Will we see another Mini?

[Greenmeenie]

"Futureproofing" is a complete myth. You never know what may or may not work well on future iPads or not and what factors are going to decide that. Nobody has any idea what future revisions of iOS (beyond 11) are going to have in store. It may very well be that the mini 4 will continue to run well through iOS 15 or iOS 12 might such a major change that only New iPads will run it.

The point is don't worry about what might or might not happen in 2 or 3 years for a device that works wonderfully right now.

I think when people say "futureproofing" they really just mean extending the life of their product for as long as possible. I think everyone knows that ALL Apple products(as well as other companies) have built in obsolescence. Like how a car depreciates in value as soon as you drive it off the lot. In regards to apple, people always want to time their purchases with the release of new products. They prefer not to buy at the end of a cycle. Although those products are often the most discounted. Its a balance.

 

[bensisko]

I think when people say "futureproofing" they really just mean extending the life of their product for as long as possible. I think everyone knows that ALL Apple products(as well as other companies) have built in obsolescence. Like how a car depreciates in value as soon as you drive it off the lot. In regards to apple, people always want to time their purchases with the release of new products. They prefer not to buy at the end of a cycle. Although those products are often the most discounted. Its a balance.

I can see waiting for a new model IF (big if) you absolutely know there is another one coming soon and you're REALLY into having the absolute latest and greatest.

Personally, I wouldn't buy an iPhone 7 right now because everybody knows the new one is coming in September. My uncle, however, doesn't care about the latest and greatest and is upgrading from an iPhone 4 - he bought an iPhone 7+ a couple weeks ago.

Personally, if I didn't have a mini 4 and my mini 2 crapped out, I wouldn't hesitate to get the mini 4 right now. iPad releases have been FAR too random to try and predict when a new one is coming.

Edit: To each their own - I don't want to sound like one is right and the other is not... everybody has their own methods for determining how and when they buy. The term "future proofing" just really gets to me.

 

[Mivo]

I can see waiting for a new model IF (big if) you absolutely know there is another one coming soon and you're REALLY into having the absolute latest and greatest.

You can also relay a bit on product history. I deliberately didn't buy a first gen iPad, Air, and Pro, because I figured there would soon be a revised version that addresses the most glaring issues of the new product line and that will "last" longer than the first gen model in terms of how current and usable it feels. Sticking to even generation numbers has worked out well, I feel, though with the 12.9" it required some patience as the 2nd gen model came later than I anticipated (I skipped the iPad 4 because I had picked up an Android tablet during that time, but the 4 would also have been a better choice than the 3, in retrospect).

But I agree that there are no guarantees, and it's likely that new models come out within a year's time. That didn't happen with the Mini 4, so even that is a gamble. For myself, I aim to get at least 18 months of good use out an iPad, and if it's more (like it was with the 2 and Air 2), then that's a plus. It's probably best to just buy when there is perceived need, it fits into the budget, and the current models appeal.

 

[bensisko]

You can also relay a bit on product history. I deliberately didn't buy a first gen iPad, Air, and Pro, because I figured there would soon be a revised version that addresses the most glaring issues of the new product line and that will "last" longer than the first gen model in terms of how current and usable it feels. Sticking to even generation numbers has worked out well, I feel, though with the 12.9" it required some patience as the 2nd gen model came later than I anticipated (I skipped the iPad 4 because I had picked up an Android tablet during that time, but the 4 would also have been a better choice than the 3, in retrospect).

But I agree that there are no guarantees, and it's likely that new models come out within a year's time. That didn't happen with the Mini 4, so even that is a gamble. For myself, I aim to get at least 18 months of good use out an iPad, and if it's more (like it was with the 2 and Air 2), then that's a plus. It's probably best to just buy when there is perceived need, it fits into the budget, and the current models appeal.

Personally, I LOVED the 3! I had the original, then the 2 and bought the 3 as soon as it was announced! I didn't see a value in the 4 so I skipped it and upgraded to the Air 1 (which, again, I loved). I did end up with the Air 2, but only much later (I got it used and only had it for about four months before the Pro 12.9"). I did get the 9.7 Pro as well. I haven't upgraded my Pro 12 (I don't see a need to). I have a 10.5 for work but don't see the need to upgrade over the 9.7". With the minis I got the original, then waited on the 2 and upgraded to the 2 after the disappointing 3 reveal. Got the mini 4 the minute it was available.

Totally agree with the need/budget/appeal.

 

[Greenmeenie]

The mini hasn't been updated for 2 years. Although the mini 4 will probably be supported for another 2 years, if I absolutely didn't need to update now, i'd wait. If Apple is going to update the mini it will be either this fall with ios 11 or next spring. Longer than that, and I'll start to believe the rumors that Apple plans to discontinue the mini.

I need a Pro tho...so if Apple doesn't release a mini Pro at the iPhone event in a few weeks, I'll nab the 10.5" iPad Pro.