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.

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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
Tag: BGR
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now)
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Top Rated Comments

techwhiz Avatar
104 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.
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stiligFox Avatar
104 months ago
Man, and it was my favorite form factor too :(
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
profets Avatar
104 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.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jdillings Avatar
104 months ago
BGR is not a credible source. They are a clickbait website.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
v1597psh Avatar
104 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.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dukeblue219 Avatar
104 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.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)