Apple might kill its iPad mini lineup in favor of the highly rumoured 12.2-inch iPad Pro, a new sketchy report claims.
According to a report from Taiwan’s Economic Daily News [Google Translated] Apple is likely to cease production of new iPad mini models once the much-rumored 12-inch iPad gets launched.
It’s possible that the Cupertino’s alleged decision to discontinue the tablet line comes in wake of the growing demand for larger screen sizes, dwindling iPad sale numbers and cut-throat competition in the tablet market.
Apple’s decision will see the company turning its focus in favour of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus and the gigantic 12.2-inch iPad Pro rather than the smaller 7.9-inch iPad mini.
The report just adds another rumour because the source has been unnamed and unverified, but recent events hint at the possibility of truth to some extent. Last month when the Cupertino announced a major update to the iPad Air, which saw introduction of an upgraded A8X processor, Touch ID, improved camera, slimmer form factor and more features in the iPad Air 2, the iPad mini 3 remained untouched except for a new Touch ID button.
According to a recent report by Mac Otakara, Apple’s “iPad Pro,” which is expected to be replacing the 7.9-inch iPad mini, will feature a 12.2-inch display rather than the previously rumored 12.9-inch display. The device is likely to feature speakers and microphones on both the top and bottom edges, promising an improved stereo audio experience.
The report claims that the upcoming iPad Pro won’t be as thin as the iPad Air 2, but will have thickness between the iPhone 6 (6.9 mm) and iPhone 6 Plus (7.1 mm).