Apple announced an all-new iPad mini today and described it as the series' biggest update ever. The tablet now has an AMOLED display instead of an LCD, and it's the first iPad ever to compete with — but still come a little short of — Samsung's premium Galaxy Tabs in dust and water resistance.

Although Samsung has been making and selling dust and water-resistant premium tablets for the past few years, this is new territory Apple. The new iPad mini is the first iPad with an IP rating — IP67, to be precise.

According to the Cupertino tech giant, the iPad mini was tested under IEC standard 60529 for maximum depths of 1 meter under water for up to 30 minutes.

It's worth pointing out that Samsung claims a higher IP68 dust and water resistance rating for its premium Galaxy Tabs. And it's been doing it for far longer. But as usual, Samsung and Apple are almost like opposite sides of the same coin. One paves the way, the other follows. This time, Apple is the follower, just like it is in the foldable phone niche.

It's unclear if more iPad models will receive an IP rating. Such a feature complements the iPad mini nicely because it's the kind of tablet that fits almost any environment and age group.

Finally, iPad mini users no longer have to worry about their kids spilling liquids on their tablets. And you don't have to worry about water ingress if a heavy rain catches you and your iPad mini by surprise.

Samsung has been offering this quality-of-life feature on flagship Galaxy tablets since 2023. The Galaxy Tab S9 was the first, but not the last. Apple is now catching up, and only time will tell where the company might be going next.