Rumors are increasing about a new iPad mini 5 and a successor to the entry-level iPad. According to new information, both models could be released very soon.
While Apple updates the iPad Pro models every fall, the entry-level 9.7" iPad has already been updated twice in a row in March. The Japanese blog Macotakara claims to have heard about Apple's spring plans as early as the end of December. The information is said to have come from supplier circles. According to the report, Apple will update the 9.7" iPad in the first half of 2019. The iPad Mini 5 is also due to follow after a long break. A recent report from Digitimes supports the statement made at the time. According to this, Apple is said to have ordered a large number of touch panels from the manufacturers TPK Holding and General Interface Solution (GIS). Both producers are expecting increasing sales in the coming months - according to Digitimes. Similar statements were recently made by the China Times and star analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
iPad 9.7" successor
According to the information, the inexpensive entry-level model could be replaced by a 10" model. This should be achieved by narrowing the edges. It remains to be seen which biometric decryption method the inexpensive iPad will be equipped with. The introduction of a new Touch ID sensor would be possible.
A new patent was announced in early December. According to this, the cheaper iPad could be equipped with a fingerprint sensor under the display. Similar information has already been provided by suppliers. The Taiwanese company General Interface Solution (GIS) and the Chinese manufacturer O-Film Tech are among those supplying this technology. Face ID is more complex to produce and costs more. For this reason, facial recognition will initially be reserved for the more expensive iPad Pro models. By installing this new fingerprint sensor, the cheaper iPad model could be given a design refresh and the home button could be eliminated - without significantly increasing production costs. The report does not provide any further information on the specifications.
In addition to an improved display, the processor of the iPad mini 5 will most likely also be revised. According to the current report, the 7.9″ iPad will be offered at a particularly low price. Whether this will ultimately be the case remains to be seen.
