iPad Mini Update to Trail Next Full-Size iPad Launch by Several Months?

Late last year, Apple introduced the iPad mini alongside an update to the full-size iPad lineup, with many observers believing that Apple would continue to update the two lines simultaneously going forward.

ipad_5_mini_ciccarese

Mockup of fifth-generation iPad next to iPad mini

A new report from Digitimes claims, however, that the next-generation iPad may appear as much as several months before the next version of the iPad mini.

Volume production of a new-generation 9.7-inch iPad will begin in July-August with shipments in the third quarter estimated at five million units. Meanwhile, a second-generation iPad mini may see its volume production postponed from September to November, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

The updated full-size iPad is widely expected to see a significant redesign that will take design cues from the iPad mini and be roughly 15% thinner and 25-33% lighter than the current models.

Digitimes believes that Apple may be pushing back the next iPad mini launch in part to give more focus to the redesigned full-size iPad in the face of the iPad mini's popularity, but also due to mass production issues with the iPad mini, which has been rumored to be gaining a Retina display. Today's claims from Digitimes are not necessarily new, but they do provide a fresh direct comparison between Apple's potential plans for the two iPad lines.

Reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously reported that technical challenges would likely see the next iPad mini pushed back from Apple's original internal timeline, with an introduction likely coming in the September-November timeframe rather than earlier as some had thought. Digitimes' claim today suggests that the launch could be at the end of that timeframe, bumping up against the holiday shopping season.

Related Roundups: iPad mini, iPad
Related Forum: iPad

Top Rated Comments

lk400 Avatar
137 months ago
I find this interesting. Among my friends (I am in college) they are all disappointed that apple doesn't update their hardware as frequently as other companies. To non tech savvy people to wait 6 months to buy a new product is unheard of. They will just go out an buy the top of the line android tablet that came out days ago since they don't want to by a 5 month old device from Apple.

I am now convinced I am getting old. I buy things and keep them - thats why I buy good quality things that last. The idea of something 5 months being "old" scares me. How much life-changing innovation do you think can be done in 5 months?

----------

These people are in the minority I would assume. For most people they are happy buying an iPad every 1-2 years or even longer.

Agree. For many people it would be even more than that. I dont understand the constant micro-upgrade cycle.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleMark Avatar
137 months ago
I think since they appeal to different sorts of people, Steve will want to stagger the releases. It just makes the most sense.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But it is 2013 and Steve is dead.. :rolleyes:
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mackan Avatar
137 months ago
This is going to be bad for me. I made the decision a long time ago that if the next iPad mini received a Retina display, I would be getting that, ONLY if the 5th generation iPad didn't receive a thinner/ lighter bezel to make the physical size smaller. Now I'm at a fork in the road. If this does happen, what do I do? Do I get the iPad mini w/ Retina, or wait a couple of months to see if the 5th gen iPad has a smaller bezel? Ughh

You buy both, which is what Apple prefers.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the8thark Avatar
137 months ago
I find this interesting. Among my friends (I am in college) they are all disappointed that apple doesn't update their hardware as frequently as other companies. To non tech savvy people to wait 6 months to buy a new product is unheard of. They will just go out an buy the top of the line android tablet that came out days ago since they don't want to by a 5 month old device from Apple.

These people are in the minority I would assume. For most people they are happy buying an iPad every 1-2 years or even longer.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacFan23 Avatar
137 months ago
I find this interesting. Among my friends (I am in college) they are all disappointed that apple doesn't update their hardware as frequently as other companies. To non tech savvy people to wait 6 months to buy a new product is unheard of. They will just go out an buy the top of the line android tablet that came out days ago since they don't want to by a 5 month old device from Apple.

I find most non tech savvy people won't particularly follow release dates and are surprised when a new product comes out, "A new one already, I only just bought this"
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dagamer34 Avatar
137 months ago
A. Digitimes.
B. Not gonna happen. Apple would mot likely wait to release both at the same time; they're not exactly going to have two separate iPad events within a month or two of each other.
A) This is the reason why you should not immediately dismiss Digitimes: https://www.macrumors.com/2012/01/06/ipad-4-headed-for-october-launch-with-ipad-3-as-interim-upgrade/
B) They did just that last year?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 17

26 New Things Your iPhone Can Do With Next Month's iOS 17.2 Update

Wednesday November 22, 2023 10:57 pm PST by
Apple made the first beta of iOS 17.2 available to developers in October. Since then we've seen two more betas, and with each iteration Apple continues to add more new features and changes, many of which users have been anticipating for quite a while. Below, we've listed 26 new things that are coming to your iPhone when the finalized version is publicly released in December. 1. Help You...
Apple Watch Series 9

5 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's Apple Watch

Friday November 24, 2023 3:46 am PST by
With all the discounted deals on Apple tech currently available, you might be thinking about upgrading your Apple Watch or buying one for the first time. But if your current smartwatch is doing its job just fine and it's only the idea of a good deal that's piqued your interest, it could be worth holding out until next year when Apple unveils its latest and greatest version. There are already ...
General Black Friday Deals 2022 Green

40+ Apple Black Friday Deals Still Available for AirPods, iPhone, iPad and More

Friday November 24, 2023 5:01 am PST by
Black Friday 2023 has officially ended, but we're still tracking some of the best deals of the year on Apple products like AirPods, iPad, iPhone, MacBook, and many more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically, in this article we're...
Cyber Monday Deals Feature 2022

40+ Apple Cyber Week Deals for AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 26, 2023 9:47 am PST by
Cyber Week has taken the place of Black Friday, and you'll find some of the same deals still around for the next few days, although many from Black Friday have now expired. This includes dozens of record low prices on Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iPhone, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a...
ipad mini 2021 youtube

What to Expect From the iPad Mini 7 Later in 2024

Friday November 24, 2023 1:00 pm PST by
Over 800 days have passed since Apple last updated the iPad mini, as outlined in the MacRumors Buyer's Guide. Fortunately, a new iPad mini is rumored to be released next year, and we have outlined what to expect from the device below. Apple released the current iPad mini in September 2021, with new features at the time including a larger 8.3-inch display, a USB-C port, a Touch ID power...