Mike Wuerthele
Two new iPad Pro models with USB-C, better displays, a new-design Apple Pencil, and refreshed Macs are likely coming to Apple's Oct. 30 event, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suspects an iPad mini refresh is coming soon as well.
In a note seen by AppleInsider TF Securities' Ming-Chi Kuo reiterates some of his previous thoughts about the October Apple event. He is still predicting the iPad Pro refresh that he has been talking for about three months, as well as a new low-price notebook model, with the possibility of new processors for existing models getting new processors.
However, not previously mentioned is the possibility for a new "iPad mini 5" in 2018. In Tuesday's note, the analyst predicts "a new iPad mini equipped with an upgraded processor and a lower-cost panel" is coming, but also says that the firm is not certain whether it will be announced during the event. Kuo does not give any timetable for release if it does not appear at the event, however.
Also not clear is pricing. Apple's current low-end iPad that it revealed earlier in the year already retails for $329. The iPad mini 4 is still available, currently sells for $399 for 128GB of storage, and still has the A8 processor.
Regarding the Mac, Kuo believes that MacBook models, iMac models, and Mac mini are expected to see updates. But, the magnitude of those updates isn't clear, at present. Rumors about a low-cost MacBook Air refresh, or redesign, have been swirling since March.
Kuo continues to expect that new AirPods and the AirPower charging pad will arrive at some point in the end of 2018 or early 2019. This is not a new revelation, rather the analyst has been saying this since September.
The iMac 5K has been previously rumored to get a higher-performing display. The latest rumors surrounding the Mac mini suggest that it will get a "professional" upgrade — but specifically what that means is unknown.
After introduction in 2012 and yearly updates for the next three years, Apple's iPad Mini line hasn't been updated since the release of the iPad Mini 4 in the fall of 2015. A report in late August from a different source suggested that the iPad mini wasn't going to see an update in 2018.
AppleInsider will be at the fall "There's more in the making" event, where we expect new iPad Pros, and maybe even new Macs! Keep up with our coverage by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
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61 Comments
Did not see that iPad Mini refresh coming. It will be interesting to see if it comes under the current $329 pricing, or if it is a new price point under the 10 inch pro, and with pro features.
Wow... I stand corrected if this occurs.
I have a mini 4 and it is by far my favorite Apple device (out of an X, HomePod, AppleTV, 8, AirPod and iPad Pro). I like it so much that I was planning on buying a second mini 4 as a backup immediately upon any confirmation of the death of the mini line. If this is true (that the mini is refreshed), that would be great news. Even though it is old (it runs an A8!), the mini 4 still runs super fast, it weighs nothing, battery life is amazing, etc. It's just a great blend of lots of things. Or, put otherwise, every device (even an XS) is a compromise in some dimension - the mini 4 feels like it balances qualities in a way to deliver the fewest possible compromises.
In a recent rumour we saw code numbers for three different iPad Pro's (plus three more for the cellular versions). However Apple offers presently only two iPad Pro's. This already hinted toward a new iPad model.
The new report reinforces the idea that the third code number is for the iPad mini, either as a new "Pro" sibling or simply as an updated one in the old mini 4 chassis.