It’s a bit odd, but new rumors have us advising against buying the iPad Mini, even though we think it’s one of the best tablets you can get right now. According to new reports, iPad Mini stock is “limited,” meaning production of Apple’s smallest iPad has dropped and inventory is low.
As seen on Apple Insider, the limited stock suggests that Apple may be working on a refresh of the iPad Mini – welcome news for one of the best iPads.
Since Apple Intelligence will be included in all future Apple devices, it’s no surprise that the company wants to update each of its products. Aside from the tablet’s AI enhancement, the iPad Mini hasn’t seen a significant update since the release of the redesigned iPad Mini 6 in 2021.
We also have reports from Apple whisperer Mark Gurman, who posted on X, that the low production could be an indication that a refresh is in the works, primarily to bring AI to the small tablet.
Many Apple stores are low on inventory of the iPad mini in several configurations, while the device is considered “restricted” internally at Apple, I’m told. That *could* be a sign that a new model is coming. It hasn’t been updated since 2021. It wouldn’t be surprising if it were updated for AI.26 August 2024
The iPad Mini has received sporadic updates since its launch in 2012. The first four generations were on an annual schedule, but the 5th generation didn’t launch until 2019, and the current model came out two years later.
There were rumors that Apple would release a new iPad Mini in May during the Let Loose event, but it turned out to be an iPad Pro with the new M4 chip.
Possible updates for a new iPad Mini could include moving the front camera and Face ID sensor, similar to what was done on the new M4 iPad. However, this may not be as necessary on the smaller iPad, as it is not a “laptop replacement” like the iPad Pro.
There were rumors that the iPad Mini and iPad Air will get OLED displays, but those leaks claimed that we wouldn’t see a new iPad Mini until 2026, and those rumors make us want an iPad Mini Pro.
An iPad Mini with AI technology would also need at least an A17 Pro or M4 processor. The sixth-generation iPad Mini has an A15 chipset. If rumors are to be believed, every next-generation iPhone will have an A18 processor, including the rumored iPhone SE 4. So it’s not impossible that the next iPad Mini will get a processor specifically enhanced for AI.
Apple could unveil an iPad mini update at the Glowtime Apple event on September 9. But the company could also wait until the fall when it releases new MacBooks and Macs. We’ll just have to wait and see.
