iPad mini We want an iPad mini 5 thread

[RickTaylor]

My first iPad was the original mini. The iPad didn't interest me beforehand. Then I saw the mini and I was sold; the form factor was just perfect.

If Apple discontinues the mini, I'll eventually replace my mini 4 with a 9.7 when it no longer works well. But I still like the form factor, and will definitely get one if they update it.

 

[HarryWild]

I still hopeful Apple will update the Mini!

 

[0970373]

I have basically given up hope that we'll get a Mini 5 but I hope I'm wrong. I have an 8+ now, though my intention was never to replace the Mini with it. I just wanted the camera. I did get the 9.7" 2018 iPad to try to get myself adjusted to a larger iPad size and I even got a Pencil. I kind of hate it. I keep going back to my Mini 4 as the size really is just so much more convenient for me.

 

[Atomic1977]

It would be nice if there was another mini out there but I am doing just fine with my mini 2. I don’t really have a need for the 4 or what ever comes after that at the moment.

 

[lbdesign]

Reading books and smaller Android tabs have come up a few times in this thread. Very important points. The iPad Mini is the ideal Kindle. I have a 7" Kindle Fire and it's a POS. It barely works. It crashes. It's so slow to respond to touch that I can count to 5 before it reacts. If I count to 6 without a reaction from the Kindle Fire, I'll try tapping again. It's ridiculous. But Amazon sells a lot of them, I believe. One of my Mini 4 use-cases is for reading Kindle books, and it's WAY better than a Kindle for this purpose.
Interesting that my Mini 4 still works fine, and yet I'm already mourning its loss...

 

[Whoakapi]

Reading books and smaller Android tabs have come up a few times in this thread. Very important points. The iPad Mini is the ideal Kindle. I have a 7" Kindle Fire and it's a POS. It barely works. It crashes. It's so slow to respond to touch that I can count to 5 before it reacts. If I count to 6 without a reaction from the Kindle Fire, I'll try tapping again. It's ridiculous. But Amazon sells a lot of them, I believe. One of my Mini 4 use-cases is for reading Kindle books, and it's WAY better than a Kindle for this purpose.
Interesting that my Mini 4 still works fine, and yet I'm already mourning its loss...

I agree 100%. The Mini 4 as a reading device is just ways ahead of any Kindle device. I know the Mini 4 is not e-ink, but if you adjust the brightness according to your surroundings I don't see the problem.

My theory is that Apple will keep the Mini line as a device targeted for reading. The other iPads are just too big and heavy in comparison. I think we may first see a Mini 5 when the performance of the 4 becomes way too sluggish. Also, Apple will need a serious device that gels with the "Apple Books" for iOS12.

 

[eVolcre]

I agree 100%. The Mini 4 as a reading device is just ways ahead of any Kindle device. I know the Mini 4 is not e-ink, but if you adjust the brightness according to your surroundings I don't see the problem.

My theory is that Apple will keep the Mini line as a device targeted for reading. The other iPads are just too big and heavy in comparison. I think we may first see a Mini 5 when the performance of the 4 becomes way too sluggish. Also, Apple will need a serious device that gels with the "Apple Books" for iOS12.

My Kindle fire 8.9 HD from 2014 is a CHAMP. Which one do you have? It's pants as a tablet or even for FB but I use it only for reading and it's brilliant. Never had a case. Knock it all over my bags, drop it etc and absolutely no issues. I'd love a new Mini because after the 8.9 size, even the 9.7 or 10.5 is simply too big as a dedicated ereader or couch browser.

 

[darkazcura]

People who think the iPhone Plus is a replacement for the Mini do not make a ton of sense to me. I can’t do PIP, split screen, or any of the iPad multitasking features with the iPhone. Also the 4:3 ratio is ideal for a tablet. Horizontal on a near 16:9 screen is a mediocre experience. The rumored 6.5 inch iPhone is not anywhere close to a proper iPad mini that is actually updated consistently. Never mind the fact that’s you could probably fit close to a 8.5-9 inch screen in the current iPad mini chassis by shrinking the bezels making the 6.5 inch iPhone argument even less significant.

The iPad Mini chassis really feels like the perfect iPad form factor, imo.

 

[lbdesign]

My Kindle fire 8.9 HD from 2014 is a CHAMP. Which one do you have? It's pants as a tablet or even for FB but I use it only for reading and it's brilliant.

Hi Evolcre, I have a Fire HD 6" 4th generation. I'm afraid to ever get another one as a reader, because I can't tell from their specs whether it will be powerful enough. They all seem underpowered on paper. This is my 2nd Fire. The first one was older and even slower. I donated it to a thrift shop...

 

[spinedoc77]

I just got a mini 4. I had a mini 2 that is my 6 year old's device and I've been happy with my surface Pro, but have always dabbled with 8" windows tablets and they all are pretty terrible. I'm very impressed with the mini 4 for anything to do with consumption, webpages, reading Kindle, reading PDF's, and the news app are all very smooth. It's really a phenomenal little device and an iPhone plus comes NO where close to replicating it. It's definitely my go to device for short travel over my surface pro, unless I need to get work done. Overnight and long travel the surface pro still wins out, although I could see myself just taking both of them.

 

[lbdesign]

I just got a mini 4. I had a mini 2 that is my 6 year old's device and I've been happy with my surface Pro, but have always dabbled with 8" windows tablets and they all are pretty terrible. I'm very impressed with the mini 4 for anything to do with consumption, webpages, reading Kindle, reading PDF's, and the news app are all very smooth. It's really a phenomenal little device and an iPhone plus comes NO where close to replicating it. It's definitely my go to device for short travel over my surface pro, unless I need to get work done. Overnight and long travel the surface pro still wins out, although I could see myself just taking both of them.

I agree. My Mini 4 has cellular, and it's an amazing convenience when traveling. It's also a luxurious GPS device when on cellular (or if you save the geographic data in advance, as Google Maps allows you to do).

 

[spinedoc77]

I agree. My Mini 4 has cellular, and it's an amazing convenience when traveling. It's also a luxurious GPS device when on cellular (or if you save the geographic data in advance, as Google Maps allows you to do).

I thought about a cellular one, but in the end was too cheap to pay the $18/mo (after taxes/fees) Verizon wanted to have on my account, plus the extra $150 or so for the cellular mini (Plus I'm still hedging my bets for an ipad mini 5 in the spring). Plus Apple's automatic hotspot connection is fabulous. My ipad automatically turns on and connects to my iphones hotspot without me doing anything.

 

[democracyrules]

Will it ever happen? Typing this from my iPad mini 4 the mini is the perfect “lazy on the couch want something a little bigger than your phone device”. My mini 4 stutters a bit in the Best Buy app and doing some other things. We need a 5!

Current size iPhones are truly “mini” iPad. Apple could see this so it is highly possible that iPad mini is not updated. So, get over of the updated iPad mini dream or fantasy and move on.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

I want an iPad Mini 5 (Pro) and an updated SE.

Sadly, it seems like Apple have shunned these products and the consumers who'd be interested in them.

 

[solarmon]

Let’s get real. No one wants a mini. Logically, it’s not coming back along with the MacBook Air and the Mac mini. Get over it. People with plus size phones don’t even use their minis. I have a mini 4 and a 10.5 and I have only used my mini once in the last year looking up something when my pro died. I could have easily used my Mac but was lazy and it was sitting there. If you want a mini, get the new 6.5 iPhone and call it a day.

Wait. You cannot at the same time say “No one wants a mini...” and then “Get over it,” bc this implies in your own mind that SOME people still want a mini. Please at least be internally consistent in your statements, or nobody will take you seriously
[doublepost=1536160288][/doublepost]

I want an iPad Mini 5 (Pro) and an updated SE.

Sadly, it seems like Apple have shunned these products and the consumers who'd be interested in them.

Well, there are at least two of us, bc I feel exactly the same. If the SE and mini are cancelled, i will buy them on the after market for a while, and some company will move in to fill the gap. If Apple discards segments of its loyal customers, it would make them a stupid company. I don’t think they are a stupid company.

 

[subjonas]

Wait. You cannot at the same time say “No one wants a mini...” and then “Get over it,” bc this implies in your own mind that SOME people still want a mini. Please at least be internally consistent in your statements, or nobody will take you seriously

Hahahaha way to call him/her out.

Well, there are at least two of us, bc I feel exactly the same. If the SE and mini are cancelled, i will buy them on the after market for a while, and some company will move in to fill the gap. If Apple discards segments of its loyal customers, it would make them a stupid company. I don’t think they are a stupid company.

That’s what I’m thinking/hoping. But I guess it just depends on how big that segment is. Apple tends to leave their smaller segments hanging with old rarely-updated products, just enough to keep them from leaving the ecosystem. It’s only the tiniest segments that they cut off altogether. I’m hoping we’re the former.

 

[kazmac]

I want an iPad Mini 5 (Pro) and an updated SE.

Sadly, it seems like Apple have shunned these products and the consumers who'd be interested in them.

Me too. I am still hanging on a sliver of hope that both will be updated early next year.

 

[lbdesign]

It may just be me imagining, but I think there could be a big "Apple is too elitist" backlash if they essentially abandon entry-level products — even with the excuse that they must do this to give us their superior user experience.

 

[PBMB]

I agree. My Mini 4 has cellular, and it's an amazing convenience when traveling. It's also a luxurious GPS device when on cellular

This is perhaps the main function of the mini for the wide public: the perfect travel companion. But you need the cellular version of it for the GPS (assisted or alone). Mine also is cellular. I tried traveling with it and never looked back again since then. Offline maps, service and travel applications and cheap Skype phone on a small but comfortably large display, is a combination that you cannot beat. Oh wait, Apple can, if they update the mini and reduce the bezels in the process!

(or if you save the geographic data in advance, as Google Maps allows you to do).

Regarding geographic data for use with the cellular mini, there are several very nice options except Google (if you are not comfortable with their privacy tactics). I use regularly maps.me and Pocket Earth (which includes topography by the way), or Maps 3D when I want moreover to see the landscape in 3D. For outdoor activities there is Gaia GPS; also PeakFinder for the mountain shape around a given location. All these can work offline by downloading the maps and the shapes.

Drivers have other options too, Waze and HERE WeGo being the free ones that I know. For recording a path, GPSSpeed HD is one of the best out there, although several of the previous ones that I mentioned have recording capabilities.

 

[G5isAlive]

I agree. Not sure what marketing equation says the mini is bad for Apple, but the gurus apparently have spoken. I have shifted my expectations to probably will never see it, but willing to be pleasantly surprised.

 

[kazmac]

It may just be me imagining, but I think there could be a big "Apple is too elitist" backlash if they essentially abandon entry-level products — even with the excuse that they must do this to give us their superior user experience.

With the cheaper 9.7 iPad and upcoming MacBook Air replacement, that train of thought is not quite valid in the case of the iPad Mini and iPhone SE. Though I honestly agree with that, as Apple is using “Pro” and potentially other terminology to increase prices into ‘elite’ territory. Cook was using doublespeak when he said Apple doesn’t make products for the wealthy alone. There will be some complaints certainly, but I hope we see a Mini and a proper SE.

 

[joeblow7777]

It may just be me imagining, but I think there could be a big "Apple is too elitist" backlash if they essentially abandon entry-level products — even with the excuse that they must do this to give us their superior user experience.

Apple has only ever dabbled in “entry level” products to begin with. Even their cheapest products are mid to high range compared to most other companies.

 

[K1221n]

All they have to do is put a faster chip in the mini 4 now its a mini 5, like they did with the 6th gen ipad from A9 to A10, they dont need a complete redesign.

Will it ever happen? Typing this from my iPad mini 4 the mini is the perfect “lazy on the couch want something a little bigger than your phone device”. My mini 4 stutters a bit in the Best Buy app and doing some other things. We need a 5!

 

[joeblow7777]

All they have to do is put a faster chip in the mini 4 now its a mini 5, like they did with the 6th gen ipad from A9 to A10, they dont need a complete redesign.

To be fair, they also added Pencil support to the 6th Gen iPad, but I agree with what you’re saying. Just put even an A10 in the body of the Mini 4 and you’ve got a decently up to date Mini 5 that people would be happy to buy.

 

[fathergll]

I agree 100%. The Mini 4 as a reading device is just ways ahead of any Kindle device. I know the Mini 4 is not e-ink, but if you adjust the brightness according to your surroundings I don't see the problem.

My theory is that Apple will keep the Mini line as a device targeted for reading. The other iPads are just too big and heavy in comparison. I think we may first see a Mini 5 when the performance of the 4 becomes way too sluggish. Also, Apple will need a serious device that gels with the "Apple Books" for iOS12.

I haven't used an iPad for years. I had an iPad 2 but that thing aged pretty quickly and I stopped using it. I recently got to use my friends iPad Mini 1 for a bit and it's pretty slick despite being very old which now has me in this iPad craze to buy a new one. If they announce a Mini 5 tomorrow I'm buying one immediately. They probably won't which leads me to making a decision of getting a Mini 4 which I'll probably love despite being dated jumping on a new iPad Pro. I'm a little hesitant on the size and reading experience for them though i read that the 2 page reading is quite good.

P.S. I agree...After experimenting with the brightness settings on the Mini i find it pretty good for reading. My biggest thing with making a decision of a iPad over a Kindle is the fact that I can do a lot of the iPad. I like the idea of being able to jump on Youtube at any time(I get why some say this is a distraction but i'd rather have less devices.)