Alright Apple, are you going to update the iPad Mini?

[007p]

We saw references to a "Modern iPad" (Face ID) in iOS 11.3.

That actually meant nothing:

https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/956614355524694017

While I agree that they would earn more money from the Pro over a cheaper iPad, I'd still see it as a bad move - and I'd also be shocked we don't know more about these devices. Face ID would require a design change, we knew loads about the 10.5" ipad 3-4 weeks before it released where aside from the obvious "Face ID will come to ipads in 2018", we know nothing about new pros right now.

 

[rittchard]

It's always surprised me that the iPad Mini didn't do better. IMHO, and this is coming from someone who has tried pretty much every gaming device out there, the Mini is the best gaming platform out there. The screen size is perfect to hold in both hands; the Plus/X screens are still too small for some games with a lot of detail (e.g. MOBAs) and the 9.7/10.5 are too large for my hands.

The success of the Switch shows that the screen size is perfect for gamers. But at least for now, the variety and availability of games is much better in iOS. It's a shame that Apple never really realized the value they have in the Mini.

 

[JPack]

That actually meant nothing:

https://twitter.com/stroughtonsmith/status/956614355524694017

While I agree that they would earn more money from the Pro over a cheaper iPad, I'd still see it as a bad move - and I'd also be shocked we don't know more about these devices. Face ID would require a design change, we knew loads about the 10.5" ipad 3-4 weeks before it released where aside from the obvious "Face ID will come to ipads in 2018", we know nothing about new pros right now.

You're probably right now that I think more about it.

Given the timing, this is more likely to be a refresh of last year's iPad. It also seems unlikely 7nm at TSMC is ready for volume production for the iPad Pro.

 

[sracer]

It's always surprised me that the iPad Mini didn't do better. IMHO, and this is coming from someone who has tried pretty much every gaming device out there, the Mini is the best gaming platform out there. The screen size is perfect to hold in both hands; the Plus/X screens are still too small for some games with a lot of detail (e.g. MOBAs) and the 9.7/10.5 are too large for my hands.

The success of the Switch shows that the screen size is perfect for gamers. But at least for now, the variety and availability of games is much better in iOS. It's a shame that Apple never really realized the value they have in the Mini.

" best gaming platform" is subjective but lack of physical buttons makes it a non-starter as a serious portable gaming system like the Switch, Nintendo 3DS, and older PSP.

 

[joeblow7777]

It's always surprised me that the iPad Mini didn't do better. IMHO, and this is coming from someone who has tried pretty much every gaming device out there, the Mini is the best gaming platform out there. The screen size is perfect to hold in both hands; the Plus/X screens are still too small for some games with a lot of detail (e.g. MOBAs) and the 9.7/10.5 are too large for my hands.

The success of the Switch shows that the screen size is perfect for gamers. But at least for now, the variety and availability of games is much better in iOS. It's a shame that Apple never really realized the value they have in the Mini.

You make it sound like the Mini never caught on, but there was a time not too long ago when Minis were the best selling class of iPad. Things have only changed because of (a) Apple's emphasis on the Pro models, (b) emphasis on larger phones, and (c) the introduction of an even cheaper 9.7" model. At least two of those factors are likely deliberate moves by Apple to push sales of devices with a larger profit margin.

If the iPad Mini is finished, it's not that it failed, it's that Apple has deliberately shifted their focus.

 

[Clix Pix]

A friend and I are two examples of why someone would want to keep and use an iPad Mini and why one would not..... In my case, I had the iPad Mini 2 at the time the iPhone 6 Plus came out -- and it wasn't long before I realized that I wasn't bothering to carry the iPad Mini 2 with me anywhere any more because the iPhone 6 Plus fit in smaller bags and it served the same purpose: checking email, etc., while out-and-about. I eventually sold my iPad Mini 2 and never bothered buying another iPad Mini. In my friend's case, the iPad Mini 2, later followed by the iPad Mini 4, has been just terrific as a daily ebook reader and she pretty much reserves it for that purpose. She doesn't carry it around with her but pretty much uses it primarily at home. She really wants to see the iPad Mini revived and updated, whereas for me it is not significant one way or the other. If there are a lot more like me out there, that can easily explain the decrease in popularity and appeal of the iPad Mini.

 

[subjonas]

A friend and I are two examples of why someone would want to keep and use an iPad Mini and why one would not..... In my case, I had the iPad Mini 2 at the time the iPhone 6 Plus came out -- and it wasn't long before I realized that I wasn't bothering to carry the iPad Mini 2 with me anywhere any more because the iPhone 6 Plus fit in smaller bags and it served the same purpose: checking email, etc., while out-and-about. I eventually sold my iPad Mini 2 and never bothered buying another iPad Mini. In my friend's case, the iPad Mini 2, later followed by the iPad Mini 4, has been just terrific as a daily ebook reader and she pretty much reserves it for that purpose. She doesn't carry it around with her but pretty much uses it primarily at home. She really wants to see the iPad Mini revived and updated, whereas for me it is not significant one way or the other. If there are a lot more like me out there, that can easily explain the decrease in popularity and appeal of the iPad Mini.

What kind of phone does your friend have? The Mini makes (more) sense for people who opt for a regular iphone or an SE. Not everyone has or wants the largest iphone so it seems reasonable to expect Apple to keep a small tablet in their lineup for them.

 

[Clix Pix]

Right, I should have mentioned that. She has the iPhone 7.....

 

[bensisko]

I am perplexed by the need that some have to declare the iPad Mini "dead" before Apple has made it official. (if it will indeed be discontinued) Is there some "early announcement bonus" that I'm not aware of? Is it simply to be on record for a later claim of "ha, called it!"? Or maybe they dreamed of being the cart-wheeler of the dead from Monty Python's Holy Grail... "Bring out your dead!" ("I'm not dead yet.... "I feel Happeeeee... *BONK* )

I’m not sure either - some people seem to have some vendetta against the iPad Mini even being a thing and are passionate detractors.

 

[oldmacs]

Apple should just stop being cheap and should update the internals of the mini. Either make it part of the Pro lineup or make it part of the 'iPad' lineup and update accordingly.

 

[007p]

I’m not sure either - some people seem to have some vendetta against the iPad Mini even being a thing and are passionate detractors.

Might it have something to do with the fact that Jobs was very against a mini tablet?

 

[says_stuff]

I want an ipad mini just with apple pencil support pleaseeee apple (dream notebook) , i’m sooo tired of lugging the 12.9 around

 

[bruinsrme]

Apple is hurting themselves for not showing people what the mini is capable of. I think it's the best ipad for younger children, on the go people and a great ereader that easily fits into a purse or backpack.
Definitely an unsung hero of the line up

Apple in general is hurting themselves by not sparking ideas and imaginations demonstrating what their products can do.
Ever sit in on a training session in an Apple store.
There are some people out there that simply awe others at what they have done with these devices.
Apple truly needs to celebrate these ideas and successes.
Just seems they want to create great devices but leave the rest up to the buyer to figure out.

 

[sracer]

Might it have something to do with the fact that Jobs was very against a mini tablet?

For those who worship Steve Jobs, yes, it might. If that really is what motivates some to dislike the Mini with a passion, they should come out and say it.

Contrary to the belief of some, Steve Jobs was not infallible. To take a stand today, against a product that many find useful and desirable simply because a dead CEO was against the idea in the past is not the basis for rational thought. It denies reality (that many customers have purchased the Mini and will continue to purchase it if continues to be updated).

 

[bensisko]

Might it have something to do with the fact that Jobs was very against a mini tablet?

Maybe?
I would find it odd that people would be so dedicated to a static point in time. Nobody knows what Jobs would or wouldn’t approve of today - Jobs moved with the market, when needed.

The only reasoning I can come up with that would justify the passionate hate towards the mini is that the iPad Mini somehow badly wounded their significant other and they have never been able to forgive the mini for it.
[doublepost=1519305655][/doublepost]

Apple truly needs to celebrate these ideas and successes.
Just seems they want to create great devices but leave the rest up to the buyer to figure out.

They used to with the “Your Verse” ads - a series I really enjoyed and wish they would make more of.
I do like that they are doing more than other companies though - things like the creators sessions: Sketch and Photo walks and the Music creation sessions.

But you’re right - I really enjoy seeing how people use their iPads in new and interesting ways. Maybe they should have a couple people continue the “Your Verse” series and go out around the world filming short films about people using the iPad and put them on YouTube.

 

[onepoint]

I’ve stated it before on these forums; for me the larger iPhones are meaningless regarding replacing my Mini as long as screen ratios are “longer and skinnier” (and getting worse), and app developers refuse to take advantage of the screen real estate - because I use my Mini in landscape orientation the vast majority of the time.

For instance, Apple not providing a landscape mode for the Music app (however they customize a few other native apps for the iPhone Plus), and check out the Flipboard news app on iPad/iPad Mini in landscape mode versus an iPhone Plus model (no affiliation).

 

[Phil77354]

I have an iPhone 6s Plus that I've had for almost 2 years; I also have a mini 2 that I've used since purchasing it new.

When I am at home, I use the iPad mini 2 for any casual use that I am interested in doing, away from my iMac. I don't use the iPhone for browsing the web, reading from news aggregators, etc. (when I'm at home and with my mini close by).

I'll gladly purchase a new mini if Apple decides to introduce one. If not, I'll continue to use my mini 2 until I finally succumb to some impulse desire to purchase a new full sized iPad, but I really prefer the size of the mini.

 

[HarryWild]

Apple is treating the Mini as the poor person's tablet still! It similar to the iPhone SE is now! It is the dumping ground for 2-3 year olds stuff that Apple has still has in inventory and they just use it before throw all their components into the recycle bin.

 

[m00min]

Apple is treating the Mini as the poor person's tablet still! It similar to the iPhone SE is now! It is the dumping ground for 2-3 year olds stuff that Apple has still has in inventory and they just use it before throw all their components into the recycle bin.

Yep. Exactly this.

I wish companies would stop holding to the idea that people who want small stuff want cheap stuff. I want a smaller iPad because carrying round a full size iPad and a laptop is a waste of bag space, also it’s just more comfortable to read and scribble on.

Same with Apple’s laptops, they make the replacement to the MBA 11 inch and underpowered MacBook. I’d pay more for smaller devices as they’ve got to squeeze the components in there. I wish they’d give us the option of small premium devices.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Yep. Exactly this.

I wish companies would stop holding to the idea that people who want small stuff want cheap stuff. I want a smaller iPad because carrying round a full size iPad and a laptop is a waste of bag space, also it’s just more comfortable to read and scribble on.

Same with Apple’s laptops, they make the replacement to the MBA 11 inch and underpowered MacBook. I’d pay more for smaller devices as they’ve got to squeeze the components in there. I wish they’d give us the option of small premium devices.

Totally agree. I think an ipad mini pro would really sell well. Maybe not a smart keyboard cover...but To be able to use the apple pencil would be awesome on the mini. It's kinda funny how things have evolved. It used to be smaller & thinner equated to high end. Now its bigger is better.

 

[onepoint]

Somewhat related, ARSTechnica article makes this (unsubstantiated) claim about the next iPhone 'Plus':

Apple may intend to offer multitasking and split-screen features on this phone that will not be available on the two smaller models​

source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...es-for-2018-and-theyre-all-like-the-iphone-x/

 

[kazmac]

I’ve stated it before on these forums; for me the larger iPhones are meaningless regarding replacing my Mini as long as screen ratios are “longer and skinnier” (and getting worse), and app developers refuse to take advantage of the screen real estate - because I use my Mini in landscape orientation the vast majority of the time.

For instance, Apple not providing a landscape mode for the Music app (however they customize a few other native apps for the iPhone Plus), and check out the Flipboard news app on iPad/iPad Mini in landscape mode versus an iPhone Plus model (no affiliation).

That is a very good point. For my vision, I need at least an iPad Mini screen. The iPhone + was just a waste of money for me. I do not use the bells and whistles on these phones, nor do I care about them. I thought having a plus sized phone would fit the needs of a bigger screen, but it does not. I rarely use my iPhone (and it's even less now due to my current situation.) I use my 12.9" iPP far more; but I'd love a Mini with Pencil capabilities. The Mini 4 is still my most favorite iPad. I think it would be far more helpful for school as well.

Totally agree. I think an ipad mini pro would really sell well. Maybe not a smart keyboard cover...but To be able to use the apple pencil would be awesome on the mini. It's kinda funny how things have evolved. It used to be smaller & thinner equated to high end. Now its bigger is better.

More good points. I'd happily buy an iPad Mini Pro.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I have not even heard a rumor of a new Mini.

Doubting there will be one, but only Apple knows.

 

[007p]

I have not even heard a rumor of a new Mini.

Doubting there will be one, but only Apple knows.

While true:

1) It may not be interesting or even noticeable for rumors to exist. Shoving a new chip in the same iPad mini body isn’t really ‘rumor’ worthy.

2) We haven’t really heard many rumors for a new 9.7” iPad either. Both the ‘Mini discontinued’ and ‘new cheap ipad’ could be indications of a new 7.9” tablet. Releasing a 7.9” iPad (dropping the mini name) at a cheaper price than the current 9.7” version fits all the current rumors for the non pro iPad.

As you said, only Apple knows. It’s probably highly unlikely but I guess we’ll find out. I’m actually interested to see what they are going to do, I find it hard to see them releasing an upgraded version of the 9.7” and at a cheaper price than the current one. Maybe it’s pushes the current one to be cheaper, but then we have iPad 2017 and iPad 2018, which hasn’t been done for a long time. Isn’t that just going to be confusing to consumers? Are we going to restart the numbering again? Maybe they’ll go with iPad (2017 version) and ‘new iPad’ (2018 version) like they did with ipad3/4?

 

[Newtons Apple]

While true:

1) It may not be interesting or even noticeable for rumors to exist. Shoving a new chip in the same iPad mini body isn’t really ‘rumor’ worthy.

2) We haven’t really heard many rumours for a new 9.7” iPad either. Both the ‘Mini discontinued’ and ‘new cheap ipad’ could be indications of a new 7.9” tablet. Releasing a 7.9” iPad (dropping the mini name) at a cheaper price than the current 9.7” version fits all the current rumors for the non pro iPad.

As you said, only Apple knows. It’s probably highly unlikely but I guess we’ll find out. I’m actually interested to see what they are going to do, I find it hard to see them releasing an upgraded version of the 9.7” and at a cheaper price than the current one. Maybe it’s pushes the current one to be cheaper, but then we have iPad 2017 and iPad 2018, which hasn’t been done for a long time. Isn’t that just going to be confusing to consumers? Are we going to restart the numbering again?

I have little interest but understand that others do. Will be buying the iPad Pro 10.5 this September.