iPad mini What are our chances for a Mini 5 in 2019?

[Robertjan88]

1st generation: November 2, 2012
2: November 12, 2013
3: October 22, 2014
4: September 9, 2015

Based on the above dates, it seems to me there is only a small chance we will see a true iPad Mini 5 in 2019.

Nevertheless, I wonder if Apple would completely rule out this small form factor.

Maybe they will reduce the bezels of the iPad 9.7 inch? This would potentially result in an iPad which is the size of a 4th gen mini, but with a 9.7 inch screen.

What do you think?

 

[Greenmeenie]

According to Ming Chi Kuo, an update to the iPad mini is coming. Right before the iPad Pro event in October, he said there was a chance we’d see it by the end of the year...but more likely during the first quarter of 2019. I assume it will be announced alongside the 9.7” regular iPad update in March. Four months is not long to wait. But then again, who knows.

 

[AutomaticApple]

1st generation: November 2, 2012
2: November 12, 2013
3: October 22, 2014
4: September 9, 2015

Based on the above dates, it seems to me there is only a small chance we will see a true iPad Mini 5 in 2019.

Nevertheless, I wonder if Apple would completely rule out this small form factor.

Maybe they will reduce the bezels of the iPad 9.7 inch? This would potentially result in an iPad which is the size of a 4th gen mini, but with a 9.7 inch screen.

What do you think?

I can’t wait until they announce it!

 

[bwApple! fwApple!]

1st generation: November 2, 2012
2: November 12, 2013
3: October 22, 2014
4: September 9, 2015

Based on the above dates, it seems to me there is only a small chance we will see a true iPad Mini 5 in 2019.

Yes. But don't forget about the Mac Mini!
And so, the new iPad mini is almost certainly coming!

 

[Lobwedgephil]

I think there will be one, but as its rumored to be a budget version, it won't be the same mini and likely disappointing to me.

 

[kazmac]

I hope for a 5 with pencil support and the nearly the same specs as the mini 4. Still my favorite iPad.

Didn’t Cook accidentally mention the Mini 5 at the October event?

 

[Atomic1977]

I still think the chances for another iPad mini are slim to none. They kept the mini 4 for so long. It’s been so long since it’s been out that I doubt that a 5 is coming. I’m still enjoying my mini 2 witch works just fine.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

An updated iPad mini most likely will appear this spring. It is rumored to follow the budget iPads template so at least A10 cpu, touchid, no laminated screen and possibly pencil support..

 

[sonicrobby]

I think there is a high chance we will see a refresh, similar to how they updated the long awaited Mac mini that skeptics said would never happen. My issue is that I think the refresh would be minor (to me, minor), probably still having Touch ID, and if we are lucky, possibly maybe USB-C with pencil 2 support, but that would result slight redesign to accommodate the pencil... I can only see this if they do the same with the 9.7" iPad to standardize their ports. But if they are still aiming for this to be low cost, it might just be the same form factor, spec bump, and pencil 1 support. Either way, now that the iPad Pro designs have come out, I don't think I can truly be happy with a mini that isn't "edge to edge" display But I highly welcome some pencil support! And for the right price, I would definitely upgrade my mini 4. So we will see come April-ish

 

[Greenmeenie]

I still think the chances for another iPad mini are slim to none. They kept the mini 4 for so long. It’s been so long since it’s been out that I doubt that a 5 is coming. I’m still enjoying my mini 2 witch works just fine.

The regular Mac mini wasn’t updated for even longer, and Apple just updated it. So that doesn’t mean anything. Plus Ming Chi Kuo is usually dead on when it comes to predictions. He says one is coming, and i’ll take his word over any random poster here on Macrumors. No offense.

 

[44267547]

I think it would be a major redemption for Apple if they did release an ‘iPad mini 5’ and a revamped ‘iPhone SE 2’, there is a very strong demographic for both of those products, and Apple could still keep and recruit even more consumers if the price is affordable for both of those products if they do launch in 2019.

 

[HarryWild]

Since I just purchase two Mini 4s, I pick “zero” chance for a Mini 5!

 

[Macintoshrumors]

1st generation: November 2, 2012
2: November 12, 2013
3: October 22, 2014
4: September 9, 2015

Based on the above dates, it seems to me there is only a small chance we will see a true iPad Mini 5 in 2019.

Nevertheless, I wonder if Apple would completely rule out this small form factor.

Maybe they will reduce the bezels of the iPad 9.7 inch? This would potentially result in an iPad which is the size of a 4th gen mini, but with a 9.7 inch screen.

What do you think?

If Apple cares about the mini, wed be on version 7 according to that model. Imo, it’s not coming back, cook said himself that bigger iPhone screens cannibalizes the mini and with the XS Max, there really isn’t a need for Apple to waste money, producing a product to appease a minority of its customer base.

 

[sracer]

If Apple cares about the mini, wed be on version 7 according to that model. Imo, it’s not coming back, cook said himself that bigger iPhone screens cannibalizes the mini and with the XS Max, there really isn’t a need for Apple to waste money, producing a product to appease a minority of its customer base.

How many iPad Minis does Apple sell? How many are sold to individual consumers and how many to vertical markets? Those vertical markets are NOT going to buy iPhones and they're not going to buy 9.7" iPads.

I'm confident that Apple is in communication with those markets to understand what their needs are and will update the Mini to meet their requirements. They have different requirements than individual consumers, some of who want the latest and greatest. What eventually gets released may not satisfy the public but will meet those more specific needs.

 

[HarryWild]

How many iPad Minis does Apple sell? How many are sold to individual consumers and how many to vertical markets? Those vertical markets are NOT going to buy iPhones and they're not going to buy 9.7" iPads.

I'm confident that Apple is in communication with those markets to understand what their needs are and will update the Mini to meet their requirements. They have different requirements than individual consumers, some of who want the latest and greatest. What eventually gets released may not satisfy the public but will meet those more specific needs.

Mini 4 still good enough for 90% of all Mini users needs. Apple will hold off for another 3-4 more years longer. Why....why not!

 

[flur]

I’ll sa y what I’ve said in the other threads about this - I don’t see Apple wanting to continue to make two pencils. So I think we’re in for a redesigned budget iPad that can use the Pencil 2 and a redesigned mini (I also believe Ming Chi Kuo, and I think it would be silly not to give pencil support to an updated mini). I’m also wondering if these will be the same device - Apple may release one device that’s the approximate physical size as the mini with smaller bezels and a screen close to the size of the budget iPad, with flat sides for pencil charging.

 

[sonicrobby]

I’ll sa y what I’ve said in the other threads about this - I don’t see Apple wanting to continue to make two pencils. So I think we’re in for a redesigned budget iPad that can use the Pencil 2 and a redesigned mini (I also believe Ming Chi Kuo, and I think it would be silly not to give pencil support to an updated mini). I’m also wondering if these will be the same device - Apple may release one device that’s the approximate physical size as the mini with smaller bezels and a screen close to the size of the budget iPad, with flat sides for pencil charging.

This makes a lot of sense. If Apple does somehow reduce the bezel of the 9.7" iPad, it could essentially 'become' the mini in overall size. I would love this option and definitely purchase one.

 

[sracer]

I’ll sa y what I’ve said in the other threads about this - I don’t see Apple wanting to continue to make two pencils. So I think we’re in for a redesigned budget iPad that can use the Pencil 2 and a redesigned mini (I also believe Ming Chi Kuo, and I think it would be silly not to give pencil support to an updated mini). I’m also wondering if these will be the same device - Apple may release one device that’s the approximate physical size as the mini with smaller bezels and a screen close to the size of the budget iPad, with flat sides for pencil charging.

That's reasonable. But there are still 2 iPads (2018 and 10.5 Pro) actively being sold that use the Pencil 1... and the 2018 iPad supports the Logitech Crayon. I CAN see Apple producing 2 different Pencils as they differentiate between the new 3rd gen iPad Pros and the lower end iPads.

Considering how the iPad Mini is used, I'm inclined to think that if there IS a Mini 5, it will use the same Pencil technology as that of the 2018 iPad. It will also retain the form factor of the current Mini 4.

 

[Silver Idaten]

If the rumored Mini 5 is a miniature version of the current Pros, I'll buy the **** out of that, and I say that as someone that's not a fan of this year's Pros. Even if it's just the Mini 4 with upgraded internals, I'll still get it, I've never had a Mini before and if the Mini 4 wasn't overpriced I'd buy one now.

 

[Greenmeenie]

That's reasonable. But there are still 2 iPads (2018 and 10.5 Pro) actively being sold that use the Pencil 1... and the 2018 iPad supports the Logitech Crayon. I CAN see Apple producing 2 different Pencils as they differentiate between the new 3rd gen iPad Pros and the lower end iPads.

Considering how the iPad Mini is used, I'm inclined to think that if there IS a Mini 5, it will use the same Pencil technology as that of the 2018 iPad. It will also retain the form factor of the current Mini 4.

I think ultimately Apple will want all their iPads to be able to use the new Apple Pencil. The old one is so awkward to charge. Very un-Apple like. So I think it will be discontinued eventually. There are other ways to make the regular iPads & iPad mini less Pro-like.

Now wether Apple does this with the next update is unsure. Like you say, there are still 10.5” & 2018 iPads that still use the old pencil. Perhaps Apple will wait until 2020(the 10th anniversary of the regular iPad to redesign it). That way there is time to deplete the stock of the 10.5” & regular iPad along with the old Apple Pencil.

But Apple can still redesign the regular iPad & iPad mini with the flat edges, slimmer bezels & Face ID in March 2019. Maybe the 10.5” & 2018 regular iPad will be discounted, and that way they can justify another slight price increase for the new redesigned iPad and iPad mini. Who knows.

I just think at some point soon, all the iPads will have the new design and be able to use the Apple Pencil. It just makes sense for Apple to unify the design and bring the new Apple Pencil to all their iPads. They can still do other things to differentiate the Pro iPads from the non pro iPads.

 

[Silver Idaten]

I think ultimately Apple will want all their iPads to be able to use the new Apple Pencil. The old one is so awkward to charge. Very un-Apple like. So I think it will be discontinued eventually. There are other ways to make the regular iPads & iPad mini less Pro-like.

Now wether Apple does this with the next update is unsure. Like you say, there are still 10.5” & 2018 iPads that still use the old pencil. Perhaps Apple will wait until 2020(the 10th anniversary of the regular iPad to redesign it). That way there is time to deplete the stock of the 10.5” & regular iPad along with the old Apple Pencil.

But Apple can still redesign the regular iPad & iPad mini with the flat edges, slimmer bezels & Face ID in March 2019. Maybe the 10.5” & 2018 regular iPad will be discounted, and that way they can justify another slight price increase for the new redesigned iPad and iPad mini. Who knows.

I just think at some point soon, all the iPads will have the new design and be able to use the Apple Pencil. It just makes sense for Apple to unify the design and bring the new Apple Pencil to all their iPads. They can still do other things to differentiate the Pro iPads from the non pro iPads.

If the Mini 5 does not support the Pencil I, then I’ll just buy a Mini 4 as they’re cleared out. I’m not buying the $130 Pencil II just to use on a Mini when the first Pencil works just fine for me on my 10.5 Pro (my main iPad). I hope that’s not the case and it supports Pencil I. All I’m looking for is a 128GB mini iPad as a portable complement, not to use as my primary tablet.

 

[Greenmeenie]

If the Mini 5 does not support the Pencil I, then I’ll just buy a Mini 4 as they’re cleared out. I’m not buying the $130 Pencil II just to use on a Mini when the first Pencil works just fine for me on my 10.5 Pro (my main iPad). I hope that’s not the case and it supports Pencil I. All I’m looking for is a 128GB mini iPad as a portable complement, not to use as my primary tablet.

I can’t see Apple updating the iPad mini and NOT giving it Apple Pencil support. Like i said, the new regular iPad and iPad mini 5 that are possibly coming in March will most likely still use the old pencil. Apple may hold off on the new design with Apple 2 Pencil support until 2020. I dunno. Either way, they will most likely be updated in March. So not much longer to wait.

 

[Silver Idaten]

I can’t see Apple updating the iPad mini and NOT giving it Apple Pencil support. Like i said, the new regular iPad and iPad mini 5 that are possibly coming in March might still use the old pencil. Apple may hold off on the new design with Apple 2 Pencil support until 2020. I dunno. Either way, they will most likely be updated in March. So not much longer to wait.

I just hope if it does have Pencil support, it supports Pencil I. I just don’t want to have to buy a whole new Pencil just for a budget mini iPad, haha.

 

[sracer]

I just hope if it does have Pencil support, it supports Pencil I. I just don’t want to have to buy a whole new Pencil just for a budget mini iPad, haha.

If there is an update to the Mini, it will be primarily for "vertical markets"... doctors, pilots, labs, POS, warehouse, etc. They don't need the top high-end internals of the 3rd gen iPPs. Nor will they need the added functionality of the Pencil 2. Pencil 1 and Logitech Crayon support would be perfect. The Crayon in particular with it being more rugged than the Pencil and not needing to be paired are especially suited for those uses.

If an updated Mini is nothing more than the Mini version of the 2018 iPad, then I'm on it day-1.

 

[Silver Idaten]

If there is an update to the Mini, it will be primarily for "vertical markets"... doctors, pilots, labs, POS, warehouse, etc. They don't need the top high-end internals of the 3rd gen iPPs. Nor will they need the added functionality of the Pencil 2. Pencil 1 and Logitech Crayon support would be perfect. The Crayon in particular with it being more rugged than the Pencil and not needing to be paired are especially suited for those uses.

If an updated Mini is nothing more than the Mini version of the 2018 iPad, then I'm on it day-1.

Yeah I’ll pick that up for sure. I’ll miss a laminated display but I’ll have my 10.5 Pro and my replaced (when I pony up the $299 at some point soon) Air 2 for that.