New iPads Expected in First Half of 2019, Including iPad Mini 5 With Similar Design as iPad Mini 4

[MacRumors]

Apple is set to launch new iPad models in the first half of 2019, according to Taiwanese supply chain website DigiTimes.

One of those new models is expected to be the so-called iPad mini 5, but anyone hoping for a major redesign should lower their expectations, as Japanese blog Mac Otakara reports that the tablet will have a similar design as the iPad mini 4. The information comes from the blog's discussions with accessory makers.

Mac Otakara claims the iPad mini 5 will have identical dimensions as the iPad mini 4, including a thickness of 6.1mm, suggesting that the tablet will have the same 7.9-inch display if bezel size remains unchanged. The blog also expects the tablet to retain a Lightning connector, Touch ID, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

One design change expected is the repositioning of the rear microphone to a top-center position in line with the sixth-generation iPad.

The report claims it is unclear whether the iPad mini 5 will have an A10 Fusion chip akin to the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and sixth-generation iPad, or an A10X Fusion chip in line with 2017 iPad Pro models and the Apple TV 4K.

It's also unclear if the iPad mini 5 will support the original Apple Pencil, but second-generation Apple Pencil support seems to be ruled out.

Article Link: New iPads Expected in First Half of 2019, Including iPad Mini 5 With Similar Design as iPad Mini 4

 

[Steve121178]

This will please a lot of people. Let's hope they don't fold like a hot Mars bar the moment someone picks them up...

 

[Baymowe335]

This will please a lot of people. Let's hope they don't fold like a hot Mars bar the moment someone picks them up...

The Pros don’t do that either.

 

[Val-kyrie]

Here’s to hoping for Apple Pencil support.

 

[Spock]

$229 iPad mini and it will sell out.

 

[schneeland]

Would be nice if it had the display of the iPad Pro - not that I see that happening, but I like the form factor and would really enjoy having an iPad Pro mini (preferably using last gen's design with the home button).

 

[Sasparilla]

Sounds very good, although at this point I hope they go for a A11 chip....the A10 is several years old already.

 

[sracer]

Here’s to hoping for Apple Pencil support.

If the Mini 5 is simply a Mini 4 with updated processor, w/Apple Pencil 1 support, and priced under $300... Boom!

 

[mdellepi]

So we'll have an Apple March event...

Do you think MBPs might be updated with the new Intel CPUs around that time or not? I need to buy one due to an unfortunate encounter of my 2013 MBP with the sidewalk...

 

[Baymowe335]

$229 iPad mini and it will sell out.

The strategy isn't always to sell the most units possible.

 

[cknibbs]

This will please a lot of people. Let's hope they don't fold like a hot Mars bar the moment someone picks them up...

I’ll only be buying one if it lacks a home button, supports Face ID, and has the same screen design as the newest iPad Pro.

 

[TomOSeven]

Pen support and USB-C on the Mini, please.

And a home button.

 

[pika2000]

I don’t mind the old form factor. It’s great already, and unless we move to faceID, I’d rather have the tried and true design, which has been proven to be quite durable compared to the new design.

I do care about the SoC for it, for longevity sake. Hopefully it gets an A12, but I guess an A10 is better than nothing at this point. I mean having an A10 iPad mini now feels severely outdated already as by September, the A10 iPhone 7 might get discontinued. But I’ll take anything at this point.

 

[G5isAlive]

If the Mini 5 is simply a Mini 4 with updated processor, w/Apple Pencil 1 support, and priced under $300... Boom!

Sincere Question: Why would Apple want to keep two pencils in stock? That makes no sense to me. Apple likes simple, that would complicate things. I rather saw the 2nd Gen Pencil as a replacement moving forward.

 

[nviz22]

Apple should include Apple Pencil support with the Mini. I get it that there isn’t as much real-estate as the Pro or 6th gen iPad, but choices are good.
[doublepost=1549891269][/doublepost]

Sincere Question: Why would Apple want to keep two pencils in stock? That makes no sense to me. Apple likes simple, that would complicate things. I rather saw the 2nd Gen Pencil as a replacement moving forward.

They can still make $ on the education, business, art, etc segments that use iPad 6th gens.

So far, only the iPad Pro 2018 can use the 2nd gen Apple Pencils.

 

[tkukoc]

This would be the same for the SE2 if it were to be released. No notch, just spec bump, maybe something small like wireless charging but that’s it. Nothing wrong with that, Apple should updated both last year.

 

[velocityg4]

Hopefully the new models aren't accompanied by new major price increases.

 

[shpankey]

If what is reported is true, there’s no incentive to buy it at all over a 4.

Add pencil 2, ram bump, bezeless and a 12x cpu/gpu with upgraded display (rez bump, retina) and i’ll pay for 4 of them no matter the price. Even more come birthdays and Christmas. The size is so freaking perfectly perfect. Being small by nature makes it more durable (great for kids, so slimming isn’t needed/wanted). But I won’t buy what’s being touted here; ie: same thing with very minor, if any, changes. Hard f’kn PASS!

Don’t care for the faceid login, or notch, or wireless charging (glass, yuk) so good to leave it all out.

 

[pat500000]

I can see the sfarting price 599 for 32 gb and then ....jumps up to 128 gb for 799 and so on...that price illusion tactic.

 

[G5isAlive]

Apple should include Apple Pencil support with the Mini. I get it that there isn’t as much real-estate as the Pro or 6th gen iPad, but choices are good.
[doublepost=1549891269][/doublepost]

They can still make $ on the education, business, art, etc segments that use iPad 6th gens.

So far, only the iPad Pro 2018 can use the 2nd gen Apple Pencils.

Well yeah, but then so far only the 2018 iPad Pros support USB-C, do you really think that won't start showing up more moving forward? Are you suggesting that lightening and first gen pencils are going to be the 'cheap' alternative differentiating the lower tier iPads from Pros? I suppose that could happen. I was thinking Apple would standardize.. like when they moved forward from the 30 pin connector to lightening. Once they started to transition, all devices got lightening.

 

[Val-kyrie]

Sounds very good, although at this point I hope they go for a A11 chip....the A10 is several years old already.

An A10 would be very disappointing but I am just as concerned about the amount of RAM Apple will include on it.

If what is reported is true, there’s no incentive to buy it at all over a 4.

An updated SOC, more RAM, and Pencil support is all I would need to update.

 

[dan110]

The strategy isn't always to sell the most units possible.

Ooooh really? LOL

 

[luckydcxx]

The strategy isn't always to sell the most units possible.

With declining sales and increased revenue in the “services” category, it seems like this may be their new strategy.

 

[bigjnyc]

The last iPad mini was released almost 3 and a half years ago.... But they are keeping the design the same? such an Apple thing to do.

 

[Andres Cantu]

It better keep the 6.1mm chasis of the mini 4 and not the thicker one from the previous minis, main point being the better laminated screen with better colors.

Also, make the cheap iPad have the same chasis as the Air 2 while they’re at it.