Apple is preparing to launch a new fifth-generation iPad mini in the first half of 2019, according to sources in the Apple supply chain, followed by a new entry-level iPad in two models.
The claims come in a new China Business Times report, first spotted by Japanese blog Macotakara, which says Apple is preparing to launch the iPad mini 5 in the first half of next year in an attempt to halt a general decline in iPad sales, with mass production expected to start by the end of December.
Apple hasn't updated its smallest iPad since September 2015, but the device did receive a price cut in March 2017, with a 128GB capacity model costing $399.
Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed in October that Apple is working on a new version of the iPad mini with an upgraded processor and a lower-cost display panel, with the device being launched in 2018 or early next year.
Notably, Kuo's prediction came two months after DigiTimes said it did not believe Apple plans to introduce an updated iPad mini, and in fact has "no further plan" for the smaller tablet.
In addition, today's report claims that next year Apple will replace its sixth-generation entry level 9.7-inch iPad with a similarly priced model that features a 10-inch display within a narrower frame. Following strong sales of the 2017 model, Apple is said to be launching two low-priced versions of the iPad in 2019 to boost sales growth.
Apple's low-priced 9.7-inch iPad was last updated in March 2018. It's thicker, heavier, and has fewer features than iPad Pro models, but it does support Apple Pencil and is also Apple's most affordable tablet, starting at $329.
Today's report goes on to say Apple plans to reduce production costs of the two iPads by reducing the amount to LED procurement in Japan and switching to Korean-made LED displays.
Tag: macotakara.jp
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Don't Buy), iPad (Caution)
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from MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors - All Stories http://bit.ly/2GzTtL7
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