now called, is context-aware and understands what’s on your screen. Because it’s built into the OS, it can directly control and manage apps. It also adds new child safety features, improved readability for Liquid Glass, new photo-editing tools, and more.

Here’s how to download iPadOS 27.

How to download iPadOS 27

As always, before you install a major update like iPadOS 27, back up your iPad in case anything goes wrong and you need to return to iPadOS 26.

Not every iPad will be compatible with the new operating system, but if your tablet is, the upgrade is free.

Here is the full list of iPads that are compatible with iPadOS 27:

• iPad Pro (M4 and later)
• iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (4th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11‑inch (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later)
• iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)
• iPad Air 11-inch (4th generation and later)
• iPad (A16)
• iPad (9th generation and later)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad mini (6th generation)

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Apple's major "Surprise and Shine" event is behind us and the iPhone Duo, Apple's first foldable, is finally official. But there were some omissions based on the rumors, including a lack of smart home devices.

Those devices could still be on the way. Apple typically announces new MacBooks in October, and we could see some other products then as well. Here are the seven new Apple products that we could see next month.

Touchscreen MacBook Ultra with OLED

Apple has already released a surprising number of Mac laptops and desktops this year. We had the MacBook Neo, M5 MacBook Air, and M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros way back in the spring, plus late refreshes of the Mac mini and Mac Studio.

Next month we're expecting an M6 version of the iMac, which also might get some new colorways, and an M6 MacBook Pro.

But the headliner should be a new MacBook Pro (or Ultra). The big change here should be a new OLED touchscreen display, which would make it the first OLED MacBook.

OLED panels are thinner, so the Ultra should be both slimmer and lighter in both 14- and 16-inch versions. It could be powered by the as-yet-unannounced M6 Pro and M6 Max chipsets. This does mean that we might not see the Ultra until early 2027, as Apple has pushed announcing those chips into the first half of the year.

Unfortunately, all these new features and higher-tier silicon mean that the Ultra could have a starting price around $2,499 for the 14-inch model, up from $2,199 for the current M5 Pro models.

iPad mini with OLED

The iPad Pro has had an OLED display since 2024, but we could finally see an iPad mini with OLED this October. Coincidentally, the mini hasn't received an update since October 2024, when the iPad mini 7 was released.

It will likely get a faster chip, probably the A19, if not the new A20, so it can run Apple Intelligence, especially the new Siri AI. It's not clear from rumors if any other design changes will be made. However, it might be thinner and lighter since the OLED panel is thinner.

We should also see an updated entry-level iPad. As far as we're aware the only update here would be new chips.

Smart Home Devices

We warned before the iPhone event that rumors about Apple's smart home options need to be taken with a grain of salt. For years, leaks and rumor mongers have suggested that Apple is planning to introduce a suite of smart home devices, including a revamped HomePod and an AI-powered Apple TV 4K set-top box.

Rumors suggested that Apple would announce these devices during the iPhone event, which obviously did not come to fruition.

Apple seems to have finally figured out Siri AI with iOS 27. If it releases and works as pitched, we could finally start seeing Apple Home.

HomePod Home hub

Previously, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, long a reporter of the rumored HomePod updates, believed that a new HomePod mini could launch with the iPhones alongside the rumored HomePod Home hub.

However, right before the iPhone event, Gurman cheekily tweeted, "If you don't see the Apple TV, HomePod mini, home display and touch MacBook today, don't worry. It's only September."

Several different iterations of this device have been rumored, including one with a $1,000 robot arm. The most common version involves a wall-mounted touchpad or a HomePod speaker with a touch display about the size of an iPad mini.

This device would have a FaceTime camera for video calls and presence sensors to initiate smart home routines.

HomePod mini 2

A new HomePod mini might also debut, but it might not be as big of an upgrade as the Hub. Most rumors suggest that it will feature a new chip and audio improvements. It will probably get new colors.

The HomePod mini 2 has been on our rumor radar since at least 2023. The current version debuted in 2020, and like the next device, is long overdue for an update.

Apple TV 4K 2026

Like the HomePod series, Apple hasn't released a new version of the Apple TV 4K since 2022. We're long overdue for an upgrade — even if it's only a more powerful chip for stronger performance.

Previously, it was suggested that a new Apple TV could feature the A17 Pro chip, but it's more likely it'll get the new A20 or, to save some money, last year's A19. The device should also get the rumored N2 chip for better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Outside of chips, the big upgrade would be Siri AI, which could let you connect the Apple TV as a hub for smart devices. One rumor suggested that Apple might release a set-top box with a camera, which would allow for FaceTime calls and gesture-based controls.

However, a rumored refresh of the Apple TV has been making the rounds for multiple years now. I won't believe this one until it actually happens.

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• People are freaking out about the new 'always-listening' Apple Watches — here's what Apple CEO John Ternus told us
• Apple Event recap — Hands-on with the iPhone Duo and all the big announcements

If you’re reading this, then you’re considering whether it’s beneficial to get your kid a tablet for schoolwork. That’s reasonable. The best tablets are lighter than most laptops, can cost less than many Chromebooks, and students already know how to use them. The appeal is pretty evident.

That said, a tablet isn’t just a small computer. It’s a distinct device with its own strengths and limitations for schoolwork. If you’re deciding whether a tablet makes sense for your child this year, you need a clear picture of both sides before you hit buy.

I’ve reviewed dozens of tablets over the years and have spent a lot of time testing whether certain models (like the iPad Pro) can realistically replace a laptop. The answers aren’t always cut and dry, but I have a solid sense of when a tablet works for schoolwork and when it falls short.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using a tablet for school to help you make the right call.

Tablets for school: The pros

A tablet’s form factor is hard to beat. Most students can toss an iPad or mid-range Android tablet into a backpack without thinking twice because they’re so thin and light. Better options last a full school day on a charge, and they’re ready the second you take them out of rest mode or open the case. That lower friction is especially helpful for younger students.

Tablets are also strong for more visual, interactive schoolwork. Reading digital textbooks, annotating PDFs with a stylus, watching short instructional videos, and using educational apps all feel natural on a tablet. Many schools already deliver content through Google Classroom or similar platforms that work cleanly with tablets. If your kid needs to sketch, snap photos of notes, or complete interactive worksheets, a tablet with a decent stylus can feel more intuitive than a traditional laptop.

Cost is another factor. A solid mid-range tablet paired with a keyboard case can sometimes be cheaper than a budget laptop, and there’s generally less to break or keep updated. For a student who mainly needs a device for reading, research, light writing, and school apps, a tablet can cover a lot of ground without the extra complexity of a full computer.

If you've already decided to get a tablet for back-to-school, here are some options I recommend.

Tablets for school: The cons

While tablets can work well for school, they come with some serious drawbacks.

Serious tasks like writing longer papers, building spreadsheets, coding, or juggling multiple apps are still noticeably harder on a tablet than on a laptop. Even with a keyboard attached, multitasking and file management often feel limited. If your child’s schoolwork involves a lot of writing or switching between documents, a tablet can slow them down.

You’ll also need to account for the cost of peripherals if you want real school use out of the tablet. Something like Apple’s Magic Keyboard makes typing far more comfortable than the on-screen keyboard, and keeps an iPad protected from accidental drops. A stylus isn’t always essential, but it can be if your child takes notes by hand or does any drawing. The cost of these peripherals can erase the tablet’s initial price advantage.

Not every school’s software or testing platform plays nicely with tablets, either. Some require specific browsers or extensions that work more reliably on a laptop. If your kid’s school leans heavily on certain tools, a tablet can create more headaches than it solves.

Finally, distraction is a bigger issue on a tablet. It’s much easier for a student to fire up a game, fall into YouTube, or get lost on social media instead of finishing homework or getting to bed on time. Those same temptations exist on laptops, but the tablet form factor makes them easier to slip into.

If these cons are a deal-breaker, here are two excellent and budget-friendly laptops I suggest you get for your kid instead.

Bottom line

A tablet can be a fantastic tool for schoolwork, but only if it matches how your kid works and what their school expects.

For younger children focused on reading, interactive lessons, and lighter assignments, a tablet is often the better fit. For older students handling longer writing, research projects, or heavier software, a proper laptop is usually the smarter daily driver. Solid options in that category that I recommend include the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Neo, both of which currently start at $699.

If you decide to go the tablet route, pair it with a good keyboard case, enable strong parental controls, and set clear rules about when it’s a school device versus a fun distraction. This keeps the advantages while limiting the downsides.

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This week Apple released macOS version 26.7, and apparently hidden in the code are references to multiple unreleased Apple devices that all could launch in the coming months.

In total, the apparent accidental leaks reveal at least 14 products, including AirPods with cameras, the expected foldable iPhone Ultra, new OLED models of the MacBook and iPad mini and a next-generation Apple TV. The leak was discovered by Aaron Perris of MacRumors.

For many of these devices, the best we can note from the code is that they exist or will exist at some point. But it does give us an idea of what Apple could be working on and what's next.

Here's the full list for now:

• Apple Home Hub
• HomePod mini 3
• Apple Security Camera
• Home Accessory
• iPhone Air 2
• iPhone 18 Pro
• iPhone 18 Pro Max
• iPhone 18
• iPhone Ultra
• MacBook Pro 14” M6
• iMac M6
• MacBook Pro OLED touchscreen
• iPad mini OLED
• AirPod Ultra (with camera)
• Beats headphones

With Apple's annual iPhone event around the corner, we're expecting a majority of that list to be announced next month. That includes the iPhone 18 Pro models, the iPhone Ultra, and the AirPods Ultra with cameras that were revealed in a leaked video this week.

The leaked code doesn't appear to have release dates, not that it would. With that in mind, of the devices on the list, the base model iPhone 18 and super-thin iPhone Air 2 likely won't debut until next spring with Apple's rumored split launch.

There are two interesting reveals in the OLED devices and the suite of smart home devices.

OLED MacBook and iPad mini

Apple doesn't release MacBooks until later in the fall, typically in mid-October. The most recent leaks have suggested that Apple will add the MacBook to its burgeoning "Ultra" line.

The Apple MacBook Ultra is supposed to debut this year with an OLED touchscreen panel and the M6 chipset. The OLED panel and touchscreen would be among three firsts for Apple laptops, including a new iPhone-esque Dynamic Island. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested that it will also get a redesign, though he declined to elaborate on what Apple is changing.

As for the iPad mini, the OLED redesign has been rumored for a couple of years, but recent rumors have settled on an October debut. The big change is the screen, but it should also feature a faster chip. So far, rumors haven't revealed any other changes.

Apple's Smart Home ambitions

Since Apple revealed Apple Intelligence in 2024, rumors about an AI-boosted suite of smart home devices have been repeatedly leaked, though the delay of Siri 2.0 seemingly kept getting in the way.

It's being built around a new version of the Apple HomePod. Per MacRumors, this code leak potentially revealed two versions of the HomePod: one that mounts on the wall and one with a built-in base that may or may not be a speaker with essentially an iPad on it.

One of the code names, "B525" apparently refers to what may be the HomePod mini 2, as the current version had a B520 codename.

The Apple Security Camera is both a surprise since it hasn't really been revealed previously, but also not that shocking. At WWDC 2026, Apple announced an upgrade to Apple Home Secure Video that adds AI for natural language search, detailed video descriptions and more. Apple is clearly thinking about security cameras.

The other interesting reference is to something labeled Pebble, which may be a smart home OS that we had previously seen codenamed as "Charismatic."

New Apple TV 4K and Siri remote

The one I'm most curious about is the long-rumored next-generation Apple TV 4K set-top streaming box Apparently, the code reveals a new, upgraded Siri remote too.

The code doesn't reveal any changes, but it seems to suggest that an Apple TV update is coming after years of rumors. Some rumors have suggested the new streaming box could have a camera for FaceTime calls.

Otherwise, we're mostly expecting internal upgrades with the rumored N2 chip for better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and at the very least the A17 Pro chip, though I expect something higher at this point.

We'll be tracking all of these potential devices in the coming months, with the iPhone lineup the first to hit in September.

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Best Buy has just turned 60 years old. To celebrate, the retailer is holding a massive online sale that runs until Sunday, August 23. There's huge savings to be had across thousands of products and brands.

For this particular article I've narrowed down the search to Apple products. The company makes some of the most powerful, easy-to-use, and desirable technology out there, but they can be expensive, so any opportunity to save some money is welcome!

I've picked out a range of MacBooks, iPhones, Apple Watches, and other great bits of kit here, with prices starting at under $100. Take a look at the selection below – and happy shopping!

Today Apple announced its new leasing program, Apple Upgrade which is undergirded by Klarna for iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad.

The program lets customers sign up for a plan, similar to how you would lease a car, for fixed 12-, 24- and 36-month terms depending on the device. There are options to upgrade to a new device early or return it at the end of the lease.

Apple called the new plan a "more flexible way to pay for products."

It's possible this does offer some flexibility from paying an upfront lump sum or tying yourself to an onerous contract via a network carrier like Verizon or T-Mobile.

However, experts I spoke with think the Upgrade plan is meant to cover rising component costs.

"By shifting the focus to lower monthly payments, it helps mask the effect of rising hardware costs and makes premium devices feel more affordable and attainable for a broader range of consumers," Jitesh Ubrani, a director at IDC, said.

They added that it could entice people who don't want to pay the higher upfront costs, as even Apple has hiked prices recently. It also gives Apple a "steady stream of trade-ins" that the company can resell to expand its customer base.

"Many people are effectively leasing their phones already through carrier plans; leasing a watch or a Mac -- when you know that these are also devices that have upgrade cycles -- can make sense," Techsponential's Avi Greengart told Tom's Guide. "it's still a lease, so you won't be able to use it until it dies unless you buy out the lease, and it may not be the absolute most economical approach."

Beyond upfront prices, is Apple Upgrade better for you? Let's take a look at how the program works.

How Apple Upgrade works

Apple Upgrade offers 12- or 24-month lease terms for eligible iPhones and Apple Watches. For those seeking a Mac or iPad, there are 24- or 36-month options.

Prices start as low as $11.99 per month for the Apple Watch and iPad, depending on size and storage capacity. iPhones start at $17.99, while Macs can be leased starting at $24.99 a month.

You can sign up online or at an Apple Store, where you will be approved by Klarna, which does require a soft credit check that should not impact your credit score.

At the end of the lease term, you can return the device or upgrade to a newer generation or purchase it with a one-time payment.

Compared to the outgoing iPhone Upgrade program, the Apple Upgrade Program does not include AppleCare, which is a separate subscription price and varies in price depending on your device.

Per MacRumors, if you miss a payment, it will be rolled into the next month's payment with no late fees. However, if you miss three consecutive payments, the lease will end, and you will have to pay the full outstanding balance, minus the value of the device when returned. If Klarna can't collect, a debt collection agency will be sent your information.

Apple Upgrade prices

Apple is offering the entire iPhone 17 lineup, plus the iPhone Air, both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 and three iPad options, including the iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPad mini.

For Macs, you can lease the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Studio.

Apple defaults to the 24-month leasing option, so we'll share that. The other options can lower or raise your price. Additionally, higher storage capacity or chip versions will also increase the monthly price.

Finally, the price does not include taxes and fees.

Here's how much the base model of each device will cost you.

We've separated the iPads and Macs out because these devices can have the longer 36-month term. Again, the prices below are for the base model of each device and the 24-month term.

No leasing entry-level devices

You may have noticed several Apple devices aren't eligible for the upgrade program. It includes the vanilla iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, as well as the entry-level models of almost every device category.

Here's the full list of Apple products you can't lease:

• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• Apple Watch SE
• MacBook Neo
• Mac mini
• iPad (A16)
• Studio Display

Availability

Apple Upgrade is available now for all of the listed devices. Apple says that a security deposit is not required and that a trade-in device could reduce monthly payments.

I will note that if you end a lease early, you could see termination fees. Also, if you don't do anything at the end of the lease, you'll be charged the purchase fee.

Lastly, hidden in the fine print, upgrading a device could increase your monthly payments, which is true for both higher-capacity versions of devices and more expensive models when new generations launch in the coming years.

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Apple will reportedly launch the first OLED iPad mini. That’s according to Bloomberg reporter and Apple tipster Mark Gurman, whose sources claim this updated iPad mini could arrive as early as this October. If true, this would be the biggest upgrade for the company’s smallest tablet. This has me both excited and worried.

The iPad mini was last updated in October 2024 with the iPad mini 7. Besides the A17 Pro chip, it retained the same design introduced in 2021.

This reported 8th-generation iPad mini model, currently code-named J510, would presumably have a faster chip along with the OLED panel. The report doesn’t specify if the tablet will receive other design upgrades, like thinner bezels.

Gurman’s report also discusses other upcoming iPad models. This includes an updated entry-level iPad, code-named J581, reportedly set for release early next year, according to Gurman’s sources. New iPad Air models, in both 11- and 13-inch variants, code-named J807 and J837, are allegedly dropping in Spring of 2027, along with new iPad Pro models around the same time.

Regarding the other iPads, Gurman doesn’t say whether or not the iPad Air line will get the same OLED upgrade as the iPad mini 8. If the iPad Air keeps the same Liquid Retina display, it would be the only iPad model without an OLED panel.

The iPad mini 7 currently starts at $599, which is $100 more than its original cost, thanks to Apple price hikes. Given the volatility of prices thanks to the ongoing RAM crisis, it’s difficult to say how much the iPad mini 8 could cost. However, the introduction of an OLED panel would naturally make this tablet more expensive.

Outlook

Though Mark Gurman has a stellar track record for Apple scoops, it’s best to take this report with a grain of salt, as Apple has yet to officially announce the new iPad mini or new iPads in general. We’ll keep our ears to the ground on this one, so stay tuned for more as we hear it.

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If you thought Apple raising prices on Macs and iPads would be the end of it, you were sorely mistaken. The company has now raised AppleCare+ prices for various Macs and iPads, with prices rising by $0.50 cents a month, or $5 for those people on annual plans.

However, there is a caveat to this change. For starters, this will only affect new purchases, so those of you who are already paying for AppleCare+ won't suddenly be asked to pay more money. AppleCare One, which offers care for up to three devices, is similarly unaffected.

Bloomberg notes that the cost of covering a 13-inch MacBook Air has risen from $7.49 a month to $7.99 a month, while an annual plan is now $80 a year instead of the $75 you'd have paid last week. The price hikes are affecting all Mac, MacBook and iPad devices the same, but so far, all other Apple products seem to have escaped this particular form of inflation.

I wouldn't expect that to last long, though. As the cost of components goes up, so too will the cost of repairs. While there is no confirmation that AppleCare+ prices will go up for the likes of the iPhone or Apple Watch, odds are that it will happen in the near future. Especially if the iPhone 18 Pro prices increase this year, as they are widely expected to do.

In other words, if you have been putting off signing up for AppleCare+ and want to make sure your Apple devices are protected against damage, you might want to sign up as soon as possible. Although the damage is already done for Macs and iPads, so you folks have all the time in the world to mull over that decision.

Spreading out your iPad payments

AppleCare+ price hikes aren't the only financial changes happening at the App Store, either. Apple has just launched new 36-month carrier financing for cellular-capable iPads, which joins the existing 12-month interest-free financing option.

Like the 12-month finance option, this new 3-year payment plan is interest-free. However, it's provided by the carrier rather than Apple itself. However, you will need to sign up for a data plan, and so far, Apple is only offering this particular payment plan if you're connecting to AT&T or Verizon.

The carrier financing option is also available to existing customers "when connecting to a new line of service." You'll be taken through that process of setting up a new line before you check out, and obviously, this means you will be on the hook for monthly data payments. Though it doesn't make sense to buy a cellular iPad if you're not planning on getting a data plan too.

Considering how much the cost of some iPads has risen due to recent Apple price hikes, it makes sense for a longer interest-free payment plan to be available. For example, an 11-inch iPad Pro with cellular is now $1,399, which is $289 more than the original $1,110 price tag. It's a lot of money to spend on a tablet, but if you split the cost over three years, you end up paying just shy of $39 a month.

Of course, this means you are on the hook for paying that every single month for three years — regardless of how your life and circumstances might change. So there's a trade-off to those low monthly payments. But if you want an iPad Pro and plan on keeping it for the long term, it is a good way to avoid dropping several hundred dollars in one go.

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Apple is expected to launch iPadOS 27 this Fall, but you can try the upcoming operating system right now via the public beta. While the OS is still a work in progress, it has most of the essential new features coming to the best iPads.

Like iOS 27 and macOS 27, iPadOS 27 is focused on overall system refinements and deeper AI integration. That last bit is especially noteworthy, as there is now a dedicated Siri AI app that functions like a standard chatbot. Beyond answering questions, Siri AI can also take actions on your behalf since it’s integrated into the operating system and works with Apple’s applications.

Though iPadOS 27 isn’t a monumental update, features like the overhauled Siri AI, the Liquid Glass slider, and other quality-of-life improvements make it worthwhile. Here are my impressions of the upcoming iPad operating system and its new features.

iPadOS 27 hands-on preview: Compatible iPads

Here are all the iPads that support iPadOS 27.

• iPad Pro (M4 and later)
• iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (4th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11‑inch (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later)
• iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)
• iPad Air 11-inch (4th generation and later)
• iPad (A16)
• iPad (9th generation and later)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad mini (6th generation)

iPadOS 27 hands-on preview: New features

Siri AI

Apple Intelligence is finally ready for prime time on the company’s devices. Thanks to the new Siri AI app, you can now interact with Apple’s virtual assistant the same way you would with a chatbot like ChatGPT or Google Gemini. Apple Intelligence runs on both servers and your device to offer better image understanding and more.

There is now a dedicated Siri AI app, which looks and functions like a regular chatbot app. In this window, you can ask Siri questions or have it perform tasks for you. For example, I used Siri to send a message to one of my iMessage group chats, and it did so after my approval. Sure, I could have just done this directly in the group chat, but it’s a good demonstration of what the new Siri can do.

Siri AI also understands what it sees on your screen. When I had the Tom’s Guide homepage open on Google Chrome, it correctly detailed what was on the screen, including all the articles. It couldn’t open the articles or read them out loud (despite saying it could), but given that I’m testing a beta version, I’ll give it an A for effort, even if it failed to complete the task.

Siri is most useful when you’re using Apple’s own apps and programs. It can create events on your calendar, set reminders, play music, and more. For example, when you’re looking at a schedule, you’ll see an “add to calendar” button pop up. When you right-click certain folders, files, or apps, you’ll see an “Ask Siri” option at the bottom. Selecting this will open a window where you can start texting or talking with Siri.

Though Siri can’t yet interact with most third-party applications (such as those from Google), it’s a huge improvement over the old Siri.

Liquid Glass improvements

Liquid Glass hasn’t gone anywhere, as Apple is leaning more into the UI with its latest operating system updates. However, Apple is now giving you greater control over how it looks thanks to a new slider that adjusts the opacity. You can’t eliminate the Liquid Glass look, but you can severely minimize it.

There are other improvements, such as how complex background visuals now appear more diffuse so that text stands out more. You’ll also notice that the edges of icons are more pronounced to help further separate them from the background. The uniform corner radius of all app windows also helps them stand out more.

Even if Liquid Glass hasn’t gone anywhere, even detractors should find the updates tolerable since they do greatly improve overall readability and visibility. The Liquid Glass slider is a nice touch.

I've never had a problem with Liquid Glass because I think it’s an interesting visual effect. That said, I’m glad that folks can now fine-tune it to their liking. The slider is especially neat because it’s easy to use and makes it clear how much of a difference there is when you go from one extreme to the other.

Child safety features

If you’re a parent, you’ll be happy to know that Apple is expanding its parental control features with iPadOS 27. This way, you can let the kiddo use Apple’s tablet without worrying too much about the kind of content they’re watching and for how long they’re using the slate.

Some of these updates include a redesigned and more intuitive Screen Time Dashboard that offers one-tap controls and expanded safeguards. There is also Time Allowances for app categories, Ask to Browsw website approval, Communication Safety that blurs gore or violence, and one-tap access management. You can tailor these features to suit your child.

I don’t have kids but I did find the child safety features simple enough to use and customize. Given how much kids love iPads, it’s smart for Apple to continue making adjustments to these safety features.

iPadOS 27 hands-on preview: Other features

Spatial Reframing: As the name suggests, you can now reframe a photo after it’s been taken thanks to this feature. You can also expand your shots with the Extend Tool and remove objects with the Clean Up tool.

Upgraded Image Playground: Image Playground can now generate higher quality images than before. You can also modify and transform existing images by describing what you want.

Siri in Notes: Siri AI can assist with your handwritten or typed notes in the Notes app by (for example) organizing bullet points into a formatted agenda or turning handwritten lectures into a detailed study guide.

Safari updates: In Safari, tabs can now be automatically grouped by topic to make related pages easier to find. With Safari Notify Me, you can receive an alert if there’s a price change or a restock for an item you’ve been eyeing.

Describe Shortcuts: Instead of manually building complex workflows, you can now describe what you need, and Shortcuts connects actions across multiple apps to make it happen. This is useful if you want to set specific routines, such as launching a specific app when you connect a peripheral.

iPadOS 27 hands-on preview: Outlook

iPadOS 27 won’t set the world on fire with revolutionary new features, but the upgraded Siri AI and deeper Apple Intelligence integrations help make iPads that support the update more useful. This is especially true if you frequently use Apple’s own apps.

Keeping in mind that iPadOS 27 is still a work in progress, I think it’s a smart update that finally sees Apple’s AI ambitions bear fruit. Things could change between now and when the expected Fall launch, but right now, Apple has delivered on its promises for a more helpful and intuitive iPad experience.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple hid a perfect 'dumb phone' feature inside your iPhone that's great for kids — here's how to turn it on
• iOS 27 beta now lets you customize Siri's pace and expressivity — here's how to do it
• iOS 27's new AI feature will automatically fix your weak passwords — how to set it up

You don’t have to wait to try iPadOS 27, as you can try it out now via the public beta. Even if this version of the operating system isn’t groundbreaking, its emphasis on AI should make for a more personal and customized experience.

As with iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate, the main attraction is the reinvented Siri, which finally lives up to its potential. Siri AI, as it’s now called, is context-aware and understands what’s on your screen. Because it’s built into the OS, it can directly control and manage apps. There are also new child safety features, improved readability for Liquid Glass, new photo-editing tools, and more.

While public betas are generally safer than developer betas, it’s best to proceed with caution, as there may be bugs that could harm your iPad. If you’re not bothered by that (I’ve never had issues in all my years of running these Apple betas), then here’s how to download the iPadOS 27 public beta.

How to download the iPadOS 27 public beta

Before you install the beta, make sure to back up your iPad, just in case anything goes wrong and you need to return to iPadOS 26.

You’ll then need to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program. You may already be enrolled from prior years, but if not, visit the sign-up page to get the ball rolling. You’ll need to log in with your name and address, then set your entity type as an individual. When the payment screen appears, back out, and you’ll be on the free developer tier.

Here is the full list of iPads that are compatible with iPadOS 27:

• iPad Pro (M4 and later)
• iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (4th generation and later)
• iPad Pro 11‑inch (2nd generation and later)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later)
• iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4)
• iPad Air 11-inch (4th generation and later)
• iPad (A16)
• iPad (9th generation and later)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad mini (6th generation)

And that's how you download the iPadOS 27 public beta! You should be safe using the beta, but if you don’t want to risk it, you can always wait for the full release this Fall.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just downloaded macOS 27 public beta — skip Siri AI and try these 5 hidden features instead
• Haptic vs. Mechanical trackpads: I put them both through a gauntlet, and one almost made me throw my laptop into the sun
• Exclusive: I asked Lenovo’s GM to predict the future of monitors, and it's the end of our chaotic, cable-cluttered desks and monitors that fry your retinas

A few days ago, Apple finally confirmed that the "unprecedented challenge" of the RAM crisis had forced it to hike the prices of some of its hardware, with some devices now costing as much as $1,300 more than they did this time last week.

Question is, are these latest price hikes a fair trade-off for quality devices being manufactured at a time when the AI boom is eating up mountains of RAM, and the Strait of Hormuz shipping disruption has put further commercial pressures on manufacturers, or is Apple being greedy?

Tom's Guide member relh didn't hold back, commenting, "I can understand why Apple had to make an increase but I am not planning to help them maintain their huge profit margin (which I understand is north of 30%). For the first time since 1984 when I bought my first Mac (yes, the very expensive 128K model) I am thinking about bailing on Apple."

This comment made me feel both nostalgic for the first Apple product I used, and sympathetic to the user's point.

In response to our recent poll asking "At what point do you usually give up and buy a new Mac?", relh continued, "My answer to the survey used to be 'when hardware can’t run latest system software'. This would have applied this year when my Intel iMac could not run new macOS BUT this year the ridiculous increase of more than 30% for a Mac Studio put a stop to that. I had planned to upgrade on Friday but the price increase I saw on Thursday was more than I could tolerate."

What do you think? Let us know in the below poll, and in the comments section.

Apple Increases

Apple has raised the cost of MacBooks, desktop Macs, iPads, Vision Pro and even the less-memory-hungry devices like Apple TV 4K and Homepod... and has hinted that this is just the beginning. Among the full list of Apple price hikes are these notable ones:

• Apple TV 4K: $199 (up from $129, $70 increase)
• HomePod: $349 (up from $299, $50 increase)
• iPad: $449 (up from $349, $100 increase)
• MacBook Neo: $699 (up from $599, $100 increase)
• iMac: $1,499 (up from $1,299, $200 increase)
• M5 Pro MacBook Pro: $2,499 (up from $2,199, $300 increase)
• Vision Pro: $3,699 (up from $3,499, $200 increase)
• M5 Max MacBook Pro: $4,099 (up from $3,599, $500 increase)
• M3 Ultra Mac Studio: $5,299 (up from $3,999, $1,300 increase)

The UK prices mirror the above US prices.

Apple users reactions

Our members weren't the only ones expressing their opinions on Apple's price hikes, with Redditors also feeling hot under the collar. On a thread in r/macbook, a user named Up_Beat_Argument wrote, "I feel like I watched the entire ripple effect work its way through the market, and it was surreal. Like being in a nightmare you can’t wake up from... And I guess the worst part is that it’s going to get worse before it gets better."

Among the 140 comments in that thread, users echoed sentiments about the new prices being too steep, mused that they may need to downgrade their tech in order to afford a new device, and echoed concerns about Apple's profit margins being an unspoken driver behind the costs.

Are these Redditors being too cynical, or do you think there's more than a grain of truth there?

On another thread, SwampYankee said, "I’d be surprised if they didn’t raise iPhone prices soon." This matches up with what analysts told my colleague Tom Pritchard about iPhone 18 price hikes likely being worse than we thought.

To which perthguppy added, "Also, announce unpopular stuff from the outgoing CEO now, and give the new CEO a better honeymoon period."

They may have a point.

Users on a thread titled 'Wall Street isn't buying Apple's unprecedented price hikes on products', though still generally disgruntled at the soaring RRPs, speculated that perhaps the increase was so steep because Apple had held off increasing prices for a couple of years, to avoid bad publicity.

Whatever the future holds for Apple prices (and let's face it, it's super unlikely to be any permanent reductions), perhaps it's time to consider shopping second-hand and refurbished Apple products for the time being.

How do you feel about the price hikes? Let us know in the comments below.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple price hikes are official — here's how much more you'll pay for MacBooks and iPads now
• Analysts warn the iPhone 18 price hike could be worse than we thought
• MacBook Neo vs. Chromebooks: Which budget laptop is right for you?

We all knew this day was coming. Apple has officially confirmed in statements to publications like CNBC that the RAM crisis has come for its devices and that MacBook and iPad devices are going up in price by as much as $500. Some high-end devices are going up by more than $1,000.

That's a significant bump for anyone looking to get their hands on Apple's latest hardware.

Apple's online store went down for a few minutes and came back with higher prices on many of its devices.

Of course, it wasn't done silently, as Apple offered a statement explaining the difficult decision to increase prices: "The consumer electronics industry is facing an unprecedented challenge. The rapid expansion of AI data centers has created an extraordinary surge in demand for memory and storage. We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly."

New Mac prices

Price increases are hitting across both U.S. and U.K., and since it's the same number on both sides of the pond, I can't help but feel especially hard done by in Britain given it's an apples-to-apples significantly larger number!

U.S. Increases

• MacBook Neo: $699 (up from $599, $100 increase)
• 13-inch MacBook Air: $1,299 (up from $1,099, $200 increase)
• 15-inch MacBook Air: $1,499 (up from $1,299, $200 increase)
• M5 MacBook Pro: $1,999 (up from $1,699, $300 increase)
• M5 Pro MacBook Pro: $2,499 (up from $2,199, $300 increase)
• M5 Max MacBook Pro: $4,099 (up from $3,599, $500 increase)
• iMac: $1,499 (up from $1,299, $200 increase)
• M4 Max Mac Studio: $2,499 (up from $1,999, $500 increase)
• M3 Ultra Mac Studio: $5,299 (up from $3,999, $1,300 increase)

U.K. increases

• MacBook Neo: £699 (up from £599, £100 increase)
• 13-inch MacBook Air: £1,299 (up from £1,099, £200 increase)
• 15-inch MacBook Air: £1,499 (up from £1,299, £200 increase)
• M5 MacBook Pro: £1,999 (up from £1,699, £300 increase)
• M5 Pro MacBook Pro: £2,499 (up from £2,199, £300 increase)
• M5 Max MacBook Pro: £4,099 (up from £3,599, £500 increase)
• iMac: £1,499 (up from £1,299, £200 increase)
• M4 Max Mac Studio: £2,499 (up from £1,999, £500 increase)
• M3 Ultra Mac Studio: £5,299 (up from £3,999, £1,300 increase)

New iPad prices

U.S. Increases

• iPad: $449 (up from $349, $100 increase)
• 11-inch iPad Air: $749 (up from $599, $150 increase)
• 13-inch iPad Air: $949 (up from $749, $200 increase)
• 11-inch iPad Pro: $1,199 (up from $999, $200 increase)
• 13-inch iPad Pro: $1,499 (up from $1,299, $200 increase)
• iPad mini: $599 (up from $499, $100 increase)

U.K. Increases

• iPad: £429 (up from £329, £100 increase)
• 11-inch iPad Air: £749 (up from £599, £150 increase)
• 13-inch iPad Air: £949 (up from £749, £200 increase)
• 11-inch iPad Pro: £1,199 (up from £999, £200 increase)
• 13-inch iPad Pro: £1,499 (up from £1,299, £200 increase)
• iPad mini: £599 (up from £499, £100 increase)