Apple enthusiasts may want to adjust expectations: the upcoming OLED iPad mini is said to still ship with a 60Hz display, missing out on the smoother 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate. Meanwhile, Apple Watch Series 12 earns modest repairability upgrades that fall short of what independent fixers or laws might demand.
OLED iPad mini—Big gains, one major compromise
The next iPad mini is expected to bring substantial upgrades: an OLED display, the new A20 Pro chip, and updates like thinner bezels, perhaps more water-resistant design, and a repositioned FaceTime camera on the horizontal bezel. Despite those improvements, recent rumors from the eyes1122 account on Naver claim the display refresh rate will remain at 60Hz. While some overseas sources assert the possibility of 120Hz, the report says domestic (i.e. Korean) production already confirms a 60Hz panel for release.
This would mark the second time this specific rumor has circulated from the same source. It has a mixed accuracy track record, depending heavily on unnamed or secondhand sources. If accurate, it draws a sharp distinction between what Apple is promising visually and what users have come to expect—especially for content creators and anyone sensitive to screen smoothness.
Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4—Tiny wins, still too hard to repair
In a teardown by iFixit, the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 rate just 4 out of 10 for repairability. Though the Series 12 edges up by one point over its predecessor, it and the Ultra remain difficult to service. Both require the screen—secured by adhesive—to be removed before accessing the battery, a risky procedure that exposes the display’s internal cables to damage.
The Series 12 does receive incremental upgrades: a stretch-release adhesive battery tab and a new press connector replacing the older ZIF connector and tape setup. The Ultra 4 does not benefit from these changes. It retains a similar score to the prior Ultra generations, with no new shortcuts for battery removal despite having four screws on its back—those only exposing the sensor assembly, not service paths. Both watches saw modest capacity increases: Series 12’s battery holds 1.461 Wh (up from 1.403 Wh) and Ultra 4’s is 2.444 Wh (up from 2.313 Wh).
An additional layer of concern comes from Apple’s puzzle-like compliance with Right to Repair laws. Without public parts, tools, or repair manuals, Apple could be challenged in multiple U.S. states for failing to meet repairability mandates. While the subtle design tweaks show some progress, the glued displays and lack of openly available components keep much of the repair work in Apple’s control.
What this means: For iPad mini buyers, missing ProMotion could be a dealbreaker if motion clarity or pen responsiveness matter to you—even with OLED and chip upgrades. On the watch front, Apple has taken small steps toward better serviceability, but until display removal and battery access are made significantly safer and more accessible, the Apple Watch still resembles a closed system.
Why it matters: ProMotion at 120Hz has been a standard in Apple’s higher-end iPads for years; excluding it from a newly spec’d OLED mini may dampen enthusiasm. Meanwhile, repairability is more than convenience—it’s about sustainability and consumer rights. These new rumors and teardown findings suggest Apple is inching forward, but many users and regulators will likely push for more substantial change.
