A new report says Apple is testing a new iPad mini that will be waterproof, and will feature a completely redesigned speaker system.
2026 iPad mini Could Feature an OLED Display and Waterproof Design Just like an iPhone
The new report from Bloomberg primarily focuses on Apple working on bringing OLED display technology to iPad mini, iPad Air, and the MacBook lineup. It all sounds well and good, but the thing that has me excited is a waterproof iPad mini.
To this day, there hasn’t been a single iPad that is waterproof. In fact, iPads don’t like getting wet at all, and a healthy splash of water is enough to ruin them for good, making them extremely ideal for not having them around the pool.
However, in 2026, we might just see an iPad mini with an updated design that makes room for a waterproof casing. And this model might even ship with an OLED display too.
iPad mini currently has multiple speakers around it through which water can easily seep through. Apple is reportedly working on a vibration-based system instead of having an exposed speaker for sound that will give iPad mini a better seal against dust and water.
Apple’s smaller iPad is extremely popular in the unlikeliest of places, especially among pilots. Adding a waterproof rating to it will be a huge win for those who are tired of using bulky cases just to keep it safe from water.
But the big question is: will this waterproof design be limited to the iPad mini only, or will it transfer to other iPads as well?
I really hope it comes to iPad Air and iPad Pro, both.
