If this iPhone 18e, iPad mini rumor is true, Apple isn't done disappointing you
Some of Apple's upcoming devices may miss out on a key display upgrade.
iPhone 17e for illustrative purposes. | Image by PhoneArena
The OLED iPad mini was just announced on October 26, but leakers are already looking ahead to its successor. While the release date of the second-gen OLED iPad mini is a mystery for now, prominent tipsters claim it might land in the next year. The downside is that one of the best tablets might miss out on a much-needed display upgrade.
Even worse, it might not be the only upcoming Apple device with the same frustrating display limitation, with the iPhone 18e rumored to suffer as well.
OLED iPad mini 2nd Gen, iPhone 18e to stick with 60Hz
Be honest: are you disappointed? | Image by Lanzuk
Tipster Lanzuk took to the Naver blog to share some rather disconcerning rumors about some of Apple's upcoming devices that are expected to land in the next 6-12 months. According to the leak, Cupertino may keep ProMotion out of the way for the OLED iPad mini's successor and the iPhone 18e.
Worse still, a 120Hz refresh rate reportedly wasn't even considered for these models.
If true, this could mean Apple is purposefully leaving 120Hz out of key devices yet again. And while it's too early to say whether this rumor will turn out to be true, we can safely conclude a second-gen OLED iPad mini and a mid-range iPhone 18 model are in the works.
Although the launch of these devices seems to be a long time from now, the leaker claims Apple has already finalized its supply arrangements. That would possibly indicate there's no going back on the outdated screen technology further down the road.
Worse still, a 120Hz refresh rate reportedly wasn't even considered for these models.
If true, this could mean Apple is purposefully leaving 120Hz out of key devices yet again. And while it's too early to say whether this rumor will turn out to be true, we can safely conclude a second-gen OLED iPad mini and a mid-range iPhone 18 model are in the works.
Is 60Hz really a dealbreaker on an Apple device in 2027?
0 Votes
Why is 60Hz a disappointment?
Image by PhoneArena
Although I could probably learn to live with a 60Hz tablet like the OLED iPad mini, I don't feel the same way about the iPhone 18e. At some point, Cupertino has to acknowledge the fact that its mid-ranger offers a lower refresh rate than the Galaxy A17 while costing more than twice as much.
Indeed, the budget Galaxy A phone costs just $269.99 but somehow manages to offer a 90Hz refresh rate, not to mention some of Samsung's pricier Galaxy A devices offer a proper 120Hz refresh rate. With that in mind, Apple's iPhone 18e could feel particularly outdated if it sticks to 60Hz.
Inferior visuals, or not so much?
Suppose this 60Hz rumor checks out. Even so, it wouldn't necessarily make the visual experience feel inferior. Sure, scrolling could feel a bit more sluggish than what you're used to, but at the same time, refresh rate is just one part of the equation.
Apple has a great reputation when it comes to display quality, and its OLED panels should deliver vibrant and rich colors. Bottom line: users may need to get adjusted to the idea of 60Hz, but that doesn't automatically mean the iPhone 18e and the OLED iPad mini 2nd Gen will offer inferior visuals.
Too early for conclusions
New iPad, same problems. | Image by Apple
While Lanzuk has a strong track record, I'm not 100% sold on the idea that Apple would keep the 60Hz staple unchanged in 2027. Don't get me wrong: I'm even less convinced that the upcoming iPhone 18e and the iPad mini (2026)'s successor would jump straight to 120Hz.
To me, it's simply too early to draw conclusions. As I see it, however, a 90Hz refresh rate would make more sense. It would keep these devices a step below the displays on some of Apple's premium models, but it would also prevent them from feeling desperately outdated next to their rivals.
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