Apple to Launch iPad Mini 7 Later This Year, Industry Report Suggests

[MacRumors]

Apple could be preparing to release a seventh-generation iPad mini before the end of the year, based on a new report by DigiTimes.

In an article discussing stagnating global tablet demand in the second half of 2023, the Taiwan-based outlet forecasts an uptick in Apple's share of the market owing to orders for a "small-size" iPad in the fourth quarter. From the report (see bold):

In the second quarter, iPad shipments had a sequential decline higher than those of non-iPad tablets, resulting in iPads' combined shipment share seeing two consecutive quarters of decline. However, the share will gradually pick up during the second half because of Apple's inventory replenishment needs in the third quarter and orders for a new small-size iPad in the fourth quarter, the figures show.

DigiTimes obtains its information from the suppliers who manufacture parts for iPhones and other Apple products. Its sources often provide reliable information, but the site has a mixed track record when it comes to interpreting that information and accurately deciphering Apple's plans. It is often best to view information from the site with some skepticism until the info is corroborated by additional sources, especially when it comes to rumors.

That said, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman earlier this year reported that an iPad mini update with a minor "spec bump" is not out of the question. Last month, the leaker known as "ShrimpApplePro" also suggested a seventh-generation iPad mini was in the works at Apple, and said that they had seen evidence that at least one new iPad model is coming this year.

However, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in January said he believes that the seventh-generation ‌iPad mini‌ is most likely to begin mass production in the first quarter of 2024, and Kuo recently said he does not expect any new iPad models this year.

If anything happens before the holidays, a chip upgrade may be the most likely feature of a new ‌iPad mini‌. The ‌sixth-generation iPad mini‌ currently contains the A15 Bionic chip, while the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro use the A16 and A17 Pro chip, respectively. A minor spec bump could also include upgrades to the front and rear cameras, potentially bringing features like Photonic Engine to the ‌iPad‌ for the first time.

The latest iPad Pro models brought connectivity upgrades like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to the ‌iPad‌ for the first time, so it seems highly likely that these capabilities will also make their way to the ‌iPad mini in the next update‌.

Article Link: Apple to Launch iPad Mini 7 Later This Year, Industry Report Suggests

 

[gpat]

Now with jelly scrolling in five new delicious flavors!

 

[iHorseHead]

That’s really cool. I remember I wanted an iPad mini, but went for the iPad 9th gen instead, because of the price difference. I really loved my iPad mini 2. iPad mini is so much easier and better to hold and type on. I wonder what the price will be in my country.

 

[Oohara]

Call me when it gets an OLED display.

 

[GuruZac]

May try to snag the 6 on sale for my daughters.

 

[MacMastermind]

Please update the screen.
Please update the screen.
Please update the screen.
Please update the screen.
Please update the screen.
Please update the screen.

 

[dante_mr]

I just want an iPad Pro mini with OLED and ProMotion.

Please Apple.

 

[rungxanh2901]

"Could" is the keyword. It's not guaranteed

 

[Berti10]

Apple Pencil 2 is already not available at Amazon Germany anymore so fingers crossed

 

[rotvaldi]

if its LCD screen no worth.

 

[roncron]

The iPad mini 6 was a smaller version of the then current iPad Air 4 (but with an A15 instead of A14 chip).

I hope the mini 7 will be a smaller version of the iPad Air 5 (or 6), with an M-series chip.

And of course, a better screen.

 

[kong85]

Yes, please! Had the mini 1, 2, 3, 5 and currently holding out for the 7.

 

[lococroco]

I know, it won’t happen, but an iPad mini with external Display Support + Stage Manager would be killer. *dreaming*

 

[Quackington]

What are the chances they’ll put the M1 in this?

 

[schneeland]

Well, it's a DigiTimes rumor, so probably we can rule out a new iPad Mini this year now 🙃

 

[ulezcheck]

What's Changes in this. Any New From Previous Launces iPads.

 

[BorisDG]

I'm expecting binned A17 Pro with 5 GPU cores.

 

[boak]

A17 chip

 

[coachgq]

I have the 6. Jelly scroll doesn’t bother me. The only way I’d buy a 7 is if it had promotion and at least miniLED if not OLED.

 

[lars666]

120Hz, make it happen!

 

[locksmack]

The iPad Mini is already a powerhouse, it just needs a better screen. A bump to A16/17 or even M1 or M2 would be a orettt unsubstantial update if they keep the same screen.

 

[orbital~debris]

Apple could be preparing to release a seventh-generation iPad mini before the end of the year

… alongside an iMac M3, right… right? 🖥️

 

[tonie walker]

i don’t think i can go back to non Promotion device after using iPad Pro and iPhone Pro for years with ProMotion. Give some love to iPad Mini Timmy, been waiting for years…

 

[Darth Tulhu]

i don’t think i can go back to non Promotion device after using iPad Pro and iPhone Pro for years with ProMotion. Give some love to iPad Mini Timmy, been waiting for years…

Interestingly, this is not the case for me. I also have an iPad Pro and iPhone Pro with ProMotion, but I also have an M2 MBA.

I REALLY don't miss ProMotion at all on it, and I go back and forth between all three devices all day long, usually with the MBA being the last to be used.

 

[swiftapplefan]

A17 Pro?