Launch of Apple's iPad Mini 5 Still Uncertain Uncertain, According to Sources

By Edward Leano, Christian Post Contributor Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Unfortunately for the Apple iPad Mini fans still waiting for the next version of the device, the possibility remains uncertain. The iPad product line can probably expect a refresh in March 2017, but it's still unconfirmed on whether the iPad mini will be among those that will come out.

Last month, Mac World reported a claim by a source within Apple's Asia supply chain that the iPad range will see an update and will be announced on March 2017. Based on the unconfirmed news, the new iPads will launch alongside the Apple Pencil 2.

The Mac Observer has written about rumors that the Apple Pencil 2 will have built-in magnets in the stylus that will dock them to the iPad. This is a similar, if slightly different, concept from the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, in which the magnets are built into the tablet.

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Sources informing DigiTimes, however, have a different story. Another supply chain informant claims that the tablets "may not be announced or even released in the market until the second half of 2017." None of these rumors, however, have word on the 7.9-inch model.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities is not expecting the iPad to come in the mini form factor, either. In an earlier report covered by 9 to 5 Mac, Kuo has listed the models that he thinks will be coming: "The new models will come in 12.9", 10-10.5" and 9.7" versions. We note the 12.9" model will be the second generation of the existing 12.9" iPad Pro, the 10-10.5" model will be the high-end model equipped with a narrow bezel design, and the 9.7" model will be the low-priced option."

Kuo did mention the mini model in passing, but only to observe that there could be a rise in the average iPad retail price due to "decreasing exposure to iPad mini." This could come true if the 7.9-inch device does disappear from the market.

While this may not mean that the iPad mini line has been axed, the reports from sources all have a thing in common — the smaller model is still nowhere to be seen. So far, it still looks uncertain that Apple will be releasing an iPad smaller than 9.7 inches.