The Ming-Chi Kuo analysis indulges in some indiscretions regarding the future seventh-generation iPad mini. And as much to say that there would not be much to put in their mouths.
While an analyst estimated a few months ago that we could discover a folding iPad before theiPhone do not adopt this form factorwe learn today that the seventh generation iPad mini would not be the lucky one.
The thorny question of price
For Kuo, often a reference when it comes to predictions about the Apple ecosystem, a folding iPad mini would not make the slightest sense in the American giant’s catalog. The reason ? The price at which such a device would be sold.
It is true that the sixth generation iPad mini is already marketed at a rather high price (from 659€). A breakthrough product such as a folding iPad would significantly increase the bill, bringing the machine closer to an iPad Pro.
That being said, what Kuo puts forward as an argument can also be seen as proof that Apple will choose the iPad mini to experiment on this type of device. Indeed, we can start from the observation that the iPad mini is already sold much more expensive than theiPad standard (from 439€). Considering a folding edition of the tablet is therefore not totally to be excluded either.
A new chip as the only argument
In a second tweet, Kuo resumes and argues that the only argument of the seventh generation iPad mini would be its new chip. More powerful, more efficient and energy-saving, it would thus represent a fairly minor advance in this product line. A “simple” technical upgrade like the very recent iPad Pro M2.
According to Kuo, we can expect this new model to be marketed by 2024. Production would begin at the end of 2023. Once again, the most thorny question will remain that of price. It must indeed be remembered that the iPad mini of sixth generation was launched 100€ more expensive than the fifth generation… and that its price has increased again (discreetly) last fall to position itself at €659.