Why does is iPad Mini 4 still for sale?

[icemantx]

To be clear, I am a fan of the iPad Mini series and have been since the first one was launched - I just prefer the size. That being said, the current iPad Mini 4 is based off 2013/2014 era technology. I know Apple has an odd history of letting certain products languish without updates for years (Mac Pro, Mac Mini, iPad Mini 4...), but why?

With the iPad Mini 4 not being the cheapest iPad and does not use current technology, are they keeping it just for the segment of population that wants a small iPad and has no clue about the internals?

I for one, would love to see an iPad Mini Pro, but doubt that would ever happen...

(Just realized after I hit post that I jacked up the title of the thread - oops)

 

[KrisLord]

I don’t really get it either.

It’s gone past the point at which it should have either been updated or killed off.

It didn’t need loads of changes, just a processor bump would have been enough.

Anyone buying it today and thinking it’s representative of using a modern iPad isn’t getting the right experience.

I guess you could say that about other things like the 1.4ghz models of the mini...

 

[myrtlebee]

I agree. I hate how Apple lets products just languish before killing them. You can edit your title if you want, by the way.

 

[JPack]

There likely several industries like engineering and retail that have settled on iPad mini as a tool.

It takes several years for specialty apps to be redeveloped for 9.7" iPad.

In the meanwhile, the A8 iPad mini still works and Apple can charge a hefty price before killing it.

 

[chasonstone]

My guess is they sell enough to justify keeping what they have, but not enough to explore the size further. The trend seems to be larger screens everywhere; phones, tablets, tv's, everything. They probably didn't make a new mini matching this years iPad, because the 9.7 inch comes in at $329 and I don't think Apple would price an iPad much lower than that.

Also, to be fair. The iPad mini 4 only comes in 128GB at $399, while the new iPad 9.7 in 128GB is $429. So it's technically not more expensive comparing the closest model.

 

[idunn]

For one, because an iPad in a small form factor still makes sense—and presumably still sells well enough. If Apple cared about these customers it would at minimum lower the price, or preferably both that and update the internals.

In my view the discontinuation of the iPad Mini 4 would leave a decided gap in both their product line and in that offered to customers. Among other things this iPad is about the ideal size to read on, if not periodicals, certainly books.

Apple presumably still has an interest in reading, books and knowledge in general. Yet what does it offer in this regard? The one device best suited receives little love and is rumored slated for death.

If updated—as it should be—this iPad might ideally be both less and more powerful. More capable for those wishing or otherwise needing such power in a smaller form factor. As well, a model designated in both cost and capability as is or less so (certainly in cost) for those wishing it principally to read with. Otherwise they are ceding this market to competitors—and suggesting their customers are better off somewhere else.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Because people like me will still buy it because there is no other alternative if I want a small tablet.

 

[iGeek2014]

And given that the HomePod also ships with an A8 processor Apple clearly think it’s capable (for whatever reason).

I don’t know what iOS 11 is like on the Mini 4 but it’s showing it’s age on my 6th gen iPod Touch with A8 chip.

 

[pika2000]

To be clear, I am a fan of the iPad Mini series and have been since the first one was launched - I just prefer the size. That being said, the current iPad Mini 4 is based off 2013/2014 era technology. I know Apple has an odd history of letting certain products languish without updates for years (Mac Pro, Mac Mini, iPad Mini 4...), but why?

With the iPad Mini 4 not being the cheapest iPad and does not use current technology, are they keeping it just for the segment of population that wants a small iPad and has no clue about the internals?

I for one, would love to see an iPad Mini Pro, but doubt that would ever happen...

(Just realized after I hit post that I jacked up the title of the thread - oops)

Apple did it to annoy people like you and me so we go to forums and complain about it...

But yeah, now with all iPads minus the mini run an A10, and the fact that the mini 4 is not at the lowest price point, it is baffling. If Apple can put an A10 iPad with pencil support for $329, there's no reason they cannot do the same on the mini. Heck, they can go back to the mini 2's casing, and I wouldn't mind (still holding the mini 2). iPad mini with Apple pencil can be the ultimate electronic "pad" thanks to its size.

 

[sunapple]

With the iPad Mini 4 not being the cheapest iPad and does not use current technology, are they keeping it just for the segment of population that wants a small iPad and has no clue about the internals?

Yes. Also, the mini is only available in 128GB and that’s cheaper than the new 128GB iPad.

I’m not saying the difference shouldn’t be bigger, but anyone who doesn’t understand the internals won’t care as much as we do.

Still, would be interesting to here an Apple Store sales person tell someone to get the Mini and hear the reason why (besides size). I suspect they won’t mention speed or age.

 

[joeblow7777]

I completely understand why it’s still being sold, but it really should see a price cut. It’s very hard to justify paying full retail price for one in 2018.

 

[maflynn]

I would assume, that people are still buying the mini, not sure why given how long in the tooth. Apple is doing the same thing with the Mac mini, its old yet still available.

 

[joeblow7777]

I would assume, that people are still buying the mini, not sure why given how long in the tooth. Apple is doing the same thing with the Mac mini, its old yet still available.

Most people don’t give it much thought. If the want a small iPad, they go into a store or online and buy the small iPad that’s available. They don’t know or care much about its age or specs. An iPad is an iPad.

 

[maflynn]

Most people don’t give it much thought. If the want a small iPad, they go into a store or online and buy the small iPad that’s available. They don’t know or care much about its age or specs. An iPad is an iPad.

No question, but I do find it sad that its so long in the tooth. My sister bought an iPad mini for mother, and for her the form factor is better then the large iPad.

 

[SAIRUS]

The iPad Mini would be great with haptics and 3D Touch. Make it a portable gaming option.

 

[joeblow7777]

No question, but I do find it sad that its so long in the tooth. My sister bought an iPad mini for mother, and for her the form factor is better then the large iPad.

But really, the same people who don’t know or worry about the specs aren’t going to notice its age either. It’s still perfectly fine for casual use like web browsing, emails, and watching videos. Is it overpriced at this point? Yes. But it’s not obsolete.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I agree. I hate how Apple lets products just languish before killing them. You can edit your title if you want, by the way.

I do not think that Apple was letting the Mini "languish".

I think they must have made a butt load of them, long ago, and are still trying to sell all of them.

 

[rui no onna]

Apple did it to annoy people like you and me so we go to forums and complain about it...

But yeah, now with all iPads minus the mini run an A10, and the fact that the mini 4 is not at the lowest price point, it is baffling. If Apple can put an A10 iPad with pencil support for $329, there's no reason they cannot do the same on the mini. Heck, they can go back to the mini 2's casing, and I wouldn't mind (still holding the mini 2). iPad mini with Apple pencil can be the ultimate electronic "pad" thanks to its size.

Note, Apple downgraded the screen to reach that price point. A screen downgrade has greater effect on the mini in terms of weight than on the 9.7" iPads.

Back when the mini 4 was first released in 2015, it was priced exactly the same as the iPad Air 2.
WiFi only: 16GB/$399, 64GB/$499, 128GB/$599
WiFi + cellular: 16GB/$529, 64GB/$629, 128GB/$729

Sure would be nice to get a mini with A10 even at $399, though.
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And given that the HomePod also ships with an A8 processor Apple clearly think it’s capable (for whatever reason).

I don’t know what iOS 11 is like on the Mini 4 but it’s showing it’s age on my 6th gen iPod Touch with A8 chip.

The HomePod isn't expected to power a 2048*1536 display or play visually demanding games.

 

[Crow_Servo]

I think Apple just doesn’t know how to market the iPad mini. They treat the 9.7” like the budget edition, so they feel that a new mini would be confusing. It would be especially confusing if the new mini has a better screen than the 9.7” iPad. They seem to be killing the mini, which saddens me, but I’m glad I got the mini 4. It’s the perfect form factor for me. It’ll be tough to go back to a larger iPad (my previous iPad was a 1st gen Air), but I’ll have to next year when iOS 13 most likely won’t support the mini 4.

 

[ACG12]

Apple must really want the mini to fail. All it needed was the A10 chip to still be relevant. I don’t care for Apple Pencil Support.

 

[rui no onna]

I think Apple just doesn’t know how to market the iPad mini. They treat the 9.7” like the budget edition, so they feel that a new mini would be confusing. It would be especially confusing if the new mini has a better screen than the 9.7” iPad. They seem to be killing the mini, which saddens me, but I’m glad I got the mini 4. It’s the perfect form factor for me. It’ll be tough to go back to a larger iPad (my previous iPad was a 1st gen Air), but I’ll have to next year when iOS 13 most likely won’t support the mini 4.

I expect larger smartphones have cannibalized sales on smaller tablets. To be honest, I know plenty of people who purchased a mini because of the lower price but really wanted the bigger iPad.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Apple must really want the mini to fail. All it needed was the A10 chip to still be relevant. I don’t care for Apple Pencil Support.

I suspect Apple knows much more about marketing than we will. They turned their back on it long ago and no matter how bad people want, it does not look like Apple is going to bring it back. I liked it, too, but there has not been so much as a rumor of a new Mini.

 

[Aspasia]

I have the mini 4 cellular. No interest in gaming. It's for communications, financial matters, weather forecasting, weather checks, plus more. I can even use it to make phone calls. My mini does precisely what I need it to do. The size is what's most important as it fits in my kayak underdeck bag (in a waterproof case, of course), in my purse when on land, and in my car mount for travel. I have a larger iPad, also cellular, which sits at home collecting dust. I'd never go back to the larger version.

 

[apolloa]

I don’t know why, it’s sad to see.

Maybe they’ll update it this year, give it a spec bump, TruTone display perhaps and Apple Pencil support? Maybe they’ve been waiting for that?

My sister still rocks a first or second gen model, can’t remember which, does all she needs along with her 6S I think it is. My Nephew still rocks a third gen I think it is one, plays games and everything else a 13 year old uses them for. Don’t think he’s asked for a new one since? Just wants a new iPhone or his old one repaired as it’s a bit knackered.

 

[Crow_Servo]

The only thing I could see happening is them adding mini to the pro lineup alongside the 10.5 and 12.9 models, and receive the edge-to-edge treatment this year. If it doesn’t see a refresh this year, I’d unfortunately pronounce it dead. If it’s not refreshed alongside the pros, I imagine the mini 4 will be removed from their lineup. It’ll be irresponsible of Apple to continue selling a product that will likely be obsolete next year (although there is still a small chance that it will be supported on iOS 13).