Third-Party Cases for Next iPad Mini Suggest Slight Thickening to Accomodate Retina Display

Some Chinese case-makers expect the new iPad mini to be roughly 0.3mm thicker than the current model, going from 7.2mm to 7.5mm, according to a report from Mac Otakara. The cases also indicate the device will be 0.2mm wider, growing from 134.7mm to some 134.9mm.

A number of iPad mini backplates, supposedly from the new device, have leaked over the past few months, with no hint that the size of the new mini will be different from the old one. However, given the small size changes in the new report -- only 0.3mm difference in thickness -- it would likely take a micrometer to notice any change.

NewImage
The third-generation iPad, which was the first Apple tablet to come with a Retina display, gained 0.6mm in thickness and 0.07 pounds from the prior generation.

The new iPad mini cases also have a small hole for a possible back-mounted microphone, something that has appeared in prototype fifth-generation iPad shells, and also on preproduction cases for the first-generation iPad mini. However, alleged second-generation iPad mini shells have not had a microphone hole in that location.

The next iPad mini will be revealed next Tuesday, October 22 and it is widely anticipated to include a high-resolution Retina display -- though it's possible the new mini will be in short supply because of manufacturing difficulties with the new display.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

sonny iphone 16 pro colors

New iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Colors Revealed Ahead of Apple Event

Friday September 6, 2024 5:01 am PDT by
Apple is "shaking up its color palette" for its iPhone 16 lineup this year, according to well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. Early iPhone 16 Pro dummy models via Sonny Dickson According to Gurman, the iPhone 16 Pro models will come in a Gold Titanium to replace Blue Titanium, while the Black, White, and Natural Titanium options that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro will remain...
Generic iOS 18 Feature Real Mock

iOS 18 Coming Later This Month With These 8 New Features

Tuesday September 3, 2024 12:07 pm PDT by
iOS 18 has been in beta testing for nearly three months, and the software update will finally be released for all compatible iPhones soon. Apple should reveal iOS 18's exact release date during its September 9 event, with the most likely possibility being Monday, September 16. Below, we have highlighted eight key new features included in iOS 18. Note that Apple Intelligence is not coming...
iPhone 16 Pro Mock Article

How Much Will the iPhone 16 Cost?

Friday September 6, 2024 5:43 am PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 16 series is expected to launch on September 20 and will compete in a quickly evolving smartphone market, and with some notable upgrades rumored, the new models could see price changes compared to previous years. Successive iPhone models always come with new features and hardware upgrades, but Apple typically does not increase the retail prices as a result....
its glowtime event youtube

Report Details Last-Minute Apple Event Rumors About New iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods

Friday September 6, 2024 4:40 am PDT by
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today shared his final expectations for Apple's "It's Glowtime" event, providing some new tidbits and clarifications about the new devices set to be announced on Monday. iPhone 16 Pro Along with larger 6.3- and 6.9-inch display sizes, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will have bezels that are "now about a third slimmer" for a "sleeker overall look." The...
iOS 18 CarPlay Feature

iOS 18 Adds These 6 New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday September 3, 2024 12:59 pm PDT by
Apple did not mention CarPlay when it unveiled iOS 18 in June, but the update includes a handful of new features for the in-car iPhone system. iOS 18 includes some changes to the Messages app, Settings app, and Siri on CarPlay. The update should be widely released later in September. Below, we recap CarPlay's key new features on iOS 18. 1. Contact Photos in Messages App iOS 18 adds...
apple watch series 9 display

'Noticeably Thinner' Apple Watch Series 10 to Eventually Get Sleep Apnea Detection

Friday September 6, 2024 4:42 am PDT by
The Apple Watch Series 10 will include a new sleep apnea detection feature, but it may not be available as soon as the new model launches, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Sleep apnea detection, which builds on the watch's existing sleep tracking, will attempt to determine if a wearer has sleep apnea and then suggest further testing with a medical professional. Gurman had expressed...

Top Rated Comments

heimo Avatar
142 months ago
I don't have room for that kind of monstrosity! 0,3mm may not sound like much, but if you stack 1.000.000 of them, it's 300 meters MORE than old 7,2mm thin iPad mini! If that doesn't bother you, what will? I predict no one will be buying these new thick iPads.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vmachiel Avatar
142 months ago
Whatever they need to do to get that thing retina:)
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mattsasa Avatar
142 months ago
Nooo!!!! 0.3mm Thicker ? !!!

This is outrageous ! Apple is doomed
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TC03 Avatar
142 months ago
That's too bad because I really felt the iPad mini was absolutely perfect in terms of dimensions and weight.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Vanilla35 Avatar
142 months ago
No one will EVER notice .3mm
You say that now, but people noticed the difference between the iPad 2 and iPad 3. Both weight and dimension. It could be the difference is smaller with the mini, but it was also very light and small to begin with. So that means these changes will be even more noticeable
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
boy-better-know Avatar
142 months ago
I hope it isn't made too much heavier though. That would be disappointing.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)