When to Expect the Next iPad Mini and Low-End iPad Models to Launch

[IJBrekke]

I just can’t figure out why the Mini is supposedly not being refreshed alongside the Air in a few weeks. Why wait? Especially if it’s just a minor spec bump, the timeline doesn’t add up. The only thing I can think of is not wanting to put the A17 chip below a certain price point prior to the next round of iPhone updates (assuming the Mini 7 has that).

Mini specs and rough timelines have always been aligned with the Air. Again, further evidence as to why this persistent rumor to a fall release seems weird. I continue to hold out hope that an update will be sooner than that.

 

[sublunar]

Except the obvious CPU upgrade, the only thing the iPad Mini needs is more RAM, 8GB would be perfect. Also 128GB storage for the base model would be nice to have.

the extra gpu variant a15 in the 14 runs with 6gb ram - the reason Apple might go with a stripped down A16 could be to offer a more clear difference in specs for the future. A15 CPUs are beginning to be offered in entry level kit like the iPhone SE and the iPhone 14 is due to become the cheapest non SE iPhone that apple sell in September if they follow the established pathways.

Of course, if they were to change the form factor then an ‘A15’ would be acceptable if they used the former pro variant with extra gpu and 6gb ram on an entry level device like the basic iPad.

 

[SFjohn]

2025 most likely… 😉

 

[freedomlinux]

As a lover of most all Mini branded products

Almost? What's not to like - surely everyone loves iPod mini too

• iPod Mini
• Mac mini
• iPad mini
• iPhone mini
• HomePod Mini

 

[prospervic]

Smaller market, fully laminated AR-coated display, P3 color, higher PPI, faster SoC, Pencil 2 compatibility, True Tone flash, thinner and lighter. The mini is mid-market, not entry-level. Its smaller size is a feature, not a cost reduction measure.

Precisely. It’s funny that people are bewildered by this. That I can carry the MinI 6 in my jacket pocket, blazer pocket or cargo pants pocket is a very useful and desirable aspect of this device that puts it above the base iPad.

 

[fidelisoris]

face id please

Oh please no, not at the expense of Touch ID. Face ID is a joke and always has been.

 

[fidelisoris]

What I would pay a lot of money for:

• 8.3” 120 Hz OLED screen
• 500 Nits SDR/ 600 Nits HDR

I happen to strongly agree with these first two items. This is not a large feat for today's manufacturing, nor would be it be cost prohibitive. I would further suggest an advanced gen OLED that isn't as prone to burn-in, because with my use patterns I would destroy it within weeks. (I leave static images on screen for extended periods of time which the current screen handles exceptionally well)

 

[stocklen]

So as expected (anyone remember when these announcements used to be a surprise?) there was no new base iPad or mini released yesterday.

Im surprised that the mini didnt get a price drop in line with the base iPad given its ageing internals.

Whereas both will be updated in due course, the air is always a good indication as to where the mini will go - the mini ive always seen as an 'air mini' and the pricing reflects that.

Im sure the next mini will therefore get the landscape camera - probably not faceid although I cant see why not at that price point - and will probably necessitate a new apple pencil pro (annoyingly). I remain hopeful that the can get an M chip in there I just dont see why its not possible and having external monitor support with stage manager seems a must to me.

 

[rosuna]

I just can’t figure out why the Mini is supposedly not being refreshed alongside the Air in a few weeks. Why wait? Especially if it’s just a minor spec bump, the timeline doesn’t add up. The only thing I can think of is not wanting to put the A17 chip below a certain price point prior to the next round of iPhone updates (assuming the Mini 7 has that).

Mini specs and rough timelines have always been aligned with the Air. Again, further evidence as to why this persistent rumor to a fall release seems weird. I continue to hold out hope that an update will be sooner than that.

They are waiting for the next round of iPhones, with new A chips. Then, the current generation A bionic processors will go for the iPad Mini and iPad. The next OS will need up to date processors, but Apple cannot put the last A processors into the baseline iPad models right now.

 

[geta]

My guess the next iPad Mini will have A18/Pro chip with 6GB RAM (hopefully 8GB), 128GB/512GB storage options and TouchID.

The cellular version will also get eSim which I'm not so keen on.

And hopefully they won't change to landscape camera like they just did with iPad Air/Pro.

 

[DavidSchaub]

They are waiting for the next round of iPhones, with new A chips. Then, the current generation A bionic processors will go for the iPad Mini and iPad.

There is a “new base iPad, because the 9th Gen iPad is finally gone, though the base iPad got a $20 USD price increase.

The iPad will get an older chip than the iPad mini.

The iPad will probably just move to the A15, maybe the A16.

The iPad mini will probably wait until the A18 (maybe Pro).