iPad mini in 2024 - Buy NOW or WAIT?

Apple in some way issued updates to their entire iPad lineup, except for one - the iPad mini which ironically was the iPad that needed the update the most and after 970 days, almost 3 years, without any updates... should you still buy an iPad mini or wait for the next one?

[td]

I’ve had a mini since first introduction. Perfect for travel, casual games, and web out and about. I would buy a Mini Pro in heartbeat.

[Mistardmuster]

I bought a mini a few weeks ago. I’m a grad student and it’s great for note taking, reading paper, answering emails, and probably will be great for viewing slides/lecture content once the new semester begins. I’ve read more books in the last 3 weeks than I have in a year because it’s so convenient as an ereader. I took it on a plane and it’s the perfect size for traveling and is unobtrusive when viewing media in your seat.

[JaimeMartinez-xxve]

Best iPad ever. Only an updated screen would make the mini better.

[jno]

I have a Mini 6 and an iPad Pro 10.5”

I used them in different ways, I’ve ordered the new iPad Pro 11” just because my 10.5” is old.

The issue with the Mini is the new Air; for $100 more you get a far faster processor, more cores, more Ram and double the memory. So the main advantage for the mini is its size….with the iPads price reduction the mini seems over priced, they should have also reduced the mini by $50.

[chrishitchings]

Actually it was even longer between the iPad mini 4 and 5 at 1, 286 days! (Yes I fact checked cause I had remembered thinking "hey it's been almost 4 years since the iPad mini 4 came out" like right before the 5 was announced)

[SPFboy]

I don't think Apple will update the iPad Mini this year. They definitely don't want competition for the Air and Pro models.

[marcokrauss]

Waited always a year now for a new mini. After the event I went back and forth in my head. Tomorrow I’ll collect my top spec iPad mini from the store. Just couldn’t wait any longer.

[ChromeJob]

Yes, yes, yes. "It won't replace your computer, … it's a third device." This is EXACTLY why the iPad Mini is IMHO one of the best, purest expressions of the iPad concept. Small, easy to carry, beautiful to look at (that higher PPI density), fully capable (you can pair a BT keyboard, and it welcomes the Pencil 2) for when inspiration strikes you.

I bought an iPad Mini 2 "Retina display" many years ago because the screen density made it a very good handheld to read PDF eBooks on (particularly technical ones). My current Mini is still my go-to eBook reader (Hoopla Digital, Kindle, Apple Books). It also does Messages, Photos, Google Voice really well. The Mail app is perfectly at home on this cozy screen.

And you hit the nail on the head, I can edit/update my Freeform sketches, Google Keep notes, other documents, then pick up on the Macbook Air … or my Mac Mini desktop to continue. In fact, Handoff makes it super-quick to do so If I'm near both devices! With a small Bluetooth keyboard (e.g. Logitech's K380) nearby, I can truly do just about anything on the go.

I'm envious of the outgoing M1 Air (that supports Pencil 2), even more envious of the Pencil Pro, … but the fact the new Pencil Pro doesn't work with the iPad Mini has me doubling down on this superb travel buddy. It all works FINE. Others can early-adopt the new stuff as Apple works out any kinks.

Oh, BTW … I wrote this comment on my iPad Mini with the K380. HAGWE!

[BoJangles]

I priced one the other day. With 256GB storage (64GB is worthless), the Apple Pencil 2, Smart Folio cover, and 2 years of Apple Care, it came to $831.

I am tempted, NGL. But for that much money, I can’t justify buying an almost 3-year-old device with planned obsolescence when a new model is likely coming a year from now.

[peterwarren]

I bought this iPad mini recently refurbished in the UK and I’m really glad that I did - excellent device that has aged well!

[LeicaCat]

Advice: wait until the new iPad mini 7 comes out… then buy the iPad mini 6 for even cheaper.

[pug_]

Currently using the 5th Gen iPad Mini, along with my iPhone 13 Mini and Apple Watch. The iPad Mini is the form factor that works for me - don’t need anything MacBook or iPad Pro sized - so I’m waiting impatiently for the new one.

Thanks for the content.

[agustinramirez]

It’s the perfect one for entertainment, read emails, browse internet, watch movies. I love the size. Great for travel. An upgrade to 9” and Oled will be fantastic.

[realStefanLowe]

Your assessment is right on. I still use a Mini 2 specifically for reading books.

[RetroBreak]

Love my iPad mini, I use it so much more then when I had an air before it. It’s perfect for reading and some simple productivity. Don’t feel like I need an update either, one of the best purchases I made honestly!

[eleegs]

It holds up. If they update it. They can save cost on keeping the front facing camera in the same location, add 120hz and update to the M2

[Adamoji]

You almost convinced me to buy an iPad mini… but then you talked me out of it. 😂🤔

[shavockiphea]

I was able to find a new iPad mini 6 in 2022 at a liquidation store with WiFi and cellular for $380. I didn’t even care that it was pink, I could not pass up that deal. 😅

[ryanrawlins]

My iPad mini lives locked in portrait mode. It is my notebook, ereader, sketchbook, simplified tablet. The only game I have on it is a sudoku that I use the Apple Pencil. It tends to get more use than my iPad Pro.

[TB-X]

I still have the iPad mini 5th generation and it’s aging well. I love the form factor and this is still good enough for me.