Apple manufacturing partner expecting 'iPad mini 5' orders soon

The fourth-generation iPad mini

Compal Electronics is expanding manufacturing in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and sources close to the company are expecting build orders for the "iPad mini 5" to grow revenue later in 2019.

Company president C.P. Wong told investors at a press conference that the fortunes of the company were growing. The executive told investors that the company was expecting double-digit growth in 2019 in "non-PC" shipments, meaning iPads and similar devices.

Amplifying this information is DigiTimes, correctly stating that Compal is generating a lot of income now from iPad production, and Apple Watch fabrication. The publication then goes on to cite sources familiar with the matter claiming that the company itself is expecting this revenue and shipment growth from the new iPad mini refresh that is allegedly in the works at Apple.

While DigiTimes has a notoriously poor track record at predicting Apple's specific plans or features, it is a good source of data on the manufacturing business. While Compal may be expecting this business, it remains uncertain if it is expecting it for a reason, or if it is hearing other reports, and predicting that Apple will tap it for manufacturing of a device.

Little has been speculated about the new iPad mini, beyond Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support. It is expected to be a new low-priced model compared to the more recent release. If launched, it would be the first update to the product line in over three years.

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9 Comments

wood1208

said about 5 years ago

Reasonably priced iPad Mini has important place in iPad product line. It has good form factor and usability. Next important one is 11" iPad.

80s_Apple_Guy

said about 5 years ago

Hopefully a good update and decently priced. I love my Mini 2 but had to get a 9.7" Pro as it's processor is dated. Love the smaller form factor for travel, reading etc.

avon b7

said about 5 years ago

Keeping my fingers crossed.

The Mini 2 still serves all my needs but it would be nice to see the line continue (with a decent upgrade) for when mine gives up the ghost.

eightzero

said about 5 years ago

I like and use my original iPad mini. I'll buy a new one depending on the price. I have a long list of things that require upgrades/replacements, but as Tim pointed out a few days ago, people like me don't need upgrades as often, because the originals still function well.

greenmeenie

said about 5 years ago

Hey, at this point i will take any update to replace my 5 1/2 yr old ipad mini 2! But if i had my wish? I’d love the next ipad mini to have the same flat edged industrial design of the new ipad pros with slimmer bezels, face ID, usb-c and apple pencil 2 support. Maybe even increase the 7.9” screen size to 8.5” but keep the same physical size as the previous ipad minis. Either that or keep the 7.9” screen but make the device smaller with the slimmer bezels. Either way, that would be one sweet update!