Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
My wife and I have had ours since Saturday. We’re enjoying the smaller size again, especially on our upcoming vacation. It’s a great device for consumption.
 
I find it interesting why the XS series got 4GB of RAM.

(Does the dual SIM use that much?)
 
But does it matter what version of TouchID it is as long as the overall experience is so fast that it appears to be upgraded? Not meaning to argue, but specs don't tell the whole story. What matters is the experience. And I find the new iPad mini to be plenty fast on unlocking.

No, doesn’t matter to me one way or the other. Heck, I’m fine with the Touch ID on the Mini 4. It’s just that I’ve seen and heard some of discussion about it being one or the other and thought it was strange that, out of anyone, iFixIt didn’t provide an answer.

I’m just straight out curious now and want one less stupid, useless question in my head, taking up valuable space.

I’m plain tickled it’s not Face ID, but then that’s ‘cause I have duct tape over my cameras, which kind of kills Face ID.

Unless I duct tape may face too, I guess. Then it might work. But that just outright hurts, changing it out to shave.
 
  • Like
Reactions: G5isAlive
Does anyone know why iPad Mini has the home button not in the centre of the bottom panel? It has been the case with iPad mini 4 and I cant find any information as to a guess into the design / engineering decision.
 
Ordered mine immedetially after launch. Got it yesterday. Would have appreciated USB-C and 4-speaker setup, but I'm happy Apple opted for less change. The mini doesn't need a makeover. Really appreciate the dimensions and weight as well as TouchID.
Not sure why you are against FaceID so much. Is it because of price?
I'm against FaceID, because it doesn't work for me on a tablet. It often lies flat on the table and I don't want to lift it up every time or arrange my face over it. Let alone using it landscape and covering the camera. FaceID is nice -as supplement to TouchID, but not as a replacement. It's NOT better. It's different. Both have their use cases. Something that Apple yet needs to comprehend.
I think the Mini 5 is a fabulous refresh! The screen might be better off edge-to-edge, but for the most part, they got everything else right. Way to go, Apple!
I still have my iPad Pro 11" (selling now) that looks real nice, but imho it's a real pain to handle. Tablets NEED bezels to be able to get a firm grip on the device. I can securely handle the mini with one hand thanks to enough space to rest the thumb.
Sorry if I'm old school here, but a tablet is a tool for me -and form follows function is more important than having fancy slim bezels and rounded corners.
Doss anyone know if the Lightning port is USB3 or 2? Everymac rates the Mini 5 as USB3. Txs.
AFAIK the lightning port is USB3.0 -but the cables are NOT. Has been like that for a while. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...-compatible-lightning-port-into-the-ipad-pro/
Logic? Ask Tim.
So, what Apple devices have forcetouch?
It seems to have skipped the iPad line. I'm assuming only the XS and 8 series phones?
The larger the screen the more difficult to implement ForceTouch. It also seems to be quite expensive.
 
I guess in order to make the devices as small and light as possible, they have to be glued instead of using screws or other fasteners. But that sure does make them unmaintainable. The simple act of replacing a battery really should be provided for!
Absolutely agree on the battery, however, my mini 4 was used and abused over the past 3,5 years (also purchased at launch) and battery replacement isn't really necessary. Tablets usually don't get so many battery cycles. The battery should be good for 5 years -and after 5 years getting a replacement battery that has not already been deep discharged on the shelf is a challenge. I also doubt the device will be a primary device after 5 years, probably some spare unit or used in the kitchen for recipes during cooking... ;P
If the adhesive causes issues when it's time to recycle the device components, then it's a problem. If not, then for most people it won't matter.
Recycling of the mini is no issue. The adhesive ages as well. After 3+ years I could take apart my mini4 without bigh efforts. A suction cup and my fingernails were enough.
If heat is applied it probably opens up quite easy...
 
The update is really good, the only problem is the 3.5 years between the Mini 4 and this model. I'm sure you can find good deals for the Mini 4, but I wouldn't buy something with a A8 chip in 2019.
Updating every other year would be great, but at least we have a new Mini so I don't want to complain too much...

Why not? You can easily find the mini 4 with twice as much storage space for half the price. I am playing Elder Scrolls Blades on mine and it runs smoothly with no issues at all, I'm only guessing but I'll bet that game is probably very taxing on the ipad. I can't think of a single thing in my experience that has slowed down or affected my mini 4. I do think the pencil upgrade is good, but hamstrung to a certain degree because it's only the first gen pencil, but otherwise I'm quite underwhelmed at this upgrade and not tempted in the least to upgrade my mini 4.
 
Last edited:
So there's no actual problem with FaceID (like your original complaint), rather the issue is that you don't have a separate work device from personal device (your complaint about your company policy of requiring security). So how is this the fault of Apple or FaceID?

There are other scenarios where I don't want to look at my phone, but still want to unlock it. I never stated there was a problem with FaceID - just that Touch ID works better for my use case. And the whole point of an iPhone being a multi-functional device is that you only need ONE device to rule them all, not a bunch of different devices for different scenarios. I don't want to carry multiple devices, just ONE device that caters for all of my needs.

As to your use case, I still don't get it. A guitar player might have a point as they could take their guitar and iPhone with them to practice almost anywhere. Drums are different as they aren't mobile. So if you have your drums set up in a specific location, I don't see why you wouldn't just have an I/O interface also set up where you literally just plug in your iOS device with a single Lightning cable and everything is up and running at once?

It's kind of irrelevant whether you 'get' my use case or not. I shouldn't have to adapt my work flow to suit the device, the device should fit into my workflow without needing adjustment. I'm also intrigued where you think I'm going to stick that lightning cable into my audio interface, when it has a bunch of XLR mic pre-amps on the front. The closest I've got to integrating my iPhone into my audio interface is to connect an SPDIF optical cable from an old Airport Express unit into the TOSLINK in on my interface and use AirPlay to play the audio wirelessly into my interface. The problem then is latency between the visual display of the metronome app, to the audible sound of the click. I can't even do this now seeing as my Airport Express stopped working, and Apple no longer make them.

Who says Apple didn't think about different use cases? And reject them. They make devices for the masses. Not the individual, and the use case you describe is extremely specific to your individual needs. I can understand that being annoying perhaps, but wanting different from Apple is like swimming upstream. You aren't going to get far or be terribly happy. I realize its easy for me to say as I happen to be one of the masses they aim for.

The problem is Apple used to cater for my use case, and now they don't. They have stopped caring about the needs of Audio Pros and the like and dropped features they rely on, by pursuing a more consumer oriented path.
 
Last edited:
There are other scenarios where I don't want to look at my phone, but still want to unlock it. I never stated there was a problem with FaceID - just that Touch ID works better for my use case. And the whole point of an iPhone being a multi-functional device is that you only need ONE device to rule them all, not a bunch of different devices for different scenarios. I don't want to carry multiple devices, just ONE device that caters for all of my needs.

Still doesn't change the fact the issue lies with your employer relationship and not with the iPhone. My employer has strict rules about device usage, and they provide us with our own iPhones to eliminate any and all potential problems with trying to "merge" your personal and work life into a single device (where they often clash, as is your case).

Perhaps Apple will add Work and Home "modes" to iOS 13 where you can truly separate both on a single device, but I'm not sure how they could do this and eliminate all potential issues.


It's kind of irrelevant whether you 'get' my use case or not. I shouldn't have to adapt my work flow to suit the device, the device should fit into my workflow without needing adjustment. I'm also intrigued where you think I'm going to stick that lightning cable into my audio interface, when it has a bunch of XLR mic pre-amps on the front. The closest I've got to integrating my iPhone into my audio interface is to connect an SPDIF optical cable from an old Airport Express unit into the TOSLINK in on my interface and use AirPlay to play the audio wirelessly into my interface. The problem then is latency between the visual display of the metronome app, to the audible sound of the click. I can't even do this now seeing as my Airport Express stopped working, and Apple no longer make them.

I was under the impression you were using your iOS device for recording and other related functions, not as simply a playback device.
[doublepost=1554242509][/doublepost]
The problem is Apple used to cater for my use case, and now they don't. They have stopped caring about the needs of Audio Pros and the like and dropped features they rely on, by pursuing a more consumer oriented path.

You added this part after I replied, and this comment I call BS on. Because what, they dropped a headphone jack with a piddly little amplifier that can't even properly drive any high quality studio headphones? Ridiculous.
 
Who wants to bet that as soon as a bunch of these are sold, apple will introduce an iPad mini 5 Pro with pencil 2 support and other features.
 
Secure Enclave in Apple chips is well documented. It’s designed to keep “secure elements” in chip, on device & not broadcasting it. You think no one tried to disprove the claim. So far no experts can disprove it so how do you know it’s doesn’t?

Not being disrespectful, but who are the "experts" and do you have any references (like linked articles or something?) that us commoners can read?
 
No way to charge it, as the Mini does not have a flat side to magnetically attach the pencil on.

I initially agreed; but there’s no reason Apple couldn’t have built the same tech in to the bezel on the sides or top of the screen - which would actually be pretty slick. Much better than the Pencil 1 waiting to be broken off while it sticks out of the lightning port.
 
Not being disrespectful, but who are the "experts" and do you have any references (like linked articles or something?) that us commoners can read?

Not being disrespectful but why don’t you show us any references (like linked articles or something) that us commoners can read about Apple sending our FaceID to their servers?
[doublepost=1554257557][/doublepost]
I'm against FaceID, because it doesn't work for me on a tablet. It often lies flat on the table and I don't want to lift it up every time or arrange my face over it. Let alone using it landscape and covering the camera. FaceID is nice -as supplement to TouchID, but not as a replacement. It's NOT better. It's different. Both have their use cases. Something that Apple yet needs to comprehend.

Reasonable.

I think FaceID is clearly better on the phone (and should be much better on a Mac too) so I can see why Apple would bet everything on it. FWIW, TouchID is awkward when I was first using it on iPad too. It’s not as natural as using it on iPhone since the size of ipad is substantially bigger. And to this day I still lost counts of how many times I touch the camera instead of Home button on my iPad so I guess I can’t say that I’m a big fan of TouchID on iPad. (Haven’t tried FaceID on it though. Still using iPad Air 2)
 
Not being disrespectful, but who are the "experts" and do you have any references (like linked articles or something?) that us commoners can read?
Because you said "It is well documented", so let's see. Remember, you questioned my comments and responded by "It is well documented", so...where?
 
It is not dad's iPad. It is the family iPad being used by any member of the family that wants/needs it.
And yes, it has all the fingerprints trained...

Then yes... in your one highly specific case, if (despite the fact, obviously privacy isn’t an issue), you feel you must have security on your shared iPad (as a family iPad, I’d think it’d rarely leave the house), & there’s more than the 2 people you can train FaceID to, I suppose TouchID would be marginally better than a 4 digit passcode.
 
Can anyone talk to how the screen is in sunlight? My Mini4 is my perfect travel device, but it's still not great outdoors. Is the 5 any better? Thanks!
 
Why not? You can easily find the mini 4 with twice as much RAM for half the price. I am playing Elder Scrolls Blades on mine and it runs smoothly with no issues at all, I'm only guessing but I'll bet that game is probably very taxing on the ipad. I can't think of a single thing in my experience that has slowed down or affected my mini 4. I do think the pencil upgrade is good, but hamstrung to a certain degree because it's only the first gen pencil, but otherwise I'm quite underwhelmed at this upgrade and not tempted in the least to upgrade my mini 4.

Has no idea what RAM is.

Decides to post anyways.

*facepalm*
[doublepost=1554300058][/doublepost]
Because you said "It is well documented", so let's see. Remember, you questioned my comments and responded by "It is well documented", so...where?

Brother...
I have seen link after link, in post after post, from people patiently trying to show you the nuts & bolts of how FaceID works.
At this point, if you didn’t read the linked whitepaper, etc., you’re simply CHOOSING paranoia over rational thinking, despite ample information available to you.

State out your full beliefs!
Quit vaguely saying you don’t believe FaceID is ran on the device, despite detailed descriptions of how it works.

What information are you worried about Apple sneakily stealing off your device, after publicly stating that they are not?
A random dot pattern of one’s face?
Towards what end?
Google & FB make nearly 100% of their money from advertising.... that’s why they want a profile on you.
Why would Apple?
If you think they are secretly doing the same... where’s the money from it???
Don’t you think shareholders would notice, if there was a new category beneath hardware & services that had a number in it, as big as what Google or Facebook make, in total?

Let’s don't mince words.
Be clear about what bizarre idea you’ve concocted regarding the surreptitious use of FaceID to keep the (useless to anyone... particularly advertisers) data describing the shape of your face, on Apple’s servers. Tell us the nefarious reason, and most particularly- the benefit Apple would gain from such, making it worth breaking a ton of laws in a HUGE way by simultaneously announcing that your data is not stored off-device, yet doing it anyways.
I think if you try to verbalize your worries in concrete terms, you’ll catch yourself saying “well that’s actually outlandish, now that I think about it”.
Post anything that’s unclear & someone here can disabuse you of any false notions.
Be specific though!
Just repeating “but how do we really KNOW that Apple isn’t harvesting FaceID data?”, again & again, is getting nobody anywhere sir.
 
Has no idea what RAM is.

Decides to post anyways.

*facepalm*

My mistake, I meant storage space. Although my mistake wasn't totally incorrect in an inverse sort of way, 2gb of RAM versus 3gb but still no appreciable benefit in every day use in my experience.
 
My mistake, I meant storage space. Although my mistake wasn't totally incorrect in an inverse sort of way, 2gb of RAM versus 3gb but still no appreciable benefit in every day use in my experience.

Fair.
I’m glad you’re getting that kind of life out of your mini 4! I find it impressive that you play blades on it, as the only iPad I’ve played it on is a 2018 12.9” Pro. I assumed it was needing more than an A8, but maybe it’s because it’s pushing less pixels.
 
  • Like
Reactions: spinedoc77
Fair.
I’m glad you’re getting that kind of life out of your mini 4! I find it impressive that you play blades on it, as the only iPad I’ve played it on is a 2018 12.9” Pro. I assumed it was needing more than an A8, but maybe it’s because it’s pushing less pixels.

I'm pretty happy with it on my mini 4. In all fairness I do see an occasional stutter, but it's not common place at all. 99% of the time it runs quite smoothly. Off topic for a second but I'm really impressed with the graphics and also how you can stop on one device like the ipad and start again on your iPhone and you are in the same exact spot so you don't miss a beat.
 
migrated set of microphones now centered near the front-facing camera, and a differ

The above is quoting the ifixit result. I’ve asked before about the moved microphone, because I want to put a glass screen protector on the mini 5, and I’ve only been able to find a mini 4 one. I’ve been told that will be fine as the microphone is on the back, but this says there are microphones on the front.

Can anyone who already has the mini 5 verify this for me? I know there is a microphone on the back, but what are these front ones?
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.