iPad mini 5 refresh predicted, but may not be at October iPad Pro & Mac event
Two new iPad Pro models with USB-C, better displays, a new-design Apple Pencil, and refreshed Macs are likely coming to Apple's Oct. 30 event, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suspects an iPad mini refresh is coming soon as well.
In a note seen by AppleInsider TF Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo reiterates some of his previous thoughts about the October Apple event. He is still predicting the iPad Pro refresh that he has been talking for about three months, as well as a new low-price notebook model, with the possibility of new processors for existing models getting new processors.
However, not previously mentioned is the possibility for a new "iPad mini 5" in 2018. In Tuesday's note, the analyst predicts "a new iPad mini equipped with an upgraded processor and a lower-cost panel" is coming, but also says that the firm is not certain whether it will be announced during the event. Kuo does not give any timetable for release if it does not appear at the event, however.
Also not clear is pricing. Apple's current low-end iPad that it revealed earlier in the year already retails for $329. The iPad mini 4 is still available, currently sells for $399 for 128GB of storage, and still has the A8 processor.
Regarding the Mac, Kuo believes that MacBook models, iMac models, and Mac mini are expected to see updates. But, the magnitude of those updates isn't clear, at present. Rumors about a low-cost MacBook Air refresh, or redesign, have been swirling since March.
Kuo continues to expect that new AirPods and the AirPower charging pad will arrive at some point in the end of 2018 or early 2019. This is not a new revelation, rather the analyst has been saying this since September.
The iMac 5K has been previously rumored to get a higher-performing display. The latest rumors surrounding the Mac mini suggest that it will get a "professional" upgrade -- but specifically what that means is unknown.
After introduction in 2012 and yearly updates for the next three years, Apple's iPad Mini line hasn't been updated since the release of the iPad Mini 4 in the fall of 2015. A report in late August from a different source suggested that the iPad mini wasn't going to see an update in 2018.
AppleInsider will be at the fall "There's more in the making" event, where we expect new iPad Pros, and maybe even new Macs! Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.
Read on AppleInsider
In a note seen by AppleInsider TF Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo reiterates some of his previous thoughts about the October Apple event. He is still predicting the iPad Pro refresh that he has been talking for about three months, as well as a new low-price notebook model, with the possibility of new processors for existing models getting new processors.
However, not previously mentioned is the possibility for a new "iPad mini 5" in 2018. In Tuesday's note, the analyst predicts "a new iPad mini equipped with an upgraded processor and a lower-cost panel" is coming, but also says that the firm is not certain whether it will be announced during the event. Kuo does not give any timetable for release if it does not appear at the event, however.
Also not clear is pricing. Apple's current low-end iPad that it revealed earlier in the year already retails for $329. The iPad mini 4 is still available, currently sells for $399 for 128GB of storage, and still has the A8 processor.
Regarding the Mac, Kuo believes that MacBook models, iMac models, and Mac mini are expected to see updates. But, the magnitude of those updates isn't clear, at present. Rumors about a low-cost MacBook Air refresh, or redesign, have been swirling since March.
Kuo continues to expect that new AirPods and the AirPower charging pad will arrive at some point in the end of 2018 or early 2019. This is not a new revelation, rather the analyst has been saying this since September.
The iMac 5K has been previously rumored to get a higher-performing display. The latest rumors surrounding the Mac mini suggest that it will get a "professional" upgrade -- but specifically what that means is unknown.
After introduction in 2012 and yearly updates for the next three years, Apple's iPad Mini line hasn't been updated since the release of the iPad Mini 4 in the fall of 2015. A report in late August from a different source suggested that the iPad mini wasn't going to see an update in 2018.
AppleInsider will be at the fall "There's more in the making" event, where we expect new iPad Pros, and maybe even new Macs! Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
The new report reinforces the idea that the third code number is for the iPad mini, either as a new "Pro" sibling or simply as an updated one in the old mini 4 chassis.
And... also gives me some hope that they might update the SE at some point, too.
Maybe it's just Apple marketing... i.e.: make people think the SE and iPad mini are gone so they buy regular iPads and iPhone XRs and stuff like that, THEN release updated products and hope for even more sales. But, in the meantime, the ASP goes up, which they like for Wall Street.
Still prefer the mini form factor to the Air 2 but if they remove the forehead, chin and reduce the bezels, things will only get better. I don't need cellular capability either.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
It would be a tragic mistake not to refresh it.
It makes sense to me. The event focus is on creatives and imagery, there seem to be supply-chain rumors of new iMac displays, the Mac mini is due and needs a display (yes, some people use them headless but Apple won’t market it that way — they will present it as they always have, with an Apple display), and any new MacBook/Pro model/refresh could obviously use one. Also note recent stock-reduction flash sales of the LG Thunderbolt display ($269, I believe).
The writing is on the wall: the new Apple display is happening this month!