Apple iPad mini could be discontinued

Apple is reportedly planning to discontinue the iPad mini, its 7.9-inch tablet that's been available since 2012. Of course, the tablet is now at its fourth iteration - iPad mini 4 - but this hasn't been properly updated since its original launch in 2015.

According to BGR, a "source close to Apple" mentioned that the iPad mini is being phased out because there's "fierce cannibalism" of Apple's own products, and sales numbers seemingly provide a "very clear" indication of the tablet's recent lack of popularity.

Size-wise, the iPad mini stands between the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus and the 9.7-inch iPad (including the Pro version). Unlike in 2012, 2013, or a large part of 2014, when there were no 5.5-inch iPhones on the market, the iPad mini is now in a rather awkward position, and it looks like consumers are simply less interested in mini tablets (especially when they're not exactly cheap).

Earlier this year, Apple changed its iPad mini 4 offering, so it's currently selling only a 128 GB version of the slate, and you can choose to get it in Wi-Fi-only ($399), or Wi-Fi + LTE ($529) flavors.

For now, there's no word on exactly when Apple will stop selling the iPad mini 4. Also, it's not clear if the company already stopped producing the device or not. But maybe we'll get an official statement on this sometime soon.

source: BGR