It seems like everyone is always chasing the newest mobile device on the market. We’re compelled to endlessly upgrade, but is it always worth it? The iPad Mini 5 is one of the latest gadgets that has people asking, should I upgrade?
Here’s the bottom line on the device to dispel the rumors. Is this device even really coming? What will it look like when it gets here?
The truth is that everyone is speculating and nothing is confirmed from the source itself: Apple. Until Apple speaks up, we’re left to daydream and search for clues to flesh out the actual reality of the iPad Mini 5.
That being said, let’s rundown what we do know and how we know it.
Breaking News On The iPad Mini 5
Rumors of a new iPad Mini Pro recently broke out of the Japanese Apple blog Macotakara. This source is generally reliable although no official statement has been release by Apple at this time.
There is a bit of speculation about exactly how this roll out will occur and how it will affect other iPad sizes and features. Analysts believe that the iPad Pro 2 release in March of 2017 will include release of the iPad Pro Mini.
KGI analyst Ming Chi-Kuo speculates that three new iPad versions will launch in the beginning of 2017. According to Chi-Kuo, the world will see three sizes: 12.9-inch, 10.5-inch and 9.7-inch.
Chi-Kuo was silent on the subject of the iPad Mini 5 specifically, leading some to believe that the 9.7 size will replace the 7.9 inch iPad version. Assuming that is the case, the 12.9 inch and 10.5 inch versions could actually be the iPad Pro 2 and the Mini.
An A10 X processor is expected to be used in both.
What Features Will The iPad Mini Pro Have?
Expectations are that the iPad Mini Pro will have all of the features that usually debut on Apple’s ‘Pro’ devices.
- True Tone display
- Smart Connector on the side for connecting accessories magnetically
- Quad stereo speakers
- 12-megapixel camera with True Tone flash
- New four-array microphone setup.
Sadly, this is all an educated guess at this point, given the lack of comment from Apple. Those watching the trends for the long game view indicate the sources suggesting details of the iPad Mini Pro tech are reliable, however.
So, on the one hand, we really don’t know anything. On the other, the information circulating in the tech world is generally informed. Don’t get your hopes up too much just yet, but a little excitement is probably warranted.
Sometimes the answers just aren’t as clear as we’d like, especially in the constantly changing world of mobile devices!
Is There A Release Date?
The limited evidence available at this time points to a March release. There just isn’t enough confirmation to say without a doubt that this is what the iPad Mini Pro will look like.
After all, some reports earlier in the year expected to see the iPad Mini Pro in September 2016 along with the iPhone 7. To date, we’re still waiting.
Apple has presumable done adequate market research and hopefully their finger is back on the pulse of what tablet buyers want. Hopefully this will translate into distinct, upgraded differences from the 7.9-inch iPad mini 4 and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.
The Rumor Mill Breeds Excitement
If this device is on its way, Apple is going to benefit from quite a lot of excitement thanks to the rumor mill. Could this ‘leak’ be a brilliant marketing strategy by the company? No evidence points to this directly, but a quick internet search is enough to realize this rumor has a stronghold.
People’s interest is piqued and that might get them riled up enough to camp out in Spring 2017 for the iPad Mini 5.
