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iPad Mini Stock Dwindling at Apple Stores, Refresh Could Be Coming

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Supplies of the sixth-generation iPad mini are dwindling at "many" Apple retail stores, which is a sign that a new model could be coming, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

ipad-mini-blue.jpg

Gurman said in a tweet that the iPad mini is considered "constrained" internally at Apple, and that might be an indication that a refresh is on the horizon. The sixth-generation iPad mini was initially introduced in September 2021, so it almost three years old at this point.

Apple has been working on a seventh-generation version of the iPad mini, and rumors have suggested that it could come out this year. The next iPad mini is expected to include an A17 Pro or better chip to support Apple Intelligence, along with updated front and rear cameras. Updates that Apple has been making across its product lineup could also be included, such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Apple today announced plans to hold a fall iPhone-centric event on September 9 to introduce the iPhone 16 models, new Apple Watch models, and new AirPods. It is not clear if Apple will also refresh the iPad mini at that time, but Apple could hold a new version for a second fall event or announcement.

We are still counting on several M4 Macs this year, so there will likely be some kind of second announcement. Apple is rumored to be planning to refresh the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac with M4 chips, so an iPad with a similar A-series chip would fit in with those announcements.

Apple updated the iPad Pro models with M4 chips earlier this year, and introduced a two versions of the iPad Air with an M2 chip.

Article Link: iPad Mini Stock Dwindling at Apple Stores, Refresh Could Be Coming
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/26/ipad-mini-stock-dwindling/
I’m in the market for a refurb 5th gen iPad Mini… would the refurb price for that model likely come down a bit after the 7th gen model becomes available? And therefore, I should wait?

I assume so.
 
If the Apple TV gets updated next spring as well, then it looks like all devices will be updated during a 12 month period. That would be a first for Apple and signals how important the AI hardware update is for them. This is much faster than the transition was to Apple Silicon.

I do wonder if this cycle update will be a "line in the sand" for certain future OS updates and could signal another EOL hardware support milestone in 5-6 years from now, slightly less than the traditional 7 years of support.
 
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Bring it!

Easily my favorite, most-used iPad to date. Completely enhanced my creative process. Effectively replacing my notepad + fine point Sharpie combo that had been my go-to for three decades. It was a considered and intentional change that surprised me by how quickly I adapted. Having notes, doodles, ideas, etc., digitized and available across The Ecosystem (and the inverse - having The Ecosystem on my sketch pad), has been game-changing for me. Glad to see it’s getting another update.

While I’m here: iPhone screens are now big enough (think Field Notes-sized) that it makes sense to finally include Pencil support. Would make a nice differentiator for the Pro line. I think I’d prefer/use an iPhone Pro/Pencil combo more than my iPad mini/Pencil combo, if not just because an iPhone is easier to carry than an IPad mini. It’s that whole “the best camera is the one on you” approach. And if the Pro line offered Pencil support, I would very likely opt for my first iPhone Pro Max. And this is why an iPhone that expands to an iPad mini-sized device has my attention. And I don’t think I’m alone.
 
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MacRumors said:
Supplies of the sixth-generation iPad mini are dwindling at "many" Apple retail stores, which is a sign that a new model could be coming, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Click to expand...
The iPad mini 7 is either a Sept or October drop. It was announced September 24, 2021, so with Apple's AI it's a mandatory M2 at least, unless they use a A18. Then there is the display jelly motion issue for some buyers in portrait orientation, which we are wondering what Apple will do to make that better then 6th gen?
 
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hoodlum90 said:
If the Apple TV gets updated next spring as well, then it looks like all devices will be updated during a 12 month period. That would be a first for Apple and signals how important the AI hardware update is for them. This is much faster than the transition was to Apple Silicon.

I do wonder if this cycle update will be a "line in the sand" for certain future OS updates and could signal another EOL hardware support milestone in 5-6 years from now, slightly less than the traditional 7 years of support.
Click to expand...
I don't think there are any rumors that the Apple Watch series 10 due to be launched this fall will support Apple Intelligence, same with the HomePod.
 
Realityck said:
the display jelly motion issue
Click to expand...

I was fence-sitting-leaning into the purchase of a 6, and I heard a lot about that . . . so, I visited a Store to try it out, myself.

A major "What?!?" moment 🤷‍♂️

I have recently come into ownership of a 2020 12.9 IPP, and She is quite lovely . . . but, big.

Svelte, but, er, large.

Surprisingly awesome for a lot of use-case-scenarios, but not something I'd care to strap to my hip on the daily.

I notice no display issues in either horiz or vert

"Whelp . . . bring-out the Gimp.

Think the Gimp's sleepin'.

Well, I guess you just got to go wake 'im up now, won't you?"
 
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