It has been almost 5 years since Apple first introduced the iPad Mini back in late 2012. It has also been more than a year since the tablet’s last refresh. It was the iPad Mini 4 that launched in September 2015. If you’re wondering whether Apple will be reiterating its iPad Mini lineup, you might be disappointed as Apple might just bring an end to its smaller tablet series.
News outlet BGR has reported that the iPad Mini will soon be ousted out of Apple’s ever premium line of products, due to the evolution of device screen sizes lately. It is no doubt that Apple has increased the size of its iPhones since half a decade ago. The last couple of years also saw bigger iPads such as the iPad Pro, with rumors of Apple adding a 10.5-inch iPad in the form factor of the current 9.7-incher.
The sales performance of tablets in general have also declined along with the increase in screen sizes of smartphones over the years. With new flagships such as the Galaxy S8 and the LG G5 hitting the 6-inch mark, bigger smartphones will inevitably become the industry norm. This will render smaller tablets such as the iPad Mini less desirable as consumers are seeking for tablets that are just as capable as laptops.
BGR can’t entirely confirm how long more will the iPad Mini series be available for sale, or when Apple eventually pulls the plug on the tablet. What do you think of Apple’s rumored decision?