While most of Apple’s product line has been refreshed in the last 12 months, one gadget has been languishing for a while without an upgrade. We are of course talking about the poor old iPad mini. Last updated two years ago, the mini is starting to look a bit old – and if we are to believe new leaks, it may even be approaching retirement age.
A new report suggests the iPad mini may soon be replaced by the so-called iPhone Flip, Apple’s much-rumored folding iPhone. Touted as a smartphone / tablet, it makes sense that the new device could take over the tiny tablet – but if true, we’ll definitely be sad to say goodbye to one of our favorite drawing tablets.
According to MyDrivers (as pointed out by PocketNow), Apple plans to replace the iPad mini with the iPhone Flip in 2022 or 2023. Rumored to have a larger screen than the iPad mini in a smaller case (folded), the new device should deliver a double whammy for on-the-go creatives: a larger digital canvas in a more portable package.
And since the foldable iPhone is rumored to have Apple Pencil support, it sure sounds like an incredible digital artist gadget. A tiny device that folds out to reveal a large screen to sketch when inspiration strikes sounds like a winner to us.
That said, we’ll be sad to see the iPad mini disappear. The little tablet certainly has its place, even if it doesn’t currently see the same contemporary edge-to-edge design as its bigger siblings, the and (If you’re in the mood for a tablet with the super-sleek new design, check out our best iPad deals.)
Plus, over the past 12 months we’ve seen some brilliant future iPad mini concepts that prove that there can still be some life in Apple’s smallest iPad. From this iPad Pro-inspired design to a slightly more imaginative concept with Touch ID below the display, there are clearly enough ways Apple could tweak the mini to keep it in the race.
Still, with the iPhone Flip not said to be around for at least another year, we’d say the iPad mini is safe – for now. And hey, it might even get a long-awaited update at next month’s rumored Apple event. If you don’t want to wait to find out, check out our best iPad deals below (and head over to our main Apple deals page for more great deals).
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