iPad Mini 4 Rumors: The Last Of The Mini? Expected To Feature Slimmer Design, A8X Processor, 2 GB RAM

There have been many rumors surrounding Apple’s iPad Mini 4. Speculation about the company’s plans to release the iPad Mini 4 later this year also continue to surface. However, some conflicting reports say it could even be releaseed as soon as April. According to several reports, the iPad Mini 4 could be the last tablet in the Mini line as Apple focuses on creating larger iPads.

The LatinPost said that the original iPad Mini and iPad Mini 3 are leaving the market, while the iPad Mini 3 and the new iPad Mini 4 would remain for now. The Mini 4 is expected to have a slimmer design with a laminated display and reduced internal reflections. It’s also expected to have an A8X processor and 2GB RAM for probably the same selling price as the iPad Mini 3.

Some reports have hinted that Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus is a reason for the iPad Mini’s declining sales, according to ITPRO. Apple’s global market share fell from 29 percent to 23 percent year-over-year in 2014, says the report. Forbes’ Trefis Team believes that consumers want a tablet that’s larger and easier to use while relaxing at home or on the go.

“While the mini is still likely to prove popular with customers who seek an affordable, easy-to-use tablet with a comfortable viewing experience (130 per cent more area than iPhone 6 Plus), the one-device-fits-all proposition of the iPhone 6 Plus is likely to hurt sales. We believe that an iPhone 6 Plus customer will be less inclined to purchase an iPad mini, given that the iPhone 6 Plus provides a good balance in terms of functionality, screen size and portability.”

What’s the real reason behind the decline in iPad Mini sales? Gartner research director, Ranjit Atwal said that consumers don’t want to upgrade from a smartphone to a tablet or vice versa. They want to rely on one device or another. Some consumers prefer to use tablets, while others stick to their smartphones. It’s all about the simplicity of using one device for everything.

“The device market continues to evolve, with the relationship between traditional PCs different form factor ultramobiles and mobile phones becoming increasingly complex. Some tablet users are not replacing a tablet with a tablet, they are favouring a hybrid or two-in-one devices, increasing its share of the ultramobile premium market to 22 per cent in 2014, and 32 per cent in 2018.”

There’s another rumor that Apple will unveil the new iPad Mini 4 alongside the iPad Pro. Both of the devices are expected to debut in April and may be released to the market on the same day. The iPad Mini 4 and iPad Pro will also come with some new and improved features. The iPad Pro is similar to the iPad Air 2, but it’s going to be “a lot thinner and lighter,” according to News Everyday.

Apple has not confirmed the rumors about discontinuing the iPad Mini line, including the Mini 3. It also hasn’t revealed any information about the iPad Mini 4 and the possibility of a larger tablet. Right now, everything that’s known about the iPad Mini 4 is just rumors and speculation.

[Image: kawaiikiri/Flickr]