Supplies of the sixth-generation iPad mini are dwindling at "many" Apple retail stores, which is a sign that a new model could be coming, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Gurman said in a tweet that the iPad mini is considered "constrained" internally at Apple, and that might be an indication that a refresh is on the horizon. The sixth-generation iPad mini was initially introduced in September 2021, so it almost three years old at this point.
Apple has been working on a seventh-generation version of the iPad mini, and rumors have suggested that it could come out this year. The next iPad mini is expected to include an A17 Pro or better chip to support Apple Intelligence, along with updated front and rear cameras. Updates that Apple has been making across its product lineup could also be included, such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Apple today announced plans to hold a fall iPhone-centric event on September 9 to introduce the iPhone 16 models, new Apple Watch models, and new AirPods. It is not clear if Apple will also refresh the iPad mini at that time, but Apple could hold a new version for a second fall event or announcement.
We are still counting on several M4 Macs this year, so there will likely be some kind of second announcement. Apple is rumored to be planning to refresh the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac with M4 chips, so an iPad with a similar A-series chip would fit in with those announcements.
Apple updated the iPad Pro models with M4 chips earlier this year, and introduced a two versions of the iPad Air with an M2 chip.
Top Rated Comments
Apple: Here is TouchID at the corner on a slim button.
Easily my favorite, most-used iPad to date. Completely enhanced my creative process. Effectively replacing my notepad + fine point Sharpie combo that had been my go-to for three decades. It was a considered and intentional change that surprised me by how quickly I adapted. Having notes, doodles, ideas, etc., digitized and available across The Ecosystem (and the inverse - having The Ecosystem on my sketch pad), has been game-changing for me. Glad to see it’s getting another update.
While I’m here: iPhone screens are now big enough (think Field Notes-sized) that it makes sense to finally include Pencil support. Would make a nice differentiator for the Pro line. I think I’d prefer/use an iPhone Pro/Pencil combo more than my iPad mini/Pencil combo, if not just because an iPhone is easier to carry than an IPad mini. It’s that whole “the best camera is the one on you” approach. And if the Pro line offered Pencil support, I would very likely opt for my first iPhone Pro Max. And this is why an iPhone that expands to an iPad mini-sized device has my attention. And I don’t think I’m alone.
But knowing Apple they will still have it overpriced with terrible base storage and features/specs that lag behind the rest of the ipad lineup.
Mini is literally the perfect size tablet, and size is the main reason I won’t buy a pro.
The Mini would be an excellent reader and media device for the commute and the occasional business trip, but it's just too expensive for that.
Maybe this next one will be better.