New iPad Mini 5 Could Support Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

[PickUrPoison]

What do you think the max memory the new mini will come with? 256? 512?

Good question. The 9.7” iPad is currently 32 and 128, the mini 4 is 128 only.

My guess is 32/128 if they go downmarket and price at $249-279 for the 32GB (probably with a non-laminated display). Then $349-379 for the 128.

If they decide to stay mid-market, I could see the mini 5 at 64/256. Laminated screen and maybe $349/499.

In either case, I expect A10/2GB at a minimum, maybe A10X/3GB like Apple TV 4K, or ideally A11/3GB. Lightning, no chance of USB-C. Likely Pencil 1 but I think there’s a possibility it’ll be Pencil 2.

btw I don’t think there’s any chance of an iPad mini Pro because it would start at $599-649 and that would kill unit volume. A Pro would be overkill for the vertical markets that depend on the iPad mini.

 

[spinedoc77]

So the one constant thing I keep hearing in all these rumors is "low cost screen", WTF does that mean? Does that mean it will be inferior in quality to the current IP mini 4 screen? I know that no one knows, but that's what's bugging me. I wish there were more details on the screen itself.

 

[tcmault]

So the one constant thing I keep hearing in all these rumors is "low cost screen", WTF does that mean? Does that mean it will be inferior in quality to the current IP mini 4 screen? I know that no one knows, but that's what's bugging me. I wish there were more details on the screen itself.

I would consider the current 4’s screen low cost at this point.

 

[PickUrPoison]

So the one constant thing I keep hearing in all these rumors is "low cost screen", WTF does that mean? Does that mean it will be inferior in quality to the current IP mini 4 screen? I know that no one knows, but that's what's bugging me. I wish there were more details on the screen itself.

One version of low cost could be the non-laminated screen without the anti-reflective coating, like the 2017/2018 $329 9.7” iPad. The resolution could also be changed to 264 ppi like every other iPad. (The 7.9” is the only iPad that has ever been 326 ppi, like 4.9/4.7” iPhones 4/5/6/7/8).

The mini 4 display really is outstanding. I hope they keep the current display but they might want to hit a $249-279 price point instead of the current $399. If they do want to price it below the $329 9.7” model, it seems likely they’d have to switch to a less expensive screen, but maybe not... it’s hard to say since we don’t know the cost difference would be.

 

[spinedoc77]

One version of low cost could be the non-laminated screen without the anti-reflective coating, like the 2017/2018 $329 9.7” iPad. The resolution could also be changed to 264 ppi like every other iPad. (The 7.9” is the only iPad that has ever been 326 ppi, like 4.9/4.7” iPhones 4/5/6/7/8).

The mini 4 display really is outstanding. I hope they keep the current display but they might want to hit a $249-279 price point instead of the current $399. If they do want to price it below the $329 9.7” model, it seems likely they’d have to switch to a less expensive screen, but maybe not... it’s hard to say since we don’t know the cost difference would be.

That would put consumers looking to upgrade in a very odd position. Upgrade to improve the processor but get a lower quality screen. Seeing as how I doubt anything out there slows down an ipad mini 4 (barring iOS13 being a hog) I can't see many consumers opting to upgrade their IP mini 4's. It will be a tougher decision if they include pencil support. But if they do release the IPm5 with a lower quality screen than the IPm4 I will be seriously pissed, regardless of lower price.

 

[kazmac]

Hope it’s the Mini 4 chassis and laminated screen with more RAM and pencil compatibility, otherwise I’ll pass.

 

[LoveMyMacPro]

I don't think the same user who owns an iPad Pro would want to use an iPad mini.

I have a 9.7 Pro and am definitely interested in the Mini 5. The Pro is great but it gets too heavy when using it in bed or lying on the couch. I want something smaller and lighter for times like that.

I don't like the aspect ratio of the 11 inch and the 12.9 inch Pro is WAY too big.

 

[dgdosen]

Hope it’s the Mini 4 chassis and laminated screen with more RAM and pencil compatibility, otherwise I’ll pass.

I just took a look at two iPads - side by side - One a pro 11, laminated; and one a 2018 ipad, non-laminated.

If I change the angle of the device so that I'm eye level and looking across the screen, I can see the gap between the pencil and screen on the non-laminated iPad... I really don't see it when I'm at a normal writing angle.

What I do see, is a that black gap around the screen. TBH, this is the more important reason to get a laminated screen. Maybe "cheaper screen" means they lower the PPI to the same ration as current iPad Pros...

 

[kazmac]

I just took a look at two iPads - side by side - One a pro 11, laminated; and one a 2018 ipad, non-laminated.

If I change the angle of the device so that I'm eye level and looking across the screen, I can see the gap between the pencil and screen on the non-laminated iPad... I really don't see it when I'm at a normal writing angle.

What I do see, is a that black gap around the screen. TBH, this is the more important reason to get a laminated screen. Maybe "cheaper screen" means they lower the PPI to the same ration as current iPad Pros...

Maybe the lower “Liquid Retina” ratio will be the cheaper screen. We’ll see what Apple does.

For me, it is about how comfortable I am using a particular model. That’s it.

 

[Ladybug]

Random point.
... I’m curious is ‘sold like hot potato’s’ a saying where you’re from (I assume the US)

I’m from Aus and was say ‘sold like hot cakes’

Haha that’s really weird.

I'm not the OP however I am from the US...and we say “sold like hot cakes” too.

As for the new mini 5 and FaceID..that along with TouchID and Passcode will be turned off if I were to get one ...because I use my iPad at home about 99% of the time. I would likely turn that feature on if I was leaving the house.

I want a laminated screen, at least an a11, and 3gb's ram. I'm bracing myself to be disappointed although I might still purchase one, just depends on what Apple does with it.

 

[Apple_Robert]

A 10" mini with pencil support sounds like something I might be interested in.