A report on Friday says Apple will soon update the iPad mini 3, bumping up its internal specs with an A8 processor and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The iPad mini 3 was viewed as somewhat of a disappointment when it debuted last fall, due to only minor improvements, including a Touch ID sensor.
Citing an unnamed source, Macotakara reported on Friday that a so-called “iPad mini 4” may arrive soon, featuring an A8 processor and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Those would be the same specifications found in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, but a step down from the beefier A8X chip found in the iPad Air 2.
Such a refresh would address the lack of updates for the iPad mini’s refresh last fall. The iPad mini 3 retained the same form factor and overall design as the iPad mini 2, gaining only a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, while retaining the previous model’s A7 processor.
Meanwhile, the iPad Air 2 received a thinner and lighter design than its predecessor, the iPad Air, while also receiving an improved A8X processor.
The Macotakara report also notes that delivery times for Apple’s MacBooks and iPads are slipping to between two and three weeks, just ahead of Apple’s media event this Monday, March 9. Also rumored to be on the way is a new MacBook Air sporting a 12-inch Retina display and redesigned chassis.
While Apple’s March 9 “Spring Forward” event is expected to feature the Apple Watch, it wouldn’t be unheard of for the company to slip in a few quick surprise announcements. The event begins on Monday, March 9, at 10AM Pacific/1 PM Eastern time, and MacTrast will be supplying full coverage.
