iPad mini 5 leak reveals better camera setup, headphone jack

The most recent iPad mini rendition was released in September 2015; over three years later, the next generation may finally be arriving.

According to a report by China Times released last week, the iPad mini 5 (the actual name of the device is not yet known) could be launched as soon as early 2019.

Adding weight to that claim, Slash Leaks tweeted an image of a purported case for the device on Monday.

The clear case sports a headphone port, the other typical functional ports of the iPad, and an additional mysterious cutout in the center of the right side. This may potentially be a feature of the case unrelated to the device it will protect; users will have to wait to find out.

The front has an oval cutout in the top left corner which suggests that the front camera may be accompanied by a proper flash. The image also shows that the rear microphone has been shifted to the center.

The iPad mini 4 currently starts at $399 (about P21,000) for 128 gigabytes. Several reports suggest that its successor will be about $100 (about P5,200) cheaper. JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

Retina iPad Mini may be launched Nov. 21

Apple's much-awaited Retina iPad mini tablet may launch on Nov. 21, if a product listing on a US retailer's site is any indication.

Enthusiast site MacRumors.com cited the listing on Target.com, which showed the product had a release date of Nov. 21.

"(It suggests) Apple's new tablet could make its debut on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. Thus far, Apple has not provided a prospective release date for its iPad mini with Retina Display, offering up only broad November launch plans," it said.

The product listing was still live on Target.com as of Thursday afternoon, Manila time.


It suggested the new tablet would sell for $399.99, and would feature 16GB of storage and Wi-Fi, and is available in space gray and black.

MacRumors said that while a November 21 launch date could be a simple guess by Target, it is a "logical release day" as it falls before Thanksgiving "and more importantly, before Black Friday, which is a major shopping holiday in the United States."

Also, it said a late November launch may give Apple a chance to focus on the iPad Air for most of the month.

"It is unclear, however, why Apple would choose to launch the Retina mini on a Thursday, as product releases typically fall on a Friday," it said.

The Retina iPad mini will run on an A7 processor, but is said to be in very short supply.

MacRumors cited a recent report saying stock of the Retina iPad mini will be "ridiculously tight" until early 2014.

"Though supplies of the Retina mini will be low, Apple is said to have a large quantity of iPad Airs available for purchase, which will likely alleviate some of the demand for the smaller tablet. Apple's iPad Air will go on sale this Friday, with online orders beginning at 12:01 AM in the United States and at varying times in other countries," it added. — TJD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com