Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
iPad Mini 5 and New Entry-Level iPad Said to Launch in First Half of 2019
Apple is said to be launching two new tablets in the first half of this year, including the rumored "iPad mini 5" as well as a likely replacement for its current entry-level iPad.
DigiTimes made the claim today in a report highlighting stable shipment expectations for Apple's touch panel suppliers, Taiwan-based General Interface Solution (GIS) and TPK Holding.
Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed in October that Apple is working on a new version of the iPad mini with an upgraded processor and a lower-cost display panel, with the device being launched in 2018 or 2019.
Ironically, Kuo's prediction came two months after DigiTimes said it did not believe Apple plans to introduce an updated iPad mini, and in fact has "no further plan" for the smaller tablet.
An alleged case for the next-generation iPad mini also surfaced in December that featured a vertical camera cutout, suggesting a camera arrangement similar to the iPad Pro with a rear flash, and a center microphone cutout.
Apple hasn't updated its smallest iPad since September 2015, but the device did receive a price cut in March 2017, with a 128GB capacity model costing $399.
As for the entry-level iPad, Apple was previously reported to be launching the two new low-priced versions in 2019 to boost the sales growth of its affordable tablet options. The 9.7-inch iPad was last updated in March 2018 and in the same month the year before that.
Today's DigiTimes report cites industry sources claiming GIS will supply over 40 percent of the touch panels for the new iPads, while TPK and China-based O-film Technology will provide the remaining 60 percent.
DigiTimes made the claim today in a report highlighting stable shipment expectations for Apple's touch panel suppliers, Taiwan-based General Interface Solution (GIS) and TPK Holding.
Apple reportedly plans to launch two entry-level tablets in the first half of 2019, including a fifth-generation iPad mini and another entry-level iPad model, said the sources.The claim follows a rumor carried last month by the China Times that Apple is preparing to launch a new iPad mini in the first half of 2019, followed by a new entry-level iPad in two versions, with at least one featuring a 10-inch display within a narrower frame.
Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed in October that Apple is working on a new version of the iPad mini with an upgraded processor and a lower-cost display panel, with the device being launched in 2018 or 2019.
Ironically, Kuo's prediction came two months after DigiTimes said it did not believe Apple plans to introduce an updated iPad mini, and in fact has "no further plan" for the smaller tablet.
An alleged case for the next-generation iPad mini also surfaced in December that featured a vertical camera cutout, suggesting a camera arrangement similar to the iPad Pro with a rear flash, and a center microphone cutout.
Apple hasn't updated its smallest iPad since September 2015, but the device did receive a price cut in March 2017, with a 128GB capacity model costing $399.
As for the entry-level iPad, Apple was previously reported to be launching the two new low-priced versions in 2019 to boost the sales growth of its affordable tablet options. The 9.7-inch iPad was last updated in March 2018 and in the same month the year before that.
Today's DigiTimes report cites industry sources claiming GIS will supply over 40 percent of the touch panels for the new iPads, while TPK and China-based O-film Technology will provide the remaining 60 percent.
Related Roundups: iPad mini 5, iPad
Tag: digitimes.com
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now), iPad (Caution)
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23 weeks ago
Don’t toy with my emotions, I’ve been hurt before with promises of a Mini update.
23 weeks ago
Let's see if Tim started to realize that some more affordable prices as well as frequent updates will boost Apple's sales again.
23 weeks ago
You must be a millennial.
Pointless response of the year goes to...
They want a device that probably would fit better than a 9.7in iPad or the larger latest offerings. I could’ve sworn pilots, for example, love using the Mini in their workflow which is great, the Mini is a great tool.
23 weeks ago
Good to hear. Fingers crossed for an iPhone Mini in the upcoming years..my SE is starting to show it's age, but I will hold onto it until a smaller iphone comes.
23 weeks ago
Personally, I love my iPad Mini 2, and would really welcome an updated model. The mini, for me, is better for prolonged use when you're holding it. Back when I had a larger iPad (first iPad 2) I didn't want to have it in my hands for long. It needed to be propped up somewhere to use it. The Mini I can hold for hours on end (important when you're cramped in coach on airplanes) without wanting to just put it away. It's also a better size for sticking in say, a coat pocket, if I needed to run out somewhere where I'll be waiting for a while.
I just wish they didn't consider it 'entry level'. If they do introduce a Mini 5, but give it 4 year old tech, then no thanks, I'm out. I'll stick with what I've got. But if they can really overhaul it, then I'd welcome the new PRO design scaled down to the external dimensions of the iPad Mini. Something that will be powerful and portable would be a dream.
I just wish they didn't consider it 'entry level'. If they do introduce a Mini 5, but give it 4 year old tech, then no thanks, I'm out. I'll stick with what I've got. But if they can really overhaul it, then I'd welcome the new PRO design scaled down to the external dimensions of the iPad Mini. Something that will be powerful and portable would be a dream.
23 weeks ago
No thanks. I still have a mini4 laying around and its super small compared to what im using now. The mini shouldnt exist in 2019
Shouldn't exist? Many of us here love the mini form factor. Some activities, such as book reading to name just one, don't necessarily benefit from a larger device.
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Personally, I love my iPad Mini 2, and would really welcome an updated model. The mini, for me, is better for prolonged use when you're holding it. Back when I had a larger iPad (first iPad 2) I didn't want to have it in my hands for long. It needed to be propped up somewhere to use it. The Mini I can hold for hours on end (important when you're cramped in coach on airplanes) without wanting to just put it away. It's also a better size for sticking in say, a coat pocket, if I needed to run out somewhere where I'll be waiting for a while.
I just wish they didn't consider it 'entry level'. If they do introduce a Mini 5, but give it 4 year old tech, then no thanks, I'm out. I'll stick with what I've got. But if they can really overhaul it, then I'd welcome the new PRO design scaled down to the external dimensions of the iPad Mini. Something that will be powerful and portable would be a dream.
I agree that it shouldn't be entry level. I'd love an 8" version of the iPad Pro.
23 weeks ago
No wonder your sells go down. Update cycle takes so long for almost every product.
23 weeks ago
About time. Long overdue.
Yep, my 10.5" Pro is 'ok', but really looking forward to a Mini 5 to replace my Mini 2... I love this form factor.
23 weeks ago
No thanks. I still have a mini4 laying around and its super small compared to what im using now. The mini shouldnt exist in 2019
Why? My iPad mini is my favorite device that I own.It's great for my hour commute on the train twice a day.
Everyone I know who owns a mini loves it.
Glad to see it being updated.
[ Read All Comments ]
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