New iPad Mini?

[HarryT]

Have there been any rumours about a replacement for the iPad Mini? With both of the two larger iPad models having been replaced recently, I was thinking that perhaps the Mini might be next?

[Dylrob]

The only rumor I've heard is that they might just discontinue the line entirely.

I imagine the problem for Apple with the iPad mini is that it is trying to compete in a market segment largely dominated by inexpensive devices like the Kindle fire. It's not in their nature to make budget products. On top of that they have been shifting the focus of the iPad to productivity, which larger devices are better suited for.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by Dylrob

The only rumor I've heard is that they might just discontinue the line entirely.

I've heard that rumor a lot too, or that they'll just keep the 4 available perhaps at a lower price.

There have been quite a few sales on the Mini 4 here in the US in the past three months (Mine was $100 off and there was another sale later for $125 off), which sometimes can indicate trying to clear stock for a new model, but from what I've heard Apple isn't thrilled with the sales numbers for the Mini.

[HarryT]

Thanks. The iPad Mini 4 will have been out for two years come next month, so if a replacement were to be announced, perhaps it'll happen at the launch event for the iPhone 8, which is expected next month. We'll see!

[Deskisamess]

While I don't use my mini as much as I did before I got the iPhone 7+, I still use it on a regular basis. I'd love to have one with more than 16gig of storage. I hope they don't discontinue it.

I prefer it when we take short 3-4 day mini vacations, as I'm not crazy about leaving my iPad Pro in a hotel room. And when I need access to my spreadsheets, and Pro is just too big to carry with me. The mini fits in most of my purses.

[Dylrob]

I agree that the mini is a great form factor for travel. Alas, I suspect that the new non-pro 9.7 iPad they just recently released is ultimately going to replace it as the budget device.

[John F]

The mini appears to sell well:

http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/...rvey-data-says

[Dylrob]

Originally Posted by John F

The mini appears to sell well:

http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/...rvey-data-says

That was back in late 2015 though. Clearly the sales weren't good enough to warrant an update in 2016. Apple might also not be happy with the actual margins they're getting on it. Notice how the iPad 2017, other than the processor, is a step backwards in technology. They're probably going to make more off of selling the 64GB version of that than they do on the iPad mini. (If they were to actually produce a new mini, I expect that it will similarly be an older design with an updated processor)

[John F]

Originally Posted by Dylrob

That was back in late 2015 though.

Do you have some more recent sales figures? All I could find are statements that iPad mini sales are declining and from the fall of 2016:

"Despite Apple's marketing push for the iPad Pro, the iPad Air and Mini lines have been the models with mass appeal, accounting for more than two-thirds of its shipments this quarter."

... Clearly the sales weren't good enough to warrant an update in 2016. Apple might also not be happy with the actual margins they're getting on it. ...

Or maybe it is "good enough" and Apple is happy riding the money train? From the article I linked:

"... The low-cost Mini 2 from 2013 was the most popular Mini model ..."

Or maybr they are getting good margins on selling the "older" models, so they have less incentive to come up with newer models?

... Notice how the iPad 2017, other than the processor, is a step backwards in technology. They're probably going to make more off of selling the 64GB version of that than they do on the iPad mini. (If they were to actually produce a new mini, I expect that it will similarly be an older design with an updated processor)

Could be. It would be nice to have newer sales figures. I could see the iPad mini being squeezed out (larger phones and cheaper iPads), but it seems like a gamble conceding that entire tablet size market to your competitors. But than again, it is Apple and they have a lot of loyal customers, but than again...

[HarryT]

It seems that a new Mini was widely predicted for March 2017, when we got the revamped iPad Pro instead. If we don't get a Mini this September/October, I'd be inclined to agree with the view that the range is being phased out.

[pwalker8]

Of course they are going to come out with a new iPad Mini, I just bought a new one to replace the one I had.

Apple can be hard to figure out. The rumor of the demise of the mini line is based on the idea that their isn't enough room between the iPhone plus size and the smaller iPad pro line for the mini. In the past, Apple has tried to avoid having too much overlap between product lines.

It took a long time for the iMac line to get updated and a lot of people thought they were going to phase out their desktop line, especial after an iMac update had been rumored and failed to appear several quarters in a row. Instead, they have come out with a complete refresh of the line (about two months after I replace my iMac, sigh).

[HarryT]

I'm sure we've all been in the position of having bought a new device, only to have its (much better) replacement come out weeks later. I know I have! As you say, Apple like to keep us all guessing. Still, it makes life interesting .

[Dylrob]

Originally Posted by John F

Do you have some more recent sales figures? All I could find are statements that iPad mini sales are declining and from the fall of 2016:

"Despite Apple's marketing push for the iPad Pro, the iPad Air and Mini lines have been the models with mass appeal, accounting for more than two-thirds of its shipments this quarter."

Or maybe it is "good enough" and Apple is happy riding the money train? From the article I linked:

"... The low-cost Mini 2 from 2013 was the most popular Mini model ..."

Or maybr they are getting good margins on selling the "older" models, so they have less incentive to come up with newer models?

No mini-specific figures, as Apple usually clumps all the iPads together, but we do know that overall iPad sales are in decline, and historically the company stops making annual updates for specific devices that are no longer selling as well as they would like.

[pwalker8]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'm sure we've all been in the position of having bought a new device, only to have its (much better) replacement come out weeks later. I know I have! As you say, Apple like to keep us all guessing. Still, it makes life interesting .

Yes. I hope they do keep updating it since I think the Mini is just the right size for my lunch time reading as well as reading in bed. The big iPad Pro works better for reading in the easy chair.

[kyteflyer]

I don't think there will be any more minis. I think I better pick up a refurb before they all disappear entirely. I find a 9.7" ipad way too big for carting about with me.