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I don't understand why would expected the new iPad Pro features on iPad mini?
all it needs is upgraded guts and a nice laminated display.(hopefully they won't downgrade the display like the regular iPad).
it doesn't even need pencil support, it's just doesn't make sense for such small screen.although it can still happen.
 
I like the design of the iPad. Having bezels to hold make it convenient. An A11 with at least 32GB storage for $299 will be tempting. Same design with TouchID doesn't bother me. It would be nice to have something like that to throw in my laptop bag for quick browsing on the go.
 
In this case the Mini needs to remain price competitive with the Surface Go I think. If that means "just" a spec bump then so be it. The Mini was already pretty good overall.
 
Fine with me. It doesn't even have to be bleeding-edge specs. If Apple put the guts of the 2018 9.7" iPad in a 7.9" package I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It's the only Apple device I own but I absolutely love my mini 2 for travel (I need Photos and FaceTime to see my kids when I'm on travel). It's just... woefully out of date.
 
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If its just a spec bump then why even update it after all these years?

Personally I'm only interested in spec bumps, or better yet, spec leaps. I couldn't care less for the form factor changes. My old Mini 2 has a form factor I really like, no need to change that, but the specs need a huge boost in order to run the latest iOS.
 
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I'm actually kind of surprised that people were expecting a new design for the Mini, especially considering that like a month or two ago most people were certain that there wouldn't be a new Mini at all! A spec bump just to keep the Mini line out of obsolescence makes sense to me. Developing and manufacturing a whole new form factor for a line that many claim (not that I agree) has been made irrelevant by larger phones doesn't make sense. If any non-Pro model is going to get a form factor upgrade it's the mainstream 9.7" (rumoured to be becoming 10.1") line.
 
I don’t understand why people are disappointed that this is rumored to keep Touch ID and the same form factor, rather than getting Face ID or the Pro’s new form factor. It’s a “budget” (in Apple terms, at least), entry-level device that is designed to bring people into the Apple ecosystem and competes with $99 Android tablets.

If this has Pencil and Smart Keyboard support, I’d probably prefer it to my 10.5” Pro - I would really appreciate the portability and for my uses it would be fantastic.
 
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Can't please everyone.
And according to your post, if it doesn't please you it (the iPad Mini) should die.
lol.gif


I'm still skeptical of an updated Mini being released. I can't see them offering something that will fit within the current line up (with regard to features and price) without it impeding on the current models.
 
I’d appreciate more than a spec bump, perhaps a smaller chassis, but I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect FaceID and Apple Pencil support if it remains a budget device.

Considering they added Pencil support to the budget iPad 6G, I’d say it’s perfectly reasonable to expect Pencil support. FaceID is another matter.

Why would you want to pair and iPad to an Apple Watch?
And no, the iPad has its own uses, it’s not a glorified iPhone, as much as you’d like to believe that.

Many Android users have iPads. The Apple Watch with cellular doesn’t need an iPhone anymore, therefore why not allow any iOS device (or even a Mac) to set up and manage a watch? It would open up the AW to many more customers. A cheap iPad would be a reasonable companion for an Android user who wants an Apple Watch but doesn’t presently own an Apple device.

By adding "smart keyboard" support, wouldn't they also need to add, say, a smart connector? Isn't that more than a minimal spec bump?

Changing the internals to add a smart connector seems like a significant enough change that you'd be hamstringing yourself to keep everything else the same.

There's alot of customers devoted to an updated mini. I'd think it would be hard to disappoint them, but it seems like Apple is going out of their way to do it...

I’m perplexed by this as well. I doubt adding a smart connector would require a major redesign of the existing case, but it’s one step more than what I got in my 6th Gen iPad which did add Pencil support. Of all the upgrades they should have added to the 9.7” iPad, a Smart Keyboard would have been good for students (which seemed to be the entire reason they added Pencil support in the first place). A SmartKeyboard on the mini seems even more of a stretch given how small it would have to be. Much better to leave the mini to wireless keyboard options. Then again, maybe that’s what the new rumored iPad is supposed to be, a matching companion with SmartConnector, smartkeyboard support.

I don't understand why would expected the new iPad Pro features on iPad mini?
all it needs is upgraded guts and a nice laminated display.(hopefully they won't downgrade the display like the regular iPad).
it doesn't even need pencil support, it's just doesn't make sense for such small screen.although it can still happen.

Why do people keep saying the mini doesn’t need Pencil support because it’s too small? Do you only write on a Letter-sized notepad?
 
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If true this is excellent news. I hate FaceID with a passion and personally the Apple Pencil is something I’ve never found a use for. I don’t need a redesign in something that’s going to be in a slim case anyway.
 
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What Apple needs to do is .... armchair expert here ... make a competent iPad Mini that's on par with at least the base iPad Pro.

Seriously, I've had both the 12" iPad Pro and the iPad Mini and when I traveled and didn't need professional creative apps I carried both tablets. I used the iPad Mini more because of its size.

But that was four years ago and the iPad Mini hasn't changed yet.
 
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If its just a spec bump then why even update it after all these years?

Same reason why they updated Mac Mini last year, after many years. Same reason why allegedly they will be updating iPod Touch this year. Which really means, only Apple knows! I did like the iPad Mini, mostly because it was the only tablet good enough I could use with my DJI drone's remote. Happy using iPad Pro X 11" and I think I will keep that for quite a few years.
 
And according to your post, if it doesn't please you it (the iPad Mini) should die. View attachment 822545

I'm still skeptical of an updated Mini being released. I can't see them offering something that will fit within the current line up (with regard to features and price) without it impeding on the current models.
Like I said can't please everyone. That includes me.
 
All it does need is Touch ID 2, the same screen resolution but maybe add pen support, however make this an option for higher storage tiers. Then start storage from 32GB. I would say 64 but Apple would slap another 100 plus on the price for what costs them peanuts..

And stick in at least an A10, preferably the X version. With 3GB RAM. And then offer it in a range of colours, and give the speakers a boost.
Give it the same camera as the iPhone 8 or 7.
I’m not sure how useful a Smart Keyboard would be given the size it would be?
 
Same reason why they updated Mac Mini last year, after many years. Same reason why allegedly they will be updating iPod Touch this year. Which really means, only Apple knows! I did like the iPad Mini, mostly because it was the only tablet good enough I could use with my DJI drone's remote. Happy using iPad Pro X 11" and I think I will keep that for quite a few years.

I personally think the iPod Touch and iPad mini are being updated to offer low cost halo products that will give new customers access to Apple media. If that’s true, then the mini will likely get the 9.7” iPad treatment and downgraded to a budget product.
[doublepost=1550591441][/doublepost]
All it does need is Touch ID 2, the same screen resolution but maybe add pen support, however make this an option for higher storage tiers. Then start storage from 32GB. I would say 64 but Apple would slap another 100 plus on the price for what costs them peanuts..

And stick in at least an A10, preferably the X version. With 3GB RAM. And then offer it in a range of colours, and give the speakers a boost.
Give it the same camera as the iPhone 8 or 7.
I’m not sure how useful a Smart Keyboard would be given the size it would be?

I agree about the smartkeyboard. I’m not sure who would want to type on such a tiny keyboard, nor who would want to carry a larger one effectively increasing the size of the device they have to carry?

But speakers are an interesting point. If I’m right about the reason they’re upgrading the mini, then it would be helpful to add additional speakers. Would four speakers fit into the mini for a budget media player?
 
Who really wants a mini with the new “bendable” form factor? The old form factor is fine. It’s solid and sturdy. Just upgrade the internals and most mini users will be fine. Can’t wait for something to replace my aging mini 2.
 
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I personally think the iPod Touch and iPad mini are being updated to offer low cost halo products that will give new customers access to Apple media. If that’s true, then the mini will likely get the 9.7” iPad treatment and downgraded to a budget product.
[doublepost=1550591441][/doublepost]

So a really old but newer to it SOC, a poorer quality unlaminated screen, most likely no headphone jack, no Touch ID 2, basically all old old and cheap tech but they’ll still charge 300 for it. That will be what Apple will do, it’ll probably be costing them 50 dollars to make cause the tech will be so old... storage options if 32 and 64GB old slow chips.
 
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