Apple has introduced a fresh iPad mini equipped with an OLED screen, though the device still lacks ProMotion technology. Its refresh rate stays capped at 60Hz, setting it apart from the iPad Pro, which accommodates up to 120Hz. This choice has faced backlash from consumers who anticipated a faster refresh rate alongside the transition to OLED.
Faster Pixels, Less Blur
Apple hardware engineering vice president Dave Pakula shed light on why the firm feels this screen enhancement still elevates the overall viewing experience. Pakula noted, “Display quality cannot be judged by refresh rate alone. OLED pixels respond more than ten times faster than LCD pixels, which helps reduce motion blur during scrolling, video playback and fast on-screen movement.”
This latest iPad mini incorporates an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen boasting a 2,316 x 1,512 resolution. According to Apple, the panel achieves peak brightness levels of up to 1,200 nits for HDR media and provides significantly greater contrast compared to the older LCD version.
Despite these updates, variable refresh rates were left out. Customers desiring fluid scrolling and high-frame-rate gaming must consequently look toward the iPad Pro.
The Screen Becomes a Speaker
The more substantial structural shift involves Apple’s newly introduced Acoustic Display. Rather than relying on traditional speaker grilles, the company employs bespoke woofers to cause vibrations in the display assembly, generating midrange and bass audio.
Pakula remarked, “The screen’s dimensions allow it to resonate at audible frequencies, much like a conventional woofer. The glass and metal enclosure therefore becomes an active part of the audio system.”
Eliminating conventional speaker cutouts gets rid of exposed audio ports. Apple points out that this design yields a sealed chassis that contributes to the iPad mini’s IP67 dust and water resistance certification. Because independent evaluations have not yet tested these assertions, actual audio capabilities are yet to be determined.
Also Read: Apple Watch Theater Mode: How it Works and When to Use It
