The iPad mini 4, Apple's fourth generation iPad mini could be a miniaturized version of the iPad Air 2, according to Japanese blogger blog Mac Otakara. The blogger claimed the iPad mini 4 will have almost the same features and specifications of the iPad Air 2, including an 8-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera, ultra-thin 6.1mm design and possibly a fully laminated display with anti-reflective coating.
"Compared to iPad Air the height and width of a iPad Air 2 are the same and the thickness is 6.1mm. Similar to this, the iPad mini 4 compared to iPad mini 3 is said to have the same height and width and a thickness of 6.1mm," Mac Otakara said in his blog, and added, "Additionally, the specifications will be the same as the iSight camera of a iPad Air 2 and there is a possibility that Fully laminated display and Antireflective coating will be applicated."
Mac Otakara hinted that Apple might release the new iPad mini series, including the iPad Pro and iPad mini 4 as individual new products together with the A-9-based iPad Air 3, following reports from Apple it would not be changing the shapes of the iPad series. The iPad mini 4 is expected to be Apple's last 7.9-inch tablet as the company wants to focus on tablets with bigger screens, like the iPad Air and the iPad Pro.
iPad Air 3, Rumors and Speculations
The iPad Air 3 has been rumored for release around October and November this year consistent with Apple's release schedule. The company released the iPad Air 2 to the media in Apple's Cupertino campus in California on 16 October 2014 while the iPad Air 1 was unveiled on 22 October 2013, and released at the start of November.
However, new reports from ITPRO claimed that the formal launch of the iPad Air 3 could be delayed until next year. The web site cited the Chinese publication Economic Daily News, which quoted Fubon Hardware investment advisor Liaoxian Li as saying that Apple would stop production of a new iPad Air until next year as the firm would want to concentrate on the launch of the iPad Pro and iPad Mini 4.
MacWorld said the new iPad Air 3 would likely cost the same as the iPad Air 2 when it was launched or $499 for the 16GB, $599 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $699 for the 128GB version. However, the iPad Air 2 is expected to drop to at least $99 in October, the report added.
An October release of the iPad Air 3 is consistent with Apple's release schedule, it added. The iPad Air 2 was introduced to the media in Apple's Cupertino campus in California on 16 October 2014 while the iPad Air 1 was unveiled on 22 October 2013, and released at the start of November.
Compared to the iPad Air 2, which is sporting an A8X 64-bit processor, 2GB of RAM, the iPad Air 3 will have an A9 or an A9X chipset with 3GB of RAM for faster processing and to allow for speedy multi-tasking capabilities using an iOS 9 operating system. The iPad Air 3 is also expected to feature 2K resolution with 3D display with 400ppi, and a 13-megapixel camera with LED flash. The tablet will also feature a more powerful battery to support the faster processor, larger monitor, as well as its other features, said iPadAir3Update.
