Would there be a market for an "iPad Mini Pro"?

[0970373]

Your opinion is much appreciated, thanks for sharing!

Personally, I use multitasking often on my Mini 4, and I would love to have Pencil support for handwritten notes. Along with the increased refresh rate and quad speakers? I can see a few "points."

The mini is just larger than the 5x8.25 moleskine I use so it's the perfect size for me to take notes on. I used to use a keyboard with it but I never really liked it, not even on the larger tablets.

Pro or not though, i just want a smaller tablet. I'd buy it either way.

 

[joeblow7777]

What's the point? Too small for the pencil, for multitasking, and for a physical keyboard. An updated iPad Mini, sure, but not a Mini Pro.

If the iPad Mini is too small for Pencil and multitasking support, why are Galaxy Note phones so well received? (This is, when they're not blowing up, of course)

 

[rui no onna]

The mini is just larger than the 5x8.25 moleskin I use for notes so it's the perfect size for me to take notes on. I used to use a keyboard with it but I never really liked it, not even on the larger tablets.

Yep. Never understood the too small for the Apple Pencil argument. I write on 3"x3" Post-It Notes all the time. Really wish the built-in keyboard would add handwriting recognition.

 

[kazmac]

Yep. Never understood the too small for the Apple Pencil argument. I write on 3"x3" Post-It Notes all the time. Really wish the built-in keyboard would add handwriting recognition.

That would be a neat way to implement it too. Well done!

 

[Rafterman]

Yep. Never understood the too small for the Apple Pencil argument. I write on 3"x3" Post-It Notes all the time. Really wish the built-in keyboard would add handwriting recognition.

I think Apple dropped the Mini simply because of marketing - a Mini conflicts with their current "iPad is a notebook replacement" campaign.

Too bad too, because count me in on the Mini Pro train.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

I was a big proponent of Apple releasing an iPad mini pro in the 7.9" form factor.

However, seeing what they are doing with the "Pro" moniker, it makes total sense that they do not go that route. These are meant to be viable laptop replacements for many people. For Apple, that means, above all, Apple Smart Keyboard & Pencil support, as well as 4 speakers. (for me personally, however, my mini has been a personal laptop replacement for as long as the forms factor has existed, so I know that it can be that even not being a "pro" model)

If they dropped the 9.7" form factor from the "Pro" line due to the screen size not being large enough and the keyboard being too cramped, they certainly aren't going to add the 7.9" screen and exacerbate those issues.

I absolutely adore the mini form factor, and think there would definitely be a strong market interest in an updated mini with an A9/10 and Apple Pencil support, but it is never going to come before the larger 9.7" form factor (re)gains those features. Apple discontinuing the 9.7" Pro in favor for the larger 10.5" model was more or less a confirmation that the mini form factor is not going to get a pro counterpart anytime soon.

I wouldn't count out that form factor completely though. It would make sense for Apple to give the 7.9" and 9.7" models spec parity, so I wouldn't be completely surprised if both the iPad and the mini got A10 updates in the Fall.

In many ways, the 10.5" Pro is Apple's answer to a "mini pro" model. If they had given it the full 2732x2048 resolution, that is exactly what it would have been. I still think it would have been so cool if they had gone that way, but understand why they didn't.

All of that said, I've had the 10.5" Pro for 3 days, having made the decision to make an attempt at an iOS only professional workflow as well, buying it instead of upgrading my maxed 2015 rMB. The mini is keeping its position as my 'personal' device and since Wednesday last week, I haven't opened the lid of my rMB once...

But I've also only picked up my mini 2-3 times since then as well...didn't think I would like this 10.5" as much as I do. I find myself not wanting to put it down, like ever!

 

[throAU]

I was hoping for an iPad Mini Pro myself, as I love the form factor.

Having said that, I'm glad I didn't get one and went for a 10.5. Given the new capabilities and stuff that's coming with iOS 11 (and having played with the new Pro), I think that the 7.9" form factor would be too small. The keyboard would be too compromised, and the multitasking on the 7.9" screen would be a stretch.

Take away the keyboard cover and the multitasking, and you're left with the pencil as the only remaining defining characteristic for the pros. Will a 7.9 inch pad be big enough? Maybe... but I would doubt you'd be doing art type stuff on it with a tiny canvas like that. So you wouldn't need the full pencil; a regular stylus would suffice (for just regular note taking, rather than full drawing/sketching/artwork). I think that's what people/apple may have considered when thinking the mini is "too small for the pencil".

So in summary.... no, I don't think there's a market for it. And I'm glad that I got the 10.5 instead. Stepping up from an old iPad 4, it feels lighter and makes me miss my old original mini a lot less, which was preferable to me as far as form factor goes, vs. the 4.

In other words. Just buy a non-pro mini and a stylus - you'll be able to take notes with it just fine, which is all you're likely to realistically do with the smaller screen. You'll save a boatload of cash.

Edit:
Totally agree they should keep the mini around. I do like the form factor. I just don't think the size is suitable to the pro features, having used them.

Put out an updated mini with the 120hz screen, faster CPU and more storage/RAM, sure.

You guys DO realise for basic note taking, a regular stylus will work just fine yes? You don't need the expensive pencil with it's angle, pressure sensitivity, etc.?

I'm in a similar situation to the above poster. I've tried to use the 10.5 exclusively as my personal device to replace my MacBook Pro 13. It's not a total replacement yet, but the signs are there that it's not far off.

 

[Jimbo Limbo]

I would immediately order a mini pro to replace my mini 2 128gb cellular. I really would want to use the pencil even with a smaller device. Again, if profitability is the issue, the mini doesn't have to be a cheaper option, just a smaller, more portable option.

 

[0970373]

In other words. Just buy a non-pro mini and a stylus - you'll be able to take notes with it just fine, which is all you're likely to realistically do with the smaller screen. You'll save a boatload of cash.

Edit:
Totally agree they should keep the mini around. I do like the form factor. I just don't think the size is suitable to the pro features, having used them.

Put out an updated mini with the 120hz screen, faster CPU and more storage/RAM, sure.

You guys DO realise for basic note taking, a regular stylus will work just fine yes? You don't need the expensive pencil with it's angle, pressure sensitivity, etc.?

I'm in a similar situation to the above poster. I've tried to use the 10.5 exclusively as my personal device to replace my MacBook Pro 13. It's not a total replacement yet, but the signs are there that it's not far off.

It's a pretty awful experience, TBH. It goes beyond the pencil/stylus. Its how it works with the tablet. Trying to take notes while not being able to rest your hand on the device isn't very good. The "wrist guards" apps have are also quite abysmal. It doesn't feel like natural writing at all.

 

[caoimhe]

Even with my new 10.5 Pro I would still buy a new mini immediately. It is my favourite size for travel. A Pro version would be nice but as long as there is an updated mini I will be happy.

 

[addictive]

Next year I can see Apple releasing a new iPad Mini Pro although they wouldn't call it this it would simply be another iPad Pro.

Apple should reduce the bezels allowing an increase in the display real estate. I can see an 8.3inch iPad Mini Pro being released. This would allow three display sizes for the iPad and would help streamline the iPad. Then Apple should have three different sizes of iPad Pro 8.3 inch, 10.5 inch and then 13.5 inch (slightly reducing the bezels while increasing the display).

I think Apple could reduce the price further for the iPad Mini, it seems ridiculous to have it sell only with 128GB. I think in a years time Apple will cut the storage to 64GB but cut $100 off and try and set a new entry point for iOS tablets. If Apple can have a $279 (or lower) iPad mini then it is being more aggressive at taking the lower end of the market. If Apple is going to keep the iPad Mini around I don't think it should offer a range of storage, just one type. Enough for most people 64GB but if you want more storage you have to look to the iPad Pro.

Apple should have the 9.7 iPad at $350 for 64GB and $450 for 256GB.

This would really simplify Apple's iPad division. It should be designed to push people to buying the iPad Pro in the display size of their choice while still allowing cheaper iPads to still be sold. In time Apple will only sell iPads which allow use of the Apple Pencil even if they drop the Pro name.

 

[throAU]

This would really simplify Apple's iPad division. It should be designed to push people to buying the iPad Pro in the display size of their choice while still allowing cheaper iPads to still be sold. In time Apple will only sell iPads which allow use of the Apple Pencil even if they drop the Pro name.

I think that would be a shame. Not everyone will need or want the pro features, i'd rather apple reduce the cost of those ipads for the people who just want something for basic stuff like browsing, content consumption or controlling their homekit stuff. Or to give to their younger kids, or whatever.

 

[thewinelake2]

I would like one. I think the real benefit for Apple is that many people would have one in addition to a 10.5 or 12.4 - in a similar way that women have small handbags and big ones. The way in which stuff is shared across multiple devices these days means you can just grab the tablet of appropriate size for your trip out. So I guess that's even better than multiple handbags!

 

[epca12]

I think the Mini 4 is the last one.With the iPhone screen increasing its gonna become pretty redundant.

it still has a market however I don't think high end iPad Minis will happen because of the higher price they charge, but perhaps they are testing it put now by making the entry level Mini more expensive than the standard iPad 9.7

 

[Badrottie]

7.9 tablet size is dead and 8.9 Android tablet is slowing to death, too. Remember about 7" tablet?

 

[0970373]

I think Apple dropped the Mini simply because of marketing - a Mini conflicts with their current "iPad is a notebook replacement" campaign.

Too bad too, because count me in on the Mini Pro train.

Also imagine you're a journalist and you can use the iPad Mini as voice recorder while you're jotting down notes. If voice recognition could be improved and dictation apps could be more reliable, a voice recorder app that transcribes as someone speaks and then you can take side notes on that dictation would be amazing. Actually, that would be something great for students too.

Does anything like this exist yet?

 

[onepoint]

Also imagine you're a journalist and you can use the iPad Mini as voice recorder while you're jotting down notes. If voice recognition could be improved and dictation apps could be more reliable, a voice recorder app that transcribes as someone speaks and then you can take side notes on that dictation would be amazing. Actually, that would be something great for students too.

Does anything like this exist yet?

Hmm good question. I know that Notability records audio and "links" the timing to your written notes, but there's no transcription capability that I'm aware of. And Siri dictation stops after ~30-45 seconds regardless of whether you stop speaking.

 

[mariotr87]

All of that said, I've had the 10.5" Pro for 3 days, having made the decision to make an attempt at an iOS only professional workflow as well, buying it instead of upgrading my maxed 2015 rMB. The mini is keeping its position as my 'personal' device and since Wednesday last week, I haven't opened the lid of my rMB once...

But I've also only picked up my mini 2-3 times since then as well...didn't think I would like this 10.5" as much as I do. I find myself not wanting to put it down, like ever!

We seem to have a similar setup. iPad 10.5'' aside, I have an iPad Mini 4 and a 2016 MacBook. To be honest, I don't see anything wrong with this setup - I use the mini for content consumption at home and take it with me when traveling (usually along with my MacBook, unless I know for sure that iOS will suffice). Other than that, I don't usually take them with me, and just use the iPhone instead when out and about. These two devices are clearly differentiated. One has a small screen, the other has a decent production-oriented screen. One runs macOS, the other runs iOS. One does a great job when it comes to content consumption but a terrible job when it comes to production, and vice-versa.

Now, partly because of the novelty and features that it brings, partly because I wanted to experiment a bit with a new device/workflow, I decided to give the 10.5'' a shot, if anything, again, just for the fun of trying it out - still not sure whether I'll keep it or not. I absolutely love using it. The device is small/light enough for it to be reasonably portable while still making it more productive. In terms of video consumption, this iPad definitely beats the Mini. And, of course, I have the possibility of getting the Smart Keyboard, Apple Pencil (neither of which I'm sure I'll end up getting), it's got ProMotion, a better sound system, better specs, etc.

The problem however is that I can tell there are certain redundancies in this setup, one way or another. On the one hand, you could argue the larger iPad is not necessary if you have a MacBook and a Mini; the MacBook is almost as portable and much better for working, and the Mini is more portable, and in terms of content consumption it's usually reasonably close, sometimes better (e.g. reading) than the larger one. On the other hand, I could also get rid of the mini, sacrificing portability a bit, and gaining a lot of features and the possibility to do some work on the 10.5'' (especially after iOS11 is out). If you stretch it a bit, it might even be that the retina MacBook is redundant, and that I could simply stick to my work MBP (which currently never actually leaves the office) for serious, stationary work, and use the 10.5'' for everything else.

I guess I'll have to wait and see, but I'm really struggling with this one . I'm almost in the middle of my 14-day return window, so I'll keep heavily using it in different scenarios.

 

[klasma]

I think Apple dropped the Mini simply because of marketing - a Mini conflicts with their current "iPad is a notebook replacement" campaign.

Well, a pencil-enabled iPad mini would make for a pretty good paper notebook replacement . I'd buy one in a heartbeat to replace my iPad mini 4, on which I'm currently writing his. The mini form factor fills an important niche between iPhones and the 9.7" iPad, and I very much hope it will be kept updated by Apple, even if only as a second-class citizen — much like for the iPhone SE, incidentally.

 

[missbing]

I would definitely buy a mini if it had pencil support. I currently have the 12.9 pro which I love and do carry it to work in my laptop bag with my work laptop, but because of the size I don't feel comfortable pulling it out for note taking. I thought about also buying a 9.7 pro, but since I have an Air 2 it would be kind of ridiculous to buy another 9.7 for just note taking.

 

[heyjoe23]

I have a iPad mini 2, iPhone 6S Plus, and MacBook Air 13". I love the mini 2. I use it the most out of all my toys.

I am thinking of getting a smaller iPhone when they release in the fall. Hopefully they will have an updated SE to be inline with the 7S's and be 4" screen. I prefer this most I think. I wanted the plus to try out, but now I believe that I can get by with the smaller size since I like reading, etc on my mini. I use my mini at home, commute to work, and on the road for work and vacations. I don't use the iPhone plus for reading etc, I just go straight to the mini for that.

If they came out with a mini pro, I would definitely buy it! If they decide to drop the mini's, I will have to look around and pick up a mini 4 and hang on to it. With as much commuting and traveling I do, I like the mini form factor more than the larger iPads. And look what they do, they go and release the 10.5, drop the 9.7, and make it bigger!

 

[KittyKatta]

I want a Pencil Mini for an iPad Mini Pro and iPhone X.

 

[DNichter]

I don't see the need for a Pro mini, but I think they should continue to support it. I would offer the exact same internals in the 9.7 iPad and 7.9 as the two budget models. Maybe $249 and $329.

 

[sracer]

I don't see the need for a Pro mini, but I think they should continue to support it. I would offer the exact same internals in the 9.7 iPad and 7.9 as the two budget models. Maybe $249 and $329.

That is probably what Apple will end up doing. But I'd love to see a 7.9 Pro.

Pencil support on that form-factor would be great (especially with the higher refresh rates of the new Pros) as a true digital notebook/sketchpad. And while I wouldn't want a smart keyboard for that form-factor, I'd like to have the option of attaching it to my 12.9 smart keyboard for those times when I would want to enter a lot of text.

 

[iOSpecialist]

I know I wouldn’t need Apple Pencil support, but my mini 4 is great for multitasking on split view mode. I can be on safari, typing up a doc, or watching vids while texting my friends and that’s great for me. So I probably wouldn’t need a “pro” version, but a regular update would be cool. I’d imagine fitting the quad speakers into the mini would be difficult.

I don’t see Apple upgrading the RAM higher than 3 gb, however an A9 or A10 would be sweet, even if the new model is purely a spec bump. The display is wonderful already and everything works fine, though TruTone would be a welcome upgrade. 2nd Gen Touch ID would be cool but it’s not necessary.

However, if a new mini doesn’t come out by the end of November, I think I’m going to lose hope of a new mini coming out any time soon. I’d love a new one, so hopefully Apple updates the mini.