Fifth-generation iPad mini may not incorporate big design changes
The fifth-generation iPad mini could bear a striking resemblance to the iPad mini 4, a report claims, as while the internals for the rumored tablet are expected to be upgraded, the physical appearance and many of its features may be identical to its predecessor.
The fourth-generation iPad mini
The rumored refresh of the iPad mini, anticipated to arrive in the first half of 2019, may be welcomed by users wanting a replacement of the pint-sized tablet, but it seems that, aside from a performance improvement, it may not offer that much more on top of its small size.
According to accessory producers speaking to Macotakara, the fifth-generation iPad mini will follow the same design as the previous model. It will apparently continue to have features like Touch ID instead of shifting to Face ID, the Lightning connector instead of USB-C, and will retain the 3.5mm headphone jack that has disappeared from other Apple products.
Of the changes anticipated in the model, the fourth-generation's A8 chip is tipped to be replaced by either an A10 Fusion or an A10X Fusion processor, giving it a considerable performance boost. The back microphone position is also thought to shift to the "center of the upper back," similar to the 6th-generation iPad.
With the move to the A10 or A10X, it is still unclear to the report if Apple Pencil support will be included in the new model, bringing it in line with the current-generation iPad. If it does indeed offer Apple Pencil support, it is suggested that it will be for the first-generation model of the stylus, not the second.
So far, there have been relatively few rumors surrounding the physical design of the new iPad mini 5, with some suggesting it will keep the design with relatively few changes, if at all. Two suppliers supposedly providing touch solutions for the device have been identified, while model numbers in a regulatory database serve as a strong indicator that new iPad models are on the way.
The fourth-generation iPad mini
The rumored refresh of the iPad mini, anticipated to arrive in the first half of 2019, may be welcomed by users wanting a replacement of the pint-sized tablet, but it seems that, aside from a performance improvement, it may not offer that much more on top of its small size.
According to accessory producers speaking to Macotakara, the fifth-generation iPad mini will follow the same design as the previous model. It will apparently continue to have features like Touch ID instead of shifting to Face ID, the Lightning connector instead of USB-C, and will retain the 3.5mm headphone jack that has disappeared from other Apple products.
Of the changes anticipated in the model, the fourth-generation's A8 chip is tipped to be replaced by either an A10 Fusion or an A10X Fusion processor, giving it a considerable performance boost. The back microphone position is also thought to shift to the "center of the upper back," similar to the 6th-generation iPad.
With the move to the A10 or A10X, it is still unclear to the report if Apple Pencil support will be included in the new model, bringing it in line with the current-generation iPad. If it does indeed offer Apple Pencil support, it is suggested that it will be for the first-generation model of the stylus, not the second.
So far, there have been relatively few rumors surrounding the physical design of the new iPad mini 5, with some suggesting it will keep the design with relatively few changes, if at all. Two suppliers supposedly providing touch solutions for the device have been identified, while model numbers in a regulatory database serve as a strong indicator that new iPad models are on the way.
Comments
My preference would be for Apple to use the A12 that's used in the iPhone XR => both in the updated iPad mini 5 and iPad 9.7" 7th generation
Probably no increase in RAM, and no Pencil support (but I'd really like that). The display will be a lower tier, non-laminated screen making Pencil support even less likely.
It'll be priced less than but close to the current iPads — $279-$299 for WiFi, only marginally cheaper than the 2018 9.7" iPad.
How accurate is any of the above? Who knows. But in a rare occurrence, I think I'm going to be disappointed, even with my low expectations.
The 2018 iPad 9.7 has an A10 SoC for $330. The still sold 2017 iPad Pro 10.5 has an A10X SoC for $650. If the 2019 iPad mini has an A10, it would have to be something like $300. If it has an A10X SoC, 4 speakers, laminated 120 Hz display, maybe it can slide in at $500, but who is going to buy it over an upgraded 9.7 model for an extra $170? The iPad Pro 10.5 is a tough sell too.
Then, what SoC is the 2019 iPad going to have if this mini has an A10X?
I was expecting an A12, but the Mini 4 came out with a one-year-old processor, so A11 sounds more likely. But no way it'll be an A10.
My iPad mini 2 is a great form factor... But like the iPhone XS, I'm not going to pay $599 for a new iPad mini.
My first generation AppleWatch is still a great device for running and everyday wear. Don't really want to spend $499 for the latest watch.
My AirPods are one of the best Apple devices. They'll be fine until they break.
My AppleTV (non 4k) is fantastic. I'll wait to get maybe get the next one. Or maybe just buy a new TV with iTunes installed.
My 2017 MacBook is a fantastically elegant Apple device, but once it breaks, I'll go all in on iOS, an iPad mini, iPhone, AirPods and TV. Done!