Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

'Entry-Level' 13-inch MacBook, Redesigned iPad Pros With Faster 18W USB-C Charger Coming in September, But no New iPad Mini

Rafterman said:
What is it with Apple's resistance to updating the Mini? I think it would be a top seller. What, not enough margin?
Click to expand...

Yeah. Either they believe in their products and they keep them current or they don’t.

Apple worryingly seem to have developed a predilection for zombie products under Cook.

It’s pitiful to go into the Apple store and see just one each of of the MBA and iPad mini tucked away in a corner.

Perhaps people in education, military or certain businesses still need these devices. If so have a special purchasing programme for these.

Don’t let an unsuspecting member of the public (ie senior citizens) purchase years old tech at a premium because they don’t understand what those confusing specs on the page actually mean.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Val-kyrie
Finally, the rumors appear to be making sense.

There was just no way Apple would release a 13" Retina MacBook at $999, cheaper than the 12" model.

My guess is that the 12" MacBook will be starting at $999, whereas the 13" MacBook will start at $1199.

IMO, the 12" MacBook has always been a $999 device. Small screen, limited performance and connectivity. Perfect for students who needs something portable and lightweight at a lower price point. If Apple finally manages to hit the $999, the product would actually make sense.

If the 13" does indeed ship with a Retina Display and Quad Core processor, as rumored, I think it would be a very appealing option. Could very well be my next laptop!

Let's just hope Apple once and for all eliminates the 128GB models.

256 and I'm in.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Populus, Sunshower and Rodney Dangerfield
They may not add any new features to the iPad mini (though I wish they would—at least pencil support) but I'd be shocked if they don't quietly upgrade the processor. Seems like keeping the A8 in any current model would hold back software/system development. Even if it stays a forgotten niche, the iPad mini needs at least an A10 and more RAM.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LarryC
Mettwurst said:
Who needs a iPad mini?
Click to expand...

Have you ever owned one?

It's the perfect size for office desk use. I use mine every day to stream, and it's the best size suited for reading iBooks, as it's the same size as your typical hardcopy novel.

Not to mention it has one of the highest PPI (326) of any Apple product. The screen looks gorgeous.

My iPad mini 2 still runs great, and it's running iOS 11.4.1.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Val-kyrie
Get rid of the air and the function key MacBook pro. Make a 13 inch MacBook with 2 tb3 ports retina display and a headphone jack. Make the 12 inch MacBook $999 and 13 inch MacBook $1200. Simplify all the things
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sunshower
I guess I’m the only one that thinks $1200 is affordable for a new MacBook, especially if it has an i5 over the m. I remember paying $1499 for the “entry level” clamshell iBook and then I replaced it with a 12 inch PowerBook G4 that cost me $1799. The Mac has never been about value, if you don’t want to spend $1200 on a MacBook then don’t. And as far as education goes, that’s why they are pushing the iPad.
 
Spock said:
I guess I’m the only one that thinks $1200 is affordable for a new MacBook, especially if it has an i5 over the m. I remember paying $1499 for the “entry level” clamshell iBook and then I replaced it with a 12 inch PowerBook G4 that cost me $1799. The Mac has never been about value, if you don’t want to spend $1200 on a MacBook then don’t. And as far as education goes, that’s why they are pushing the iPad.
Click to expand...
The m is a Core i processor, with a name of m instead of Core i
 
Ooooh -- 18W -- be still my heart! It should be obvious now that Apple has abandoned the consumer segment where price is a consideration. They are now a company that harvests money from services and the hardware fan club willing to pay the vig for their over-priced offerings.
 
bluecoast said:
Yeah. Either they believe in their products and they keep them current or they don’t.

Apple worryingly seem to have developed a predilection for zombie products under Cook.

It’s pitiful to go into the Apple store and see just one each of of the MBA and iPad mini tucked away in a corner.

Perhaps people in education, military or certain businesses still need these devices. If so have a special purchasing programme for these.

Don’t let an unsuspecting member of the public (ie senior citizens) purchase years old tech at a premium because they don’t understand what those confusing specs on the page actually mean.
Click to expand...

The MBA is at least cheaper and comparable in speed to the newer, sleeker MacBook. Also don't forget ports!

The current iPad mini is an embarrassment. I like the form factor but the processor (while improved in iOS 12) is sluggish and not adequate for contemporary apps and OS.

Intel's chips have largely matured. Except for this latest increase in core count, and some specialty processes, there haven't been major speed increases for at least four years. Not so with Apple's custom ARM processors. The A8 is great for the HomePod but the A10 (still a two year old design!) is over TWICE as fast.
 
I still hope Apple keeps quietly upgrading the iPad mini 4's hardware, even if a "mini 5" isn't in the cards.

Maybe throw in an A10 processor, bump the camera up, and add in ProMotion and True Tone for the display.

That would make me upgrade my iPad mini 2, which has served me well over the past 4 years.
 
I'm hoping the starting storage and RAM aren't so gimped that you're right up to the rMBP pricing anyways once you upgrade those.

8GB/256GB would be a decent start point.

1200USD = 1,568CAD, * 1.15 tax = $1803, just to start, ouch. Two of those things aren't in Apples control, but still, for entry level, ouch. In 2015 I had bought the 15" rMBP for 2500 all in.
 
iReality85 said:
I still hope Apple keeps quietly upgrading the iPad mini 4's hardware, even if a "mini 5" isn't in the cards.

Maybe throw in an A10 processor, bump the camera up, and add in ProMotion and True Tone for the display.

That would make me upgrade my iPad mini 2, which has served me well over the past 4 years.
Click to expand...

That would require an iPad mini Pro
 
Alas poor iPad mini, i knew you well.

Was hoping this rumor wasn’t true. I guess with Apple bringing pencil support to the upcoming 6.5” iphone X plus they feel the mini is moot.

I still hope there is a chance for Apple to come out with a mini with pencil support in the future. One that slims the bezels like the upcoming pros so that the 7.9” screen becomes an 8.5” screen with face ID. That’d be so cool. The ultimate portable iPad.

If they keep the ipad mini 4 in the line up, it’s gonna be a lame duck. 3 year old tech. It will be the only iOS device with no Apple pencil support. They better lower the price. I really don’t think the ipad mini should go out this way. No respect.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Val-kyrie
What are opinions on iPad announce/release in September instead of October as hinted now? Bearing in Mind new iPads are June 2017, September is quite close, and also they have so much to announce in September. Unless they only do phone, watch, Pad in September then rest October?
 
The only way a Macbook Air makes sense anymore is if Apple brings back the 11” Macbook Air. Otherwise it’s just silly to call the 13” an Air when the 12” Macbook is smaller, thinner and lighter. Apple please, drop the Air. Just lower the price of the Macbook. Done & done.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lioness~
pl1984 said:
The m is a Core i processor, with a name of m instead of Core i
Click to expand...

I’m not sure I understand your comment, would you have commented the same thing if I said I hope it has a i7 over the i5? The m is in the core series but it is not a i#.
 
Abazigal said:
Because the people buying an iPad mini are likely getting one in place of a larger iPhone
Click to expand...

I doubt that the iPad is significantly affecting iPhone sales. The vast majority of customers want/need/own a phone anyway, and phones are bigger across the board than they were when the iPad Mini first came out, so the "added value" of a 7" tablet is reduced.

I fear that having a massive cash cow like the iPhone might skew Apple's sense of what constitutes a product worth investing in...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Val-kyrie and pipis2010
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back