Rumor: Fifth generation iPad mini to return next year (but I don’t think so)

A report from China Business News — as noted by AppleInsider — says Apple is preparing a new version of the iPad min for next year.

The report says a new, low-priced model of the 7.9-inch iPad mini is slated for the first half of 2019, with the supply chain starting production for the model in late December. The article also claims that a new version of the 9.7-inch tablet is coming next year, but will have a larger screen (more than 10 inches) in a narrower frame.

Chances the rumor is true, according to the Sellers Research Group (that’s me): 25%. I think the iPad mini is discontinued. The 9.7-inch (or 10-inch, if China Business News is correct) is the low end Apple tablet. And if you need a slightly smaller screen, there are the iPhone Xs and Xs Max.