Apple’s under fire for its bendy 2018 iPad Pro, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to stop planning new tablets. Word on the street is that there’s a new low-priced iPad mini and entry-level iPad in the works.
We’ve heard rumors about a 5th-gen iPad mini before, so it’s nice to get more confirmation. Apple last updated the slate in September 2015, a lifetime ago for tech products. Supply chain sources told the China Times (via MacRumors) that the device will emerge at some point in the first half of next year.
Apple’s iPad Mini 5 Changes
Apple is apparently timing the iPad mini 5’s release to halt a general decline in iPad sales worldwide. Mass production is set to begin in December, so a launch shouldn’t be too far off. When it does arrive, it’ll probably have a faster processor, sport a lower-cost LCD panel, and be cheaper than its bigger siblings.
The most affordable iPad on the market right now is the 9.7-inch iPad. It’s priced at $329 and supports the Apple Pencil, a new feature which was added this year. The company is reportedly looking to replace it with a 10-inch model. The new version will likely have a thinner border to fit the larger screen, similar to the 2018 iPad Pro’s look.
Also See: Apple admits to iPad Pro bending, but says this is normal
The 2017 iPad supposedly had such good sales, Apple is looking to capitalize on that by releasing two low-cost variants of the 2019 iPad to boost growth. The pair may come out by the second half of the year. The brand’s entry-level iPads usually make their debut in March, so folks will have to wait a bit longer for the new one it seems.
Apple is making all these cheap iPads happen by cutting down on production costs. It’s reportedly switching from Japanese LED suppliers to Korean ones for this purpose.