New iPad Mini 5 Could Support Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard

Apple's upcoming refreshed iPad mini and next-generation iPad could feature support for the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard, according to details shared today by developer Steve Troughton-Smith.

Troughton-Smith has been digging into the latest iOS beta for details on the new ‌iPad‌ models, and he says that all of this information should be taken with a grain of salt because he's not 100 percent sure on the details.

ipadmini5applepencil
From what he's found, though, ‌iPad‌ models codenamed J210, J211, J217, and J218 come in two sizes, likely corresponding to rumored ‌iPad mini‌ 5 models and a refreshed sixth-generation ‌iPad‌, which is said to be getting a larger 10-inch display, up from 9.7 inches.

Both ‌iPad‌ sizes appear to support a ‌Smart Keyboard‌ and Pencil, which makes sense as Apple proved its willingness to offer ‌Apple Pencil‌ support in its more affordable tablets with the launch of the sixth-generation ‌iPad‌.

The new iPads appear to support Touch ID, so it sounds like the form factors will be similar to the existing models. Apple's iPad Pro models use Face ID, but with both the ‌iPad‌ and the new ‌iPad mini‌ likely to be positioned as more affordable devices, we're expecting Apple to stick with Touch ID.

Rumors have suggested both a new ‌iPad mini‌ 5 and an updated ‌iPad‌ will launch in early 2019, and we've seen signs of them in iOS 12.2 and through registration with the Eurasian Economic Commission. Apple has held a March event for the last several years, so it's possible we'll be seeing updated tablets right around then.

Related Roundups: iPad, iPad mini
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...
apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: Apple's Big Plans for iPad Mini 8

Friday November 28, 2025 8:39 am PST by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through the latest rumors about Apple's upcoming iPad mini 8. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos The next-generation version of the iPad mini is expected to feature an OLED display, as part of Apple's plan to expand the display technology across many more of its devices. Apple's first OLED device was the Apple...
Apple Foldable Thumb

Foldable iPhone to Debut These Three Breakthrough Features

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:09 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models in fall 2026, and it's shaping up to include three standout features that could set it apart from the competition. The book-style foldable will reportedly feature an industry-first 24-megapixel under-display camera built into the inner display, according to a recent JP Morgan equity research report. That...

Top Rated Comments

Berti10 Avatar
89 months ago
A bezel-less mini of e.g. 7“ and a $299 prize point could be the ultimate iPod/iPad crossover
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fynd Avatar
89 months ago
The question is: will they cleanup the mess they have with 2 Apple Pencil's now? For some reason I don't see them adding the magnetic mounting to the 'cheap' iPads... but it's ****** having 2 different active Apple Pencils that don't work across devices.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
usersince86 Avatar
89 months ago
This is very good news! Loving an updated iPad mini, especially those potential specs/features.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kupkakez Avatar
89 months ago
I love the iPad mini, it's great for reading books. I'd definitely think of picking one up!
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
G5isAlive Avatar
89 months ago
Still don't understand the market for an iPad Mini, but sure. Sell it if people will buy it.
If I could only have one iPad, I might agree. But I have two, and an iPhone. A mini for more casual times, and a iPad Pro 11 when its time to get serious. And because they all share data seamlessly, I can put down one and pick up the other without blinking.

I love the mini for its convenience, portability, and down right just more rugged. It's simple physics, drop a smaller form factor and its less likely to have a problem (F= MxA). It's less likely to bend (less leverage) Or maybe its just psychology. I just know my mini is easier to hold, so consequently I am far more casual with it. Its a good size for reading, the iPhone is just too small for me for a protracted time. So yeah, I tend to plug my iPad Pro in at night and charge it, while I keep the mini next to the bed.

Choice is great. My mini 4 is getting a tad slow.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ankaa Avatar
89 months ago
All I want is an iPad Pro Mini. But just as with iPhones, it's too much too ask for. I'm sick of getting smaller form factors at the cost of features. Unfortunately in Apple's mind it's "bigger is always better". Guess what, it's not. Maybe they should put some women in charge...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)