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The new iPad mini has finally arrived, bringing an OLED display, a faster A20 Pro chip, and a slightly larger screen to its smallest tablet. But there's one change that could make buyers think twice: the price.

It starts at $699 in the US, up from $499 when the previous generation launched in 2024. That's a 40% increase for the entry-level model. In India, the jump is even steeper, with the starting price rising from ₹49,900 to ₹82,900.

Apple has clearly given the iPad mini a substantial upgrade. The question is whether those improvements justify the higher price, especially when other iPads offer larger displays and more powerful hardware for a relatively small difference in cost.

The new model is now available, so here's what buyers should know before choosing where to get one.

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The price difference goes beyond currency conversion

The iPad mini starts at $699 in the US, £699 in the UK, €749 in Germany, ₹82,900 in India, and A$1,099 in Australia, as seen in the Techloy infographic below.

Those are the starting prices for the 128GB Wi-Fi model. Choosing more storage or adding cellular connectivity pushes the price higher, with the 512GB Cellular version costing considerably more than the entry-level option.

The US price may look more attractive at first, but comparing these figures directly can be misleading. US advertised prices generally exclude sales tax, while prices in markets such as the UK, Germany and Australia include VAT or GST.

Exchange rates also change, and buying from another country can introduce shipping costs, import duties and potential warranty complications.

For buyers who already live in these markets, purchasing locally is usually the more straightforward option. It also makes it easier to deal with returns, repairs and local retailer support.

Where can you buy the new iPad mini?

Apple began selling the new iPad mini on November 6, following pre-orders that opened in late October. It is now available through Apple's online stores, physical stores and authorised resellers in the launch markets.

You can check current configurations and delivery options through the official stores:

Availability can vary by configuration and location, so check the delivery estimate for the exact model you want rather than assuming every storage option is immediately available.

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