iPad mini / 2 / 3 Overview Updated August 31, 2017
Apple originally introduced the 7.9″-screened iPad mini in 2012 as a direct challenger to numerous 7″ tablets from rival manufacturers, describing it as “every inch an iPad” with an uncompromised ability to run full-sized iPad apps. Today, Apple sells three different iPad mini models, all almost identical from the outside. Each model is sold in basic Wi-Fi-only and premium Wi-Fi + Cellular versions.
The original iPad mini ($249 to $379 from the Apple Store) is offered solely in a 16GB capacity and is the only model with a 1024×768 screen. It has an Apple A5 processor inside and is virtually identical in performance to a fifth-generation iPod touch and the since-discontinued iPad 2. However, the very nice 7.9″ screen size and a 7.2mm thickness make it a much better compromise for kids; the storage capacity is, however, extremely limited.
Debuted in late 2013, Apple’s iPad mini 2 ($299 to $479 from the Apple Store) was originally called the iPad mini with Retina display. It is offered in 16GB or 32GB capacities and has a 2048×1536 display with four times the resolution of the original model. The A7 processor inside is virtually identical in performance to the first iPad Air, and the wireless performance has been improved for both Wi-Fi and LTE cellular. Except for adding a second microphone for echo-cancellation, it looks the same on the outside as its predecessor.
Released in October 2014, the iPad mini 3 ($399 to $729 from the Apple Store) is virtually identical to the iPad mini 2. Apart from adding a Touch ID fingerprint sensor to the Home button and adding a gold color option to the prior silver and space gray versions, the iPad mini 3 is internally unchanged from the iPad mini 2, with the same screen, A7 processor, wireless performance, and battery life. It is sold in 16GB, 64GB, or 128GB capacities.
The iPad mini 2 and 3 have 326PPI screens, which is the same as the iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5c, 5s, and 6, a major improvement over the non-Retina display on the previous model. You can choose the version that fits your needs; we find any mini to be a great pick for kids, with the mini 2 offering a great “sweet spot” of performance and pricing; the mini 3 is a better option if you need more storage capacity.
iPad mini Stories August 31
AAPL: 164.00
A supply-chain source is echoing an earlier rumor that Apple is planning on an even larger OLED iPhone next year.
Hinting at a source within Samsung Display, the report suggests that next year’s iPhone will be offered in two sizes: a 5.85-inch one with the same screen size as the iPhone 8, and a larger 6.46-inch ‘Plus’ model …
iPad mini Stories May 16
AAPL: 155.47
There may be bad news for iPad mini fans. A new report claims Apple plans to discontinue the 7.9-inch iPad sometime in the future, which is a claim supported by the lack of updates to the smaller iPad in recent years.
iPad mini Stories March 7
AAPL: 139.52
I wrote an opinion piece last year speculating on Apple’s plans for its 2017 iPad line-up. A couple of factors led me to suspect that Apple may be planning to drop the iPad mini.
First, there was the fact that the starting price for the iPad mini 4 is exactly the same as for the iPad Air 2: $399. You’d already have to have a very strong preference for the smaller form-factor to want to shell out the same cash for the mini – especially given that you could combine phone and small tablet functionality by buying the Plus model iPhone.
Second, a KGI report suggesting that the 10.5-inch model would be the successor to the current 9.7-inch iPad Pro, while the new 9.7-inch model would be a low-cost model. That made it seem possible that Apple might be targeting an even lower price than $399, putting further pressure on the mini.
And now, consistent rumors of what we can expect from the iPhone 8 give a third reason to wonder whether the iPad mini has a future …
iPad mini Stories October 3, 2016
AAPL: 112.52
A KGI report in August said that Apple was planning to launch three new iPads in 2017, and suggested that the 9.7-inch model would grow in size slightly to 10.5-inches. A Macotakara piece today also suggests three new iPad Pro models are coming up in the spring of next year, with some details overlapping the KGI report and others differing.
Makotakara supports the idea of a slightly larger standard-sized iPad Pro, though it suggests the diagonal screen size will be 10.1 rather than 10.5 inches. The larger screen size will be achieved by making the external dimensions 1cm longer and 0.5cm wide, it says …
iPad mini Stories June 6, 2016
AAPL: 98.63
9to5Toys Last Call: Apple Watch Stainless Steel from $349, iPad mini 4/Air 2 $300, $100 iTunes Credit $85, more
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iPad mini Stories May 24, 2016
AAPL: 97.90
An Apple Pencil for iPad Air 2, iPad mini and iPhone: Adonit launches new $79 Pixel stylus as worthy competitor to Apple Pencil
Update: Adonis Pixel is now on sale for $69.99.
The stylus market was shaken up last fall with Apple’s first-party entrance into the race with the Apple Pencil, which works in concert with special sensors in the iPad Pro display for pixel-accurate recognition. This left third-party stylus accessory manufacturers in a quandary — how can they compete with the officially-endorsed Apple Pencil?
The Pixel stylus is the answer from Adonit, on sale today for $79.99. Not only is Adonit’s stylus $20 cheaper than Apple’s, it has a huge advantage in terms of iOS device compatibility. It’s the closest you’ll get to an Apple Pencil for an iPhone, or an Apple Pencil for iPad that isn’t a Pro model.
