iPad Mini news: Phase out looms with Apple possibly hyping new 9.7-inch iPad Pro variant

The iPad Mini is another Apple device with an uncertain future, much of which could be revealed at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2017 this June. Poor sales could force the hand of Apple to phase out the tablet and integrate it with the rising iPad Pro line.

According to BGR, sources reveal something brewing from the Cupertino company’s end. A potential discontinuation of the iPad Mini is plausible after news of the tablet failing to live up to hype. However, only the iPad Mini namesake could be kicking the bucket. This means that the iPad Mini could be re-introduced as one of the smaller iPad Pro variants, particularly the 9.7-inch model.

If true, this would see an iPad Mini coming out in the form of a redesigned 9.7-inch iPad Pro. It will technically carry similar specs as the 10.5-inch variant, the only difference of which would be the smaller form.

Hence, it will be interesting how Apple would be able to include those specs in a smaller tablet. There could be a bezel-less display similar to the plans for the iPhone 8, meaning the Cupertino company may resort to iterations in a re-branding of sorts. The tablet may become a device best used for light reading and effortless browsing.

Hearing about these plans is nothing new and has in fact been mentioned before. A lot would depend on the numbers game. Apple has been dealing with reeling sales figures, a fact that has brought up speculations of product lines being killed.

All that could be explained at the WWDC 2017, an event normally dedicated to software. As mentioned in a previous post, some devices are expected to be shown like the MacBook Pro 2017 and MacBook Air. Curiously, the MacBook Air had its share of possibly being killed off before. Apple, though, reportedly had a change of heart. Could the iPad Mini be treated the same?

The difference between the iPad Mini and the MacBook Air is that the latter is still being sought through orders to date. The iPad Mini may be getting its share of requests, but its financial history leaves a lot to be desired.

Killing the iPad Mini may not be announced at the WWDC 2017. Apple may still be trying to figure things out. Unless the demand and numbers change, the device is more than likely to be discontinued moving forward.