iPad mini Buy an iPad mini 4 before it gets discontinued?

[Ramoncheese]

I'm in a need of an iPad mini for travel and reading purposes.

My fear is:

-Buying and ipad mini 4 and in a few months, apple anouncing a new faster model.

-ipad mini 4 has an A8 chip which is a 2015 processor and most likely struggle in speed if using ios11 , what about using ios12 or ios 13 in the future?

should i abandon the idea of an ipad mini all together and buy the new ipad 2017?

 

[saltd]

I'm in a need of an iPad mini for travel and reading purposes.

My fear is:

-Buying and ipad mini 4 and in a few months, apple anouncing a new faster model.

-ipad mini 4 has an A8 chip which is a 2015 processor and most likely struggle in speed if using ios11 , what about using ios12 or ios 13 in the future?

should i abandon the idea of an ipad mini all together and the new ipad 2017?

I sold my iPad Mini 4 for the 9.7” 2017 iPad. The larger screen is nice, but the speed is about the same....and it’s heavy-and a lot bigger. I don’t regret the decision, as it will likely be a little more future proof, but I miss the ability to use the mini one-handed without fatigue. It’s a perfect e-reader, whereas the full size iPad is too big to hold one-handed for extended periods.

For travel, the smaller size and anti-reflective screen of the mini might suit you just fine.

 

[AppleFanatic10]

I sold my iPad Mini 4 for the 9.7” 2017 iPad. The larger screen is nice, but the speed is about the same....and it’s heavy-and a lot bigger. I don’t regret the decision, as it will likely be a little more future proof, but I miss the ability to use the mini one-handed without fatigue. It’s a perfect e-reader, whereas the full size iPad is too big to hold one-handed for extended periods.

For travel, the smaller size and anti-reflective screen of the mini might suit you just fine.

I had an iPad mini 2 and did the same thing. Honestly I like the bigger screen, but everything else is the same, I also like the LTE version I got.

 

[CatherineVeraGat]

iPad Mini 4.

I think Apple won't update the iPad Mini 4. Because when Apple release the 2017 iPad, the only storage capacity for the iPad Mini 4 was 128GB. BEFORE that, the storage capacities were 32,128GB. (Which is a sign that Apple won't update that device any more because they are wanting to discontinued that device next year.)

If Apple was updating the iPad Mini 4 , then they would have released the iPad Mini 5 along with the 2017 iPad when it came out.

Even if Apple does update the iPad Mini 4 (10% likely) Then it would have the A9 chip and one or two other things. The device would be a minor update to the iPad Mini 4.

Just get the iPad Mini 4 before it gets completely discontinued by Apple.

 

[AZhappyjack]

I think Apple discontinued the iPad Mini 4. Because it isn't on their website anymore. (Which is a sign that Apple won't update that device any more.)

If Apple was updating the iPad Mini 4 , then they would have released the iPad Mini 5 along with the 2017 iPad when it came out.

Even if Apple does update the iPad Mini 4 (90% NOT happening) Then it would have the A9 chip and one or two other things. The device would be a minor update to the iPad Mini 4.

Just get the iPad Mini 4 before it gets discontinued be Apple. Even though
Apple has discontinued the iPad Mini 4, you can still get the iPad Mini 4 at some stores if they have it available in their stock.

Apple has not announced any plans for the Mini 4 or an update... but it has NOT been discontinued, NOR has it been removed from the Apple website:

https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-ipad/ipad-mini-4

Feel free to express your opinion, but please don't make stuff up to fit your personal narrative.

 

[onepoint]

I'm in a need of an iPad mini for travel and reading purposes.

My fear is:

-Buying and ipad mini 4 and in a few months, apple anouncing a new faster model.

-ipad mini 4 has an A8 chip which is a 2015 processor and most likely struggle in speed if using ios11 , what about using ios12 or ios 13 in the future?

should i abandon the idea of an ipad mini all together and the new ipad 2017?

Mini 4 is running iOS 11 Public Beta just fine, to be honest

 

[CatherineVeraGat]

Apple has not announced any plans for the Mini 4 or an update... but it has NOT been discontinued, NOR has it been removed from the Apple website:

https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-ipad/ipad-mini-4

Feel free to express your opinion, but please don't make stuff up to fit your personal narrative.

The last time I checked Apple's website I was looking at the 2017 iPad. And at the bottom of the 2017 iPad webpage it only showed the iPad and the iPad Pro right before the Free two-day delivery. And it still shows the things that I mentioned. (Pictures below)

And if the iPad Mini was out, then why wouldn't Apple not show the iPad Mini along with the iPad and iPad Pro at the bottom of the webpage while looking at the 2017 iPad?

 

[CatherineVeraGat]

I think Apple won't update the iPad Mini 4. Because when Apple release the 2017 iPad, the only storage capacity for the iPad Mini 4 was 128GB. BEFORE that, the storage capacities were 32,128GB. (Which is a sign that Apple won't update that device any more because they are wanting to discontinued that device next year.)

If Apple was updating the iPad Mini 4 , then they would have released the iPad Mini 5 along with the 2017 iPad when it came out.

Even if Apple does update the iPad Mini 4 (10% likely) Then it would have the A9 chip and one or two other things. The device would be a minor update to the iPad Mini 4.

Just get the iPad Mini 4 before it gets completely discontinued by Apple.

 

[JoeRito]

I just bought a Mini 4 to go with my Pro 12.9. Its more portable and the screen is just amazingly pixel dense! Use the Pro for heavier lifting and the Mini 4 for casual stuff. Since i didnt need a ton of memory, got the 32 gb version from Adorama for $299 no tax, no shipping fee! Still on sale now.

 

[Lancetx]

It has not been discontinued and is still featured and being sold on their website (see link below), but it's beginning to look unlikely that a replacement is forthcoming. That's why I picked up a mini 4 earlier this year when I found a significant discount on one at Best Buy.

http://www.apple.com/ipad-mini-4/

 

[darkarn]

Maybe getting from the 2nd hand market will be better? No matter what happens afterwards, you still got it at a cheaper price which mitigates some of the "damage"

 

[CatherineVeraGat]

PLEASE INFUR MY SIDE OF THE STORY!!! (YOU MIGHT HAVE TO READ TO GET TO MY SIDE OF THE STORY!)

I think Apple won't update the iPad Mini 4. Because when Apple release the 2017 iPad, the only storage capacity for the iPad Mini 4 was 128GB. BEFORE that, the storage capacities were 32,128GB. (Which is a sign that Apple won't update that device any more because they are wanting to discontinued that device next year.)

If Apple was updating the iPad Mini 4 , then they would have released the iPad Mini 5 along with the 2017 iPad when it came out.

Even if Apple does update the iPad Mini 4 (10% likely) Then it would have the A9 chip and one or two other things. The device would be a minor update to the iPad Mini 4.

Just get the iPad Mini 4 before it gets completely discontinued by Apple.

The last time I checked Apple's website I was looking at the 2017 iPad. And at the bottom of the 2017 iPad webpage it only showed the iPad and the iPad Pro right before the Free two-day delivery. And it still shows the things that I mentioned. (Pictures below)

And if the iPad Mini was out, then why wouldn't Apple not show the iPad Mini along with the iPad and iPad Pro at the bottom of the webpage while looking at the 2017 iPad?

AND PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES SOMETIMES!!!

 

[onepoint]

Please stop. Get over it.

 

[Eric5273]

I don't think they will update the iPad Mini.

If you look at Apple's plans, we all know about the coming iPhone 8 with the edge to edge screen. It appears the physical size of that phone will be similar to the current 4.7" iphone, except they are saying because the screen is edge to edge, it will be 5.2"-5.8" in size. My guess is that the following year, in the fall of 2018, they will make a "plus" model of that phone which will have a screen size of over 6". Once the screen size of their iPhone is more than 6", I don't see why someone would need an iPad that is 7.9", and I bet Apple is thinking the same thing.

Also coming in a couple of years will be foldable/flexible displays, so it will become possible to make a larger screen device that folds into a smaller footprint.

 

[44267547]

@CatherineVeraGat. What you are seeing on those screenshots that you have repeatedly posted in this thread, is the latest recommendations of the iPad Pros by Apple, which is Apple marketing their latest products. If you actually click onto the iPad link on the desktop site or mobile site, you will see that the iPad mini 4 is still available for sale.

 

[Cole Slaw]

I guess updating the iPad mini is too much of a bother for old Tim.
He's too busy scraping dimes off counters with that one fingernail he grows extra long for just that purpose.

 

[subjonas]

I don't think they will update the iPad Mini.

If you look at Apple's plans, we all know about the coming iPhone 8 with the edge to edge screen. It appears the physical size of that phone will be similar to the current 4.7" iphone, except they are saying because the screen is edge to edge, it will be 5.2"-5.8" in size. My guess is that the following year, in the fall of 2018, they will make a "plus" model of that phone which will have a screen size of over 6". Once the screen size of their iPhone is more than 6", I don't see why someone would need an iPad that is 7.9", and I bet Apple is thinking the same thing.

Because I don't want a humongous phone.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I think the mini has already been discontinued. Just not official yet.

 

[PBMB]

If you look at Apple's plans, we all know about the coming iPhone 8 with the edge to edge screen. It appears the physical size of that phone will be similar to the current 4.7" iphone, except they are saying because the screen is edge to edge, it will be 5.2"-5.8" in size. My guess is that the following year, in the fall of 2018, they will make a "plus" model of that phone which will have a screen size of over 6". Once the screen size of their iPhone is more than 6", I don't see why someone would need an iPad that is 7.9"

It is purely a matter of strategy and decision. If they can do this in the upcoming phone, they can certainly do it in the mini also. Drastically reducing the bezel will put it at almost 9". Way beyond any phone.

People need to understand that a (reasonably sized) phone can never be a replacement for the mini. There are other motives for Apple than what their marketing makes you believe. Of course the signs for mini's future are not good and Apple may very well discontinue it. But it will not be because their phones can really replace it, function-wise. It will be because they want you to buy the much more expensive iPhone and iPad Pro.

 

[emembee]

I think the A9 chip is a considerable upgrade over A8 so would go with that if you can handle the size. The A8 is fairly slow nowadays on ios10, don't ask about ios11 yet !

 

[PBMB]

I think the A9 chip is a considerable upgrade over A8 so would go with that if you can handle the size. The A8 is fairly slow nowadays on ios10, don't ask about ios11 yet !

Hm, I have the original mini 4 and it is almost completely filled up now with applications. However, I have noticed no change in performance in iOS transitions. I would even say it is somewhat more fluid under iOS 10 than it was under iOS 9. No idea what iOS 11 will bring though.

But regardless, it is certain that A9 has more life in it regarding official support in iOS updates.

 

[sracer]

I just bought a Mini 4 to go with my Pro 12.9. Its more portable and the screen is just amazingly pixel dense! Use the Pro for heavier lifting and the Mini 4 for casual stuff. Since i didnt need a ton of memory, got the 32 gb version from Adorama for $299 no tax, no shipping fee! Still on sale now.

This is the right way to do it.

I too have a 32GB Mini 4 to complement my 128GB 12.9 Pro.

It is my belief that Apple will update the Mini at some point in the future... and quite possibly to "Pro" capabilities (smart connector and Pencil). If that happens, I'll be "on it", if not, the Mini 4 still handles what I throw at it with ease.

 

[hanser]

My wife was in a similar situation like the OP. Her iPad mini 1 started to get slow, but she prefers the size. She just bought the mini 4 with iOS 10, it is blazingly fast in her usage! So I think you are safe to buy it and will be able to use it for several years without major problems. According to some users here it is fast with iOS 11 beta, too. Perhaps iOS 12 will slow it down, but then one does not have to upgrade in this case when it arrives in 2018 (I kept my Air 1 on 9.3.5 for this reason, until 10.3 was out).
Regarding the future: My guess would be that there will not be a pro mini , but perhaps a processor update next year to A10 like they did it with the iPod touch some time ago from A5 to A8. But who knows.

 

[sonicrobby]

If you like the mini 4, get the mini 4.

The mini line is by far my favorite of all the iPads, and my fear is they will officially discontinue it sometime this year. But the mini is functioning now, and even if the mini is dropped support in iOS 12 or 13, it wont stop working. You can keep it on iOS 11 and still use it the same way you do today. The only thing you would really lose out on are the new features of future versions of iOS and future app updates that require the latest iOS version.

As someone who still has a use for iPad 1 stuck on iOS 5 (even more so now with iOS 11 excluding 32 bit apps), I would say to purchase your mini now, and deal with those issues as they come up in the future.

 

[onepoint]

I think the A9 chip is a considerable upgrade over A8 so would go with that if you can handle the size. The A8 is fairly slow nowadays on ios10, don't ask about ios11 yet !

The only lag I have experienced with the Mini 4 involves 3rd party keyboards. Mine is running iOS 11 Public Beta very, very well.