There have been a few rumors about an iPad mini getting an update, possibly even getting a more edge-to-edge design. I've been giving some thought to this, and I think if Apple does continue this smaller iPad design they should move it under the iPad Air moniker, in the same way that the iPad Pro has 11" and 12.9" variants. This would signify that it is becoming a true mid-tier iPad, rather than the strange between low/mid-tier where it currently sits. The "mini" variant would get all the same specs as its 10.9" brother (aside from perhaps a one-off feature in the same way that the larger iPhone Pro and larger iPad Pro now have slight advantages they are granted from their size).
Additionally, when most people are mention the edge-to-edge mini, they speculate/hope that the bezels will simply shrink down to the 7.9" screen, and while that might be the case, I think Apple would prefer to lengthen the screen out slightly in the same manner they did in making the 9.7" air to the 10.9" air. I say this, because I think there are benefits to maintaining the same aspect ratio between the Air models, because the mini screen size is starting to feel a bit too small as iPadOS progresses, and because I think it would make sense to increase the size if they truly "upgrade" the mini to an Air-class iPad. So if this were the case I think a 9" iPad Air sounds about right. This would, of course, lead apple to increase the price accordingly to $499.
The iPad lineup would then be
iPad (10.2") - $329
iPad Air 9"/10.9" - $499/$599
iPad Pro 11"/12.9" - 799/$1099
I think the 9" iPad Air would be a fantastic little device. Would you want this? Do you think Apple would do this?
Additionally, when most people are mention the edge-to-edge mini, they speculate/hope that the bezels will simply shrink down to the 7.9" screen, and while that might be the case, I think Apple would prefer to lengthen the screen out slightly in the same manner they did in making the 9.7" air to the 10.9" air. I say this, because I think there are benefits to maintaining the same aspect ratio between the Air models, because the mini screen size is starting to feel a bit too small as iPadOS progresses, and because I think it would make sense to increase the size if they truly "upgrade" the mini to an Air-class iPad. So if this were the case I think a 9" iPad Air sounds about right. This would, of course, lead apple to increase the price accordingly to $499.
The iPad lineup would then be
iPad (10.2") - $329
iPad Air 9"/10.9" - $499/$599
iPad Pro 11"/12.9" - 799/$1099
I think the 9" iPad Air would be a fantastic little device. Would you want this? Do you think Apple would do this?
