Apple is separating the new smartphones into its usual low-cost versus high-cost categories, with big differences between the two models coming down to the camera, display, and battery life.
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Apple Rumored to Discontinue iPad Mini
Waiting for an iPad mini 5? You may be disappointed. BGR, citing a source close to Apple, claims the 7.9-inch tablet is being phased out. The report doesn't offer a timeline as to when the iPad mini will be discontinued, and its sources couldn't confirm if the iPad mini 4 will remain on sale for a period of time.
Apple is rumored to introduce a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro as early as the WWDC 2017 keynote on June 5, so it's conceivable to think the iPad mini could be axed then if the report is accurate. Apple's tablet lineup would then consist of the iPad Pro in 12.9-inch, 10.5-inch, and 9.7-inch sizes, and the new low-cost 9.7-inch iPad.
Apple launched the original iPad mini in 2012. Since the iPhone 6 Plus launched in 2014, it's been speculated that the 5.5-inch smartphone may be at least partially cannibalizing sales of the iPad mini, but Apple doesn't break out its tablet sales numbers on a model-by-model basis, so it's hard to say for sure.
Nearly two months ago, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 2 and stopped selling a 32GB version of the iPad mini 4. It also lowered the starting price of the 128GB iPad mini 4 to $399, which was previously the 32GB model's price point.
Japanese blog Mac Otakara claimed Apple would release a 7.9-inch iPad Pro in March with a Smart Connector, True Tone display, four speakers and microphones, a 12-megapixel rear camera with True Tone flash, and an improved processor, but it's already May and the rumor has yet to materialize.
Apple is rumored to introduce a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro as early as the WWDC 2017 keynote on June 5, so it's conceivable to think the iPad mini could be axed then if the report is accurate. Apple's tablet lineup would then consist of the iPad Pro in 12.9-inch, 10.5-inch, and 9.7-inch sizes, and the new low-cost 9.7-inch iPad.
Apple launched the original iPad mini in 2012. Since the iPhone 6 Plus launched in 2014, it's been speculated that the 5.5-inch smartphone may be at least partially cannibalizing sales of the iPad mini, but Apple doesn't break out its tablet sales numbers on a model-by-model basis, so it's hard to say for sure.
Nearly two months ago, Apple discontinued the iPad mini 2 and stopped selling a 32GB version of the iPad mini 4. It also lowered the starting price of the 128GB iPad mini 4 to $399, which was previously the 32GB model's price point.
Japanese blog Mac Otakara claimed Apple would release a 7.9-inch iPad Pro in March with a Smart Connector, True Tone display, four speakers and microphones, a 12-megapixel rear camera with True Tone flash, and an improved processor, but it's already May and the rumor has yet to materialize.
Related Roundup: iPad mini 5
Tag: bgr.com
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Neutral)
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Top Rated Comments
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31 months ago
I love that form factor.
I won't be buying another iPad.
I'll pick up one of the last mini's and hang on to it.
iPad air is too big.
I won't be buying another iPad.
I'll pick up one of the last mini's and hang on to it.
iPad air is too big.
31 months ago
Oh boy.. going to be some unhappy fans of the mini form factor.
I think it'll be sad to see it go (if it does). I still find it a near perfect size for book reading.
I think it'll be sad to see it go (if it does). I still find it a near perfect size for book reading.
31 months ago
5.5 inch iPhone is not a replacement for an iPad mini. It has a 16:9 display which is really hard to use in landscape orientation. Apps are generally not optimised for that aspect ratio. It doesn't have iPad specific features like Multitasking (Split-View, PiP, Gestures). And iPhone Plus is almost twice as expensive as the iPad mini.
Another thing that might happen with the iPad mini is that Apple could put a bigger display inside the same body and it won't be a 7.9 inch tablet anymore that they plan to discontinue.
Another thing that might happen with the iPad mini is that Apple could put a bigger display inside the same body and it won't be a 7.9 inch tablet anymore that they plan to discontinue.
31 months ago
I wish Apple would discontinue Cook, Ive, Schiller, Cue, Iovine and Ahrendts instead. :(
31 months ago
The iPad Mini is perfect for travel. I just can't fathom why, with all of Apple's other ignored products they'd ditch this one. Am I the only person who thinks it makes a great travel companion for e-reading and video watching on a tray table? A full sized iPad is too bright right in my face, and I don't want a plus-size phone. It's also much easier to hold one-handed (anywhere, not just travelling) than a full-sized unit.
Rumors rumors rumors... I know... but I really don't get how this isn't the most popular tablet size. If they drop support I'll upgrade from my 2 to a 4 right away, but then probably back to Android.
Rumors rumors rumors... I know... but I really don't get how this isn't the most popular tablet size. If they drop support I'll upgrade from my 2 to a 4 right away, but then probably back to Android.
31 months ago
Crap, I hope not. Like others have mentioned, I really like this form factor and so does the wife. For us it is just the right size. We actually sold our large form versions and purchased two of the mini's.
31 months ago
iPad mini was a perfect size tablet.it is one of my favorite form factor.Nooooo Noooo !! Apple please don't do that :(
31 months ago
The 10.5 Pro will likely replace the 9.7". I can't imagine Apple keeps it in the lineup
Good news here is Apple is dramatically simplifying the product lineup
Good news here is Apple is dramatically simplifying the product lineup
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