Last October, our favorite analyst Ming-Chi Kuo gave a news that raised the spirits of the fans of the iPad mini by suggesting that Apple did not give up on the smaller version of its tablet.
Now, Ma's supply chain sources have told the China Times (Google Translate) that the company is really preparing to update the gadget in addition to also bringing (the most expected) a new entry version of 9.7-inch iPad.
Forecasts indicate that the fifth generation of the iPad mini (which today has a 7.9 inch screen) will be launched in the first half of 2019, with its production possibly starting at the end of this month, according to the Macotakara. Despite the proximity, it is not yet known whether there will be a change in the design of the device, as happened with the iPad Pro this year.
If these rumors prove to be true, this will be the first update of the iPad mini since 2015, when Apple introduced the fourth generation of the device. Throughout its life, the small tablet has gained little significant news, with the exception of the Retina display (iPad mini 2) and Touch ID (mini 3).
The report also mentions an update to the “normal” iPad, which should gain a larger screen by reducing the distance between the frame (bezels) and the device display. Although this points to the current design of the iPad Pro and, consequently, the implementation of Face ID, it is likely that this is not the case since Apple would be focused on producing a gadget low cost.
Such a model would be produced only from next year, with the launch scheduled for the second half of the year. Along with the new rumors, the report also indicates that Apple plans to reduce the production costs of the two models by replacing the LED displays of devices from suppliers in Japan for a Korean company.
via MacRumors
