Anyone budgeting for a batch of small tablets will need a bigger number this year. Apple’s new iPad mini starts at $699, and the model it replaces launched in 2024 at $499 with the same 128GB of base storage. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version is $849.

Apple put the tablet out Monday morning in a press release rather than holding it for the “Pro and Tell” event on Wednesday. Pre-orders open that day in 36 countries and regions, and the first units arrive Nov. 6. An OLED mini had been expected for weeks.

What the higher price buys

The biggest change is the screen, which grows to 8.5 inches from 8.3 inside the same footprint, thanks to bezels Apple says are 24% thinner, and switches to OLED with a peak of 1,200 nits, more than double the old model. Brightness can also drop to 1 nit. The Verge said the panel still tops out at 60Hz, with no ProMotion.

It is also the first water-resistant iPad, CNET said . Apple rates it IP67, tested to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.…