The next iPad mini could be a bit less mini. Apple reportedly will expand the tablet from a 7.9-inch screen to an 8.4-inch one in the version coming in Q1 2021.
If true, the change would hardly be unprecedented. Apple has enlarged the displays in all other iPad models in recent years.
The redesigned tablet will be out in March, according to Mac Treasure Tracing Club (AKA MacOtokara). The Japan-based site says the information comes from sources in Apple’s China components suppliers.
The same source indicates the 2021 iPad mini won’t borrow features from the Pro line. It’ll still have a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, not Face ID. And the tablet will include a Lightning port, not USB-C.
The source didn’t know whether the larger display will affect the price. The current version starts at $499.
That current 7.9-inch iPad mini debuted in March 2019. It was a considerable jump up over its predecessor, gaining support for the original Apple Pencil and a faster processor.
2021 iPad mini joins a trend
Apple increased the screen size of other iPads, too. The basic iPadOS model was 9.7 inches for many years, but bumped up to 10.2 inches in 2020. The iPad Air series also started out at 9.7 inches but the most recent version is 10.9 inches.
And the intention might be to keep its tablet significantly larger than its tablets. The iPhone 12 Pro Max released in 2020 has the biggest screen on an iOS handset at 6.7 inches.
