The latest iPad mini has just been released before 2014 ended, and yet there are already rumors that the Apple slate will get a refreshed version next month.
According to a report by Gotta Be Mobile, Apple may be silently preparing a brand new device in the coming weeks. But why would the Cupertino manufacturer release a brand new device when its current tablets have not made their marks just yet?
In the report, it appears that Apple may have rushed the announcement of the iPad mini 3, because during the unveiling in October last year, the press event reportedly only allotted a grand total 30 seconds to the mini iPad.
Why would Apple do that? The answer is evident upon checking out the iPad mini 3's specs. Based on reports, its specs were almost the same as the iPad mini 2 - the first Retina mini Apple has produced.
In the report, the iPad mini 3 had the same resolution as its predecessor, the same RAM amount, and other features. The only differences of the mini 3 from the mini 2 are the Touch ID fingerprint sensor home button and the option for a gold colored frame.
Another report from Christian Post stated Apple has had an old habit of releasing new devices weeks after a big event, and in this case that's the unveiling of the new MacBooks.
While the report insisted that the Cupertino company has not done such a thing recently, it might return to its old habits simply because the entire mobile industry is still hyped up with the latest announcements back at the Mobile World Congress.
The announcement of the new iPad mini 4 would reportedly be a big thing for Apple and its competitors, as the company's tablet industry has slowed down in the last months.
In a comprehensive report by Statista, the number of tablet shipments and revenue for Apple's iPads ha dropped in 2014 from an all-time high in 2013. One reason for the downfal of the iPad is the rise of other Android slates that have similar or better specs than Apple's devices.
Aside from the rumored iPad mini 4, another highly-anticipated tablet from Apple is the iPad Pro, which packs a 12.9-inch Retina display, and even some qualities that may rival the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. Unfortunately, a report from Christian Today revealed that rumors are now pointing to a late 2015 release.
