iPad Mini 5 Leaks: Another Underwhelming Apple Refresh

New leaks might have revealed the design and some of the internals of the iPad Mini 5. Released by a Chinese Twitter user

The iPad mini has been left untouched and unloved by Apple since 2015. But, a new leak may have revealed an imminent update to the mini line, suggesting we’ll see an iPad mini 5 in early 2019.

Chinese Twitter account @laobaiTD has shown off some images purporting to be the iPad mini 5. From the outset, we’ll say that these images should be taken with a big pinch of salt.

The account isn’t a known Apple leaker with a good pedigree of previous leaks. However, his Twitter account showcases loads of Apple prototype and pre-production models, so he might know someone, who knows someone, who’s in the know.

So, if these images are genuine, what can we expect from the new iPad mini and when will it go on sale?

Related – See our expert review of the new Apple iPad Pro

What Do We Know About the iPad Mini 5?

If @laobaiTD’s images are to be believed, the mini 5 is set to be a fairly underwhelming refresh of the iPad mini 4.

From the tweet above, you can see that the the mini 5 won’t get a USB-C charging port. This is probably due to the iPad minis being aimed at the cheaper end of the tablet market. In theory, these customers are more likely to be irked by their old Apple chargers not working in the iPad, so shouldn’t be so fussed by the lack of USB-C.

It also has a sizable antenna line at the top of rear casing. It’s unlikely that this would this would be for a 5G antenna, though, so don’t get your hopes up. Wireless charging also seems unlikely, despite recent AirPower release rumours, as the rear casing appears to be metal, rather than glass.

It does have a 3.5mm headphone jack at the top of the device, though, which is unusual for recent Apple products. Again, it hints that this model is more at the budget end, and that’s no bad thing.

We’ve seen no images of the screen on the mini 5, but we do have a cutaway image, showing some of the internals. The front-mounted camera isn’t pushed right into the top of the case, so it’s unlikely the mini 5 would have a notch. But it would likely have slim bezels, just like the new iPad Pro models.

Taking a look at an iPad mini 4 teardown on iFixit, it seems to be more of the same, although this new one would likely use the newest A12 Bionic processor, rather than the old A8 from the mini 4.

How does the iPad mini 5 compare to Apple’s other tablets? Find out in our Which iPad Should I Buy? guide

When the iPad Mini 5 be Released?

Apple normally holds a smaller annual product launch event in March, so this seems the obvious choice. Apple has updated or released new iPads at its last three March events.

However, this is the first time we’re hearing about a potential new iPad mini 5, and there’s normally a longer-tail of leaks with Apple products.

June 2019 could be a possibility, although launching a new iPad mini alongside the new iPhones due in September seems unlikely. Whenever it does appear, though, Tech.co will be there with all the coverage.

Read more about Apple and tablets on Tech.co

Did you find this article helpful? Click on one of the following buttons
We're so happy you liked! Get more delivered to your inbox just like it.

We're sorry this article didn't help you today – we welcome feedback, so if there's any way you feel we could improve our content, please email us at contact@tech.co

Written by:
Tom Fogden is a writer for Tech.co with a range of experience in the world of tech publishing. Tom covers everything from cybersecurity, to social media, website builders, and point of sale software when he's not reviewing the latest phones.
Explore More See all news
Back to top
close Building a Website? We've tested and rated Wix as the best website builder you can choose – try it yourself for free Try Wix today