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The iPad mini has been relatively unchanged in nearly half a decade, at least aside from spec updates and the surprising addition of Apple Pencil support. However, that may finally change this year, as some forecasters and analysts, like the famous Ming-chi Kuo, believe that the iPad mini will look slightly different for the first time in a long time. Now a new rumor has emerged and while it is incomplete, it appears to be generating some interest in an iPad mini Pro later this year.
For years, the iPad mini has stuck with its now-aged design and 7.9-inch screen. According to the leaks, the 2021 model, which would be its sixth generation, would have a larger screen, between 8.4 and 9 inches. The problem, however, is that it will still have the exact same dimensions and design, only with thinner bezels to fit the larger screen.
In South Korea, however, a rumor points to an iPad mini Pro with even more differences than the anticipated iPad mini 6. This would have an 8.7-inch screen, a wider body and a longer height. Other than that, be silent on what other changes there will be, leaving the rest to speculation.
This iPad mini Pro rumor raises a lot of questions, including what will be “professional” about it. With improved specifications and Apple Pencil support, current and next-generation iPad mini may already be considered professional models in their class. Apple could include some kind of smart keyboard, but it’s almost unimaginable that it would diversify and dilute its product line in such a way.
Indeed, such an iPad mini Pro would have to answer the question of who would buy such a device in the first place. 9to5Mac explains that the continued success of the iPad mini is mainly due to companies who prefer that things do not change over the years to remain compatible with the systems and accessories in which they could have invested. The expected changes to the iPad mini 6 actually point to that more conservative update, suggesting that in the end, it might not be a huge market for an iPad mini Pro.
