The iPad mini 3 was a virtual afterthought last year, but in 2015 it’s going to get a serious upgrade, according to a new report.
Instead of the glorified iPad mini 2 we got with last year’s launch, the iPad mini 4 is said to be a miniature version of the iPad Air 2. That means 8-megapixel rear iSight camera, anti-reflective coating on a fully laminated display, and 6.1mm thickness.
Oh, and contrary to previous rumors, we might get a new iPad Air this year, too.
The idea that the iPad mini 4 could take a page out of the iPad Air’s playbook isn’t new. According to a recently-released video showing what is alleged to be a 4th generation iPad mini rear shell, the device looks set to borrow a few design flourishes from its tablet big brother.
Today’s report also suggests that we’ll get an unparalleled three new iPads this year — with the iPad mini 4, iPad Air 3, and also iPad Pro all arriving later in 2015.
If true, this certainly shows that Apple is serious about turning around its iPad business, which fell again this past quarter. By having refreshed small and medium tablets available, alongside a newly-launched supersize edition, Apple can truly get a sense of where consumer tastes currently are with regards to its iPad business.
Source: Macotakara
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
13 responses to “This year’s iPad mini upgrade won’t suck”
OH I hope this is true….I’ve been wanting one with decent spec for ages…this is great news.
Give it a flash LED already!!
why?
Agreed. Seems legit. +1
I think iPads have settled into the same category as TVs, computers and appliances. You get a new one when you need it.
a lot of people buy a new mac every other year
Nice to know they have money to burn
Mac=10 years iPad=4years Watch=4 years iPhone= 2 years
Umm, shouldn’t the iPad mini 4 be a miniature “iPad Air 3”, not Air 2? Otherwise it’s basically the same thing as last year–a smaller version of last year’s larger model.
as long as it’s shinier and a new color it will sell in the millions
I hope its worth the wait. Need to upgrade my mini
Anti-glare really doesn’t impress me any more than new thinness does. Tell me it will have the iPad Air 2’s A8X CPU, or even an A9, or I’ll just stick with the iPad mini with Retina display (as it was sold to me, now referred to as the iPad mini 2)…
I want an iPad mini, not an Air, yet I will not pay $399 for a 16GB device with last year’s processor. Not a chance. That’s just crazy. $499 for a miniature tablet with 64GB (which is the minimum IMO) also is a no go. For that price premium, I want the best processor.
We’re an Apple family, two iPhone 6; Apple TV (which I’ll upgrade in September when new ones come out) and an iPad 3 (which my wife couldn’t care to upgrade) as well as a 2011 Macbook Air (which I’ll upgrade to a MacBook when next year’s model comes out). And I just bought an Airport Extreme for $199.
I see value in Apple’s products, but I’ve NEVER seen value in the iPad mini.