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Apple could simply just slip in an A13 in it and call it a day. They have to maintain differentiation. If the $329 iPad looks as good as the $599 Air 4, most people would just get the base iPad. This is not Apple's way. :)
I totally agree, Except the rumor is specific with the new design. And totally agree that most people would not buy the iPad Air then. But looking at the MacBooks and the rumored M1x macbook pros /iMac Pro then the Apple way is exactly that providing a lower entry level, but still great option, but if you want the latest and most Powerfull then you must go PRO. Hence, the iPad Air doesn‘t fit in strategy as it is too close To both the Pro and the budget iPad - as I wrose, I dont see a future for the IPad Air in it current form.

But nomatter what, I am excited too se what 2021 brings Of Apple product - and 2022 even more.
 
They’ll need to make it bigger than 7.9” since they’re probably planning on making a future iPhone Pro Max nearly that big!
Well, back in the Old days Apple had a iPhone/iPod touch of samme design and size. So they might just rename it the iPad touch to go with the IPhone Max 😜😊😊😂
 
Redesigned iPad mini with larger screen!!! TouchID on power button 👍
 
This makes total sense and will fill the $499 gap left by the old air.
The $329 iPad will get a laminated screen but keep A12, that's the clear pattern show by Apple, one year external upgrade, one year internal ones... Next year A14 with the same body...
 
this is the device i want/need...got the iphone mini in anticipation of an ipad mini to be my medium-sized screen to take everywhere with me, read in bed, etc. canʻt wait!
 
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I prefer the fingerprint sensor in the power button on the Air because my hand used to cover FaceID sensor all the time on my Pro.
But the Air is too big for me. Give the mini same design (stereo speakers please!!!) and throw an oled in there, then I'll throw my money.
 
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Please no physical update for the mini :(( That means that we lose the last iPad without lightning... I probably won‘t update the old one until an iPhone comes with usb-c... which means: Never! :(
 
Given some of the hyper-enthusiastic posts, it seems that some have ignored the fact that this is a ... rumor.

How many of those doing cartwheels now will be grumbling when the price is announced (which I expect to be near $500)?
 
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I’d instantly buy this ipad mini only if it had Face ID (sorry, I’m used to it on my iPad Pro 11”) and a magnetic keyboard case, just like the smart keyboard folio.
Apple won’t make FaceID on the mini/Air, because they wanted you to spend more money on the Pro, and looks like they’re already successful… :D
 
Why does the mini cost more than the base iPad?
More expensive display (laminated), higher base storage, better wireless hardware (bt 5.0 instead of 4.2). But your comment is exactly why Apple would refresh the mini and make it more expensive, matching the Air 4. Right now, regular people won’t be too interested in the mini since the bigger base iPad with the same A12 chip is cheaper. By making the price difference larger (I’m guessing Apple would increase the starting mini price to $499), there will be a clearer separation and less confusion for consumers.
 
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Given some of the hyper-enthusiastic posts, it seems that some have ignored the fact that this is a ... rumor.

How many of those doing cartwheels now will be grumbling when the price is announced (which I expect to be near $500)?
The redesign would mask the price increase, just like the iPad Air 4. People would still be happy, especially if Apple makes them in colors as well. People are already used to seeing the $599 Air 4 (smart for Apple to introduce that first), that they would see the new mini at $499 as a cheaper iPad (instead of looking at it being a more expensive iPad than the last gen). Sprinkle on some fancy ads with colors, voila. Marketing at its finest. :D
 
The redesign would mask the price increase, just like the iPad Air 4. People would still be happy, especially if Apple makes them in colors as well. People are already used to seeing the $599 Air 4 (smart for Apple to introduce that first), that they would see the new mini at $499 as a cheaper iPad (instead of looking at it being a more expensive iPad than the last gen). Sprinkle on some fancy ads with colors, voila. Marketing at its finest. :D
Don’t be giving Apple any ideas. Your post has been reported due to causing potential costly changes to the mini. :D
 
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Also, even though $499 is not cheap (it would probably end up being 599€ over here), I would buy it. The Mini is an excellent device, but it would be really nice to have it updated to the newer design with just a bit more screen space and USB-C.
 
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