Switching from LCD to OLED can make the iPad mini significantly more attractive to users who like to read books. OLED technology allows each pixel to auto-disconnect independently, creating deep black and very high contrast. Thanks to that, text display is sharper on a dark background, especially when using Dark Mode.
Reading at night is also more pleasant because the screen can emit less light. Colors and viewing angles are improved, bringing a clear advantage when reading comics, magazines or illustration books.
OLED also has the advantage of energy saving when displaying dark background content, helping to extend battery life in reading sessions. Currently, iPad models do not have official water resistance, while many devices such as Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Libra Color can withstand soaking in water at a certain level, suitable for reading in bathtubs, swimming pools or beaches.
However, there are rumors that Apple is researching a more discreet design for the new iPad mini, using vibration speakers and reducing gaps to increase water resistance. If realized, this will be a practical advantage that the reading machine once held.
However, specialized reading machines still have irreplaceable advantages. Kindle and Kobo use e-ink screens that reflect ambient light instead of directly glowing, giving a feeling close to paper. Many people think that e-ink causes less eye strain when reading for a long time.
Battery life is also a big difference. Most bookshelves can be used for many weeks with just one charge because the screen only consumes electricity when flipping pages, while iPad minis usually only last for about one to two days of mixed use. Bookshelves also focus completely on reading, limiting distractions, while tablets encourage multitasking.
Regarding the selling price, iPad mini is in a higher segment. The current version starts from 499 USD and the OLED version is said to be about 100 USD more expensive. Meanwhile, many Kindle and Kobo models are priced from 110 - 300 USD, suitable for a large number of users.
OLED screens will certainly help the iPad mini become a significantly better reading device. However, the physical properties of e-ink screens still bring their own advantages, especially for in-depth readers. OLED can somewhat change the balance, making the iPad mini good enough to meet popular reading needs, but to completely replace specialized reading machines, there is probably still a gap.
It is expected that the iPad mini OLED will be launched in the second half of 2026, equipped with the A19 Pro chip.
