After experiencing an unprecedented drought of new models in 2023, the iPad has already gained new versions of the Air and Pro in 2024 (and seen a corresponding increase in sales). And it looks like there’s more where that came from.
Bloomberg reporter and tech expert Mark Gurman claimed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that many Apple stores are currently experiencing stock shortages of the current iPad mini “in multiple configurations.” Given the famously efficient nature of Apple’s logistics operations, such a widespread supply shortage — affecting multiple versions of a device at multiple locations — is often a sign that the company is deliberately cutting production ahead of a new model launch.
It’s about time. As Gurman points out, the iPad mini hasn’t been updated since 2021, and we’re quickly approaching the device’s third anniversary, which is pretty alarming. There was a time (during the first four generations of the product) when the mini received an update every fall like the iPhone, but even by later standards, we’re expected to see it either refreshed or discontinued.
Let’s be honest, a three-year gap between launches isn’t unprecedented. There was a three-and-a-half-year wait between the fourth- and fifth-generation models. But many of us wondered if Apple had given up on the idea. But a random iPad mini upgrade cycle is pretty common:
- iPad mini 6: September 2021
- iPad mini 5: March 2019
- iPad mini 4: September 2015
- iPad mini 3: October 2014
- iPad mini 2: October 2013
- iPad mini: October 2012
The long gap since the device was last updated makes the mini a deeply unattractive purchase right now. It still uses an A-class processor while even the iPad Air (which was at one point in many ways a larger equivalent of the mini) is two generations into its M-class Mac chips. Unlike other iPads, the mini still has its front-facing camera on the short edge, too, something I recently described as a 13-year-old design mistake.
Gurman says he wouldn’t be surprised if the iPad mini got an update to make it compatible with Apple Intelligence, which also means an upgrade from 4GB to 8GB of RAM, but to be honest, that’s the least of his worries. Notably, the iPad mini doesn’t support the latest Apple Pencil Pro or any version of the Magic Keyboard, and starts with a meager 64GB of storage.
To stay up to date with all the latest news and rumors about the new device, check out our regularly updated iPad mini 7 superguide.
