Apple rumored to revive iPad mini in early 2019 with new fifth-gen model

Apple may be preparing a new version of the iPad mini, a report from a Chinese newspaper claims, with a fifth-generation version of the pint-sized tablet allegedly on the way, coupled with other changes to the iPad lineup in 2019.

The iPad mini has not received an update since the announcement of the fourth-generation version in September 2015, with the lack of changes to the product in over three years suggesting the device line is probably on its way out, and faces removal from the iPad roster completely. While there has been little movement for the smaller iPad model in recent years, that may change in a few months.

China Business Times sources claim Apple will be launching two low-priced models of the iPad in 2019. It is alleged Apple is doing so because it saw "outstanding results" for the 2017 9.7-inch iPad followed by a sales decline, allegedly due to it not releasing a "new low-priced iPad" in 2018, though the launch of the 2018 iPad in March suggests this means the fiscal 2018 rather than calendar year.

A new low-priced model of the 7.9-inch iPad mini is slated to arrive in the first half of 2019, with the supply chain starting production for the model in late December. It is unknown if there will be any major changes to the device's design, as observed for the iPad Pro.

A 2019 iPad is also planned, but according to the report, it will be undergoing a refresh that seems similar in many respects to the iPad Pro alterations. While still a low-priced option, the iPad will apparently have a larger screen that's more than 10 inches in size, while also having a narrower frame.

The new iPad is said to be mass-produced sometime in 2019, for release in the second half of the year.

Along with introducing rumors, the publication also claims Apple is switching some of its sources for iPad display panels from Japanese producers to BOE, based in South Korea. It is claimed this is part of a cost-cutting measure for Apple.

While the China Business Times has a good track record with supply chain information, like the iPad display panel topic, it has a poor track record in predicting Apple's future product plans.

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48 Comments

neilm 1001 comments · 16 Years

About 5 years ago

It's always seemed to me that Apple's lack of love for the iPad Mini reflects the same sentiment on the part of the buying public. How often does anyone see the iPad Mini out in the wild? The lower price and smaller size may make it nice for kids, but other than that...

rogifan_new 4297 comments · 9 Years

Not buying this rumor. And I doubt the flat iPad sales are because of the mini. Honestly I think the only reason the mini existed was because for a brief moment smaller cheaper tablets were the in thing and Wall Street and the tech world were freaking out because Apple didn’t have one. Now with the $329 iPad does the mini need to exist?

avon b7 8041 comments · 20 Years

neilm said:

It's always seemed to me that Apple's lack of love for the iPad Mini reflects the same sentiment on the part of the buying public. How often does anyone see the iPad Mini out in the wild? The lower price and smaller size may make it nice for kids, but other than that...

You don't see many in the wild as people have held off buying in the hope of a true upgrade (Mac Mini Syndrome). If they officially EOL the Mini 4 I would by one, though.

In the meantime I still have my Mini 2 to use which still does all I ask if it and has major battery life.

All it really needs to bring it up to date on design is narrower bezels. I can live perfectly with TouchID. Keep pricing and innards competitive and they'd have a winner.

What they shouldn't do is hike the price like they did with the new Mac Mini.

mac_128 3452 comments · 12 Years

neilm said:

It's always seemed to me that Apple's lack of love for the iPad Mini reflects the same sentiment on the part of the buying public. How often does anyone see the iPad Mini out in the wild? The lower price and smaller size may make it nice for kids, but other than that...

Who knows how many minis Apple sells. But I see a lot of them. People use them as Kindle book readers on trains and planes, at the beach, in the park, and I see them around the office used as hand held notepads, which are much less cumbersome than a full-sized iPad. If they had Pencil support, I would have bought one a long time ago. Much easier to hold with one hand while taking notes. And I’m not sure I wouldn’t prefer one to my full-sized iPad when traveling. Outside of individual consumer uses, I see minis used at point of sale terminals everywhere, and as wait staff ordering devices at some restaurants. So there’s clearly a sizable market for them, the question is if it’s big enough for Apple.

mike1 3437 comments · 10 Years

I would think the Mini would be strong in the enterprise world. As the regular iPads keep getting larger screens, I would imagine this size would be better than an iPad Touch for ease of use and much more portable than a 10.5" iPad.