Apple will unveil its new 10.5 inch iPad Pro at its Worldwide Developer Conference next month and now there are rumors that Apple will kill off its iPad Mini.
According to a recent report from the BGR, Apple is planning to discontinue their iPad Mini tablet and the device will apparently be phased out.
The Evolution of the iPad Mini
The iPad Mini, first introduced in 2012, was Apple’s answer to the growing demand for smaller tablets. It featured a 7.9-inch display, making it more portable and easier to handle than its larger counterparts. Over the years, the iPad Mini has seen several iterations, each bringing improvements in performance, display quality, and features. However, as technology has evolved, so have consumer preferences.
The iPad Mini comes with a 7.9-inch display, and the largest iPhone at the moment has a 5.5-inch display, the iPhone 7 Plus. A new 5.8-inch iPhone 8 is expected to launch later this year. This shift towards larger smartphones has significantly impacted the demand for smaller tablets like the iPad Mini.
Changing Consumer Preferences
Apparently, there is now less demand for the smaller iPad Mini because of the larger screened iPhones, and the demand could also drop more when the new larger iPhone 8 is launched. The trend towards larger smartphones, often referred to as “phablets,” has made smaller tablets less appealing. Consumers now prefer devices that offer the functionality of a tablet with the portability of a smartphone.
Apple is expected to launch three new iPad Pro models this year: a 9.7-inch, 10.5-inch, and 12.9-inch version. We may see all of these at Apple’s WWDC 2017 next month. These new models are expected to feature advanced displays, improved performance, and possibly new features that will further differentiate them from the iPad Mini.
The Future of the iPad Mini
Apple could decide to discontinue the iPad Mini altogether, or it could decide to keep selling the device for a while without updating its hardware. If Apple chooses to phase out the iPad Mini, it would mark the end of an era for the company’s smallest tablet. However, this move would also allow Apple to focus its resources on developing and improving its more popular and profitable products.
On the other hand, if Apple decides to keep the iPad Mini in its lineup without updating its hardware, it could still appeal to a niche market. Some consumers prefer the smaller form factor for specific use cases, such as reading, note-taking, or as a secondary device. However, without regular updates, the iPad Mini could quickly become outdated compared to other devices in Apple’s ecosystem.
The potential discontinuation of the iPad Mini reflects the broader trends in consumer electronics. As smartphones continue to grow in size and capability, the demand for smaller tablets has waned. Apple’s focus on larger iPad Pro models indicates the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of consumers who require more powerful and versatile devices. Whether the iPad Mini will be phased out or continue to exist in a limited capacity remains to be seen, but its legacy as a pioneering small tablet will not be forgotten.
Source BGR
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