iPad Mini Confirmed to Carry Stereo Speakers

In something of a surprise, Friday's launch of the iPad mini will apparently mark the first time an iOS device carries stereo speakers. It appears that Apple's move to the smaller Lightning dock connector has left enough space for an additional speaker along the bottom edge of the device, although the company has elected not to make a similar addition to the fourth-generation iPad.

There has been speculation about the iPad mini's speaker setup ever since early case designs leaked showing two sets of small holes, one on each side of the Lightning port. Similar setups have been seen on iPhone models with one side housing a speaker and the other side a microphone for phone conversations. iPad models have, however, until now only contained a single off-center speaker grille.

ipad mini speaker specs
Diagram from Apple's iPad mini tech specs page

Apple did little to clear up the speculation at the iPad mini introduction last week, making no mention of stereo speakers and using the singular "speaker" on its tech specs page addressing the device's input/output capabilities. Amazon seized upon the assumption that the iPad mini did not contain stereo speakers, using it as part of a checklist comparison touting the Kindle Fire HD on its front page.

kindle hd ipad mini speakers amazon
But when the first wave of advance reviews of the iPad mini were released last night, The Verge's Joshua Topolsky mentioned that the device does indeed contain stereo speakers. Topolsky later highlighted the feature in a Tweet, noting that it had been confirmed by Apple.

ipad mini stereo speakers
Dual speaker grilles on iPad mini (Source: The Verge)

Seeking further confirmation, a 9to5Mac reader emailed Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller to ask about the situation, and Schiller responded to simply state "It is stereo." Notably, Amazon has since removed the comparison checklist between the Kindle Fire HD and the iPad mini from its main page.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now)
Related Forum: iPad

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Top Rated Comments

bbeagle Avatar
164 months ago
That's false advertising, Amazon!

Maybe you should have to put out an ad on your website saying that you lied.
:D
Score: 61 Votes (Like | Disagree)
milo Avatar
164 months ago
How can anyone tell if it's stereo if both speakers are right next to each other?

Seriously, that's about the worst "stereo" speaker layout I've ever seen. So if you're watching a movie (in landscape, obviously) it's "stereo" but all the sounds are still going to come from the right side of the screen, since that's where both speakers are?

I'm still skeptical.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pk7 Avatar
164 months ago
Ha! Poorly played, Amazon :D
Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3282868 Avatar
164 months ago
Oh, it's stereo. That makes all the other points invalid. Phew. :p
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Anuba Avatar
164 months ago
Wohoo! This would make for a great stereo listening experience... if nostrils were ears.
Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)
adcx64 Avatar
164 months ago
Amazon failed to include that the AppStore has so many more quality apps...
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)