New iPads Expected in First Half of 2019, Including iPad Mini 5 With Similar Design as iPad Mini 4

Apple is set to launch new iPad models in the first half of 2019, according to Taiwanese supply chain website DigiTimes.

ipad mini 4 2017 roundup header
One of those new models is expected to be the so-called iPad mini 5, but anyone hoping for a major redesign should lower their expectations, as Japanese blog Mac Otakara reports that the tablet will have a similar design as the ‌iPad mini‌ 4. The information comes from the blog's discussions with accessory makers.

Mac Otakara claims the ‌iPad mini‌ 5 will have identical dimensions as the ‌iPad mini‌ 4, including a thickness of 6.1mm, suggesting that the tablet will have the same 7.9-inch display if bezel size remains unchanged. The blog also expects the tablet to retain a Lightning connector, Touch ID, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

One design change expected is the repositioning of the rear microphone to a top-center position in line with the sixth-generation ‌iPad‌.

The report claims it is unclear whether the ‌iPad mini‌ 5 will have an A10 Fusion chip akin to the iPhone 7, ‌iPhone‌ 7 Plus, and sixth-generation ‌iPad‌, or an A10X Fusion chip in line with 2017 iPad Pro models and the Apple TV 4K.

It's also unclear if the ‌iPad mini‌ 5 will support the original Apple Pencil, but second-generation ‌Apple Pencil‌ support seems to be ruled out.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPad

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Top Rated Comments

sracer Avatar
84 months ago
Here’s to hoping for Apple Pencil support.
If the Mini 5 is simply a Mini 4 with updated processor, w/Apple Pencil 1 support, and priced under $300... Boom!
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Baymowe335 Avatar
84 months ago
This will please a lot of people. Let's hope they don't fold like a hot Mars bar the moment someone picks them up...
The Pros don’t do that either.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Val-kyrie Avatar
84 months ago
Here’s to hoping for Apple Pencil support.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Spock Avatar
84 months ago
$229 iPad mini and it will sell out.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sasparilla Avatar
84 months ago
Sounds very good, although at this point I hope they go for a A11 chip....the A10 is several years old already.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nviz22 Avatar
84 months ago
Apple should include Apple Pencil support with the Mini. I get it that there isn’t as much real-estate as the Pro or 6th gen iPad, but choices are good.
[doublepost=1549891269][/doublepost]
Sincere Question: Why would Apple want to keep two pencils in stock? That makes no sense to me. Apple likes simple, that would complicate things. I rather saw the 2nd Gen Pencil as a replacement moving forward.
They can still make $ on the education, business, art, etc segments that use iPad 6th gens.

So far, only the iPad Pro 2018 can use the 2nd gen Apple Pencils.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)