Report: iPad Mini 5 And Entry-Level 10 inch iPad Likely To Be Released Next Year

According to sources in the Apple supply chain cited by the China Times , Apple is preparing to release the fifth-generation of iPad mini in...

According to sources in the Apple supply chain cited by the China Times, Apple is preparing to release the fifth-generation of iPad mini in the first half of 2019. The goal of the iPad mini is to save the falling iPad sales, and the device will enter mass production by the end of this month.

In October this year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Apple is developing a new version of the iPad mini. The new version of the mini will feature with a better processor, and the device may be released in 2018 or early 2019. The last iPad mini update was in September 2015, while Apple lowered the price of the iPad mini in March 2017, so that the 128GB version is priced at $399.

In addition, today's report also suggests that Apple is preparing to launch a new 10-inch iPad to replace the current 9.7-inch iPad. Compared to the iPad Pro, the 9.7-inch iPad is thicker and heavier yet supports Apple Pencil at a price of only $329. In order to boost iPad sales, the company plans to release two versions of the low-cost iPad.

Finally, today's report says that the two iPads will use Korea-made LCD displays instead of Japan's LCD procurement in order to reduce production cost. As for release time, it's likely that Apple will held a Spring Event in March 2019, possibly alongside other Apple accessories such as AirPods.