Wishlist To Apple: Why There Should Be An iPad Mini Pro

Tablets like the iPad 10 and iPad Air 5 are among the most popular and best-selling tablets worldwide. However, we in the MyNextTablet editorial team agree that an Apple Pro tablet in mini format is missing. We want an iPad Mini Pro.

In comparison to other tablet manufacturers, what is striking about Apple is that the product range of the technology giant from California is not particularly broad. With the normal iPad, the Air variant, the iPad Mini and the iPad Pro, Apple is limited to just four different devices.

Manufacturers like Lenovo or Samsung offer a much more diverse range.

One could argue that Apple simply doesn’t need to diversify its tablet lineup. Finally, the sales figures are good. However, we think that Apple’s product range is by no means complete.

What’s missing is a small but powerful tablet – a more compact iPad Pro, so to speak. Such an iPad Mini Pro, for example, would be the ideal device for working people who need a reliable travel companion. Plus, an 8-inch tablet with an M2 chip and a 120Hz display would definitely provide a lot of fun.

Here’s a wishlist to Apple.

What Is The Difference Between iPad Pro and iPad Mini?

Let’s start with the obvious: While the iPad Mini is handy and compact with a screen 8.3 inches, the Pro series offers a significantly larger screen area. The 12.9-inch version in particular impresses with its pleasantly large and, by the way, fantastically designed screen.

Differences are also clearly noticeable in terms of weight. At just 293g in the Wi-Fi version, the iPad Mini is one of the lightest tablets on the market. The more than 680 g of the larger Pro version, on the other hand, can cause muscle soreness in the wrist if you have to hold the device in your hand for a long time without support. The iPad Pro 11” is in the middle at 466 g in the Wi-Fi version.

The following comparison shows how much the two iPads differ in their dimensions: The external dimensions of the 12.9” device are similar to the A4 sheet format (8.3 x 11.7 inches, similar to Letter printing paper). The iPad Mini, on the other hand, is even slightly smaller than A5 (5.8 x 8.3 inches, more similar to a greeting card format).

The difference in performance is not surprising. The A15 chip from the Mini is by no means bad. On the contrary: the processor easily leaves most Android tablets behind when it comes to benchmark comparisons.

Of course, the A15 chip cannot compete with the M2 chip from the current iPad Pro.

The Two iPads Are Similar in This Respect

However, there are some similarities. For example, both devices support the second generation of the Apple Pencil. The battery life of both tablets was around six hours in our test. We run YouTube videos in endless loops on the HD setting at maximum brightness.

Another similarity is that the Pro series and the Mini series have a fully laminated display. Details like these clearly show the relationship between the compact device and its powerful relative. The manufacturer did not use laminated screens in the iPad 9 and iPad 10.

We’d have to emphasize that the two tablets naturally address completely different target groups. The iPad Pro is the ultimate premium tablet and cannot be beaten when it comes to display quality and computing power.

It is designed to be a workhorse for designers, photographers and similar professionals. Despite its good performance and workmanship, the iPad Mini is more of a device for leisure use.

This also explains the fundamental difference in the quality of the devices. And the iPad Mini is deliberately said to be worse than an iPad Pro. What else could you expect with a price difference of at least $300?

The iPad Mini Put to the Test: What Are the Limits of the Compact Tablet?

In past reviews and articles, we have repeatedly praised the quality of the iPad Mini. Furthermore, we do not change our opinion that this tablet is a good option for many users.

It is the undisputed leader among compact tablets. Nevertheless, there are limits to what you can do with the iPad Mini in everyday life. First and foremost is the limited storage space.

A maximum of 256 GB is clearly not enough, especially if you use the tablet for professional purposes. Or if you want to save films and series on the device. Many users would like Apple to be more accommodating here.

The RAM also seems very limited at just 4GB. Even iPhones sometimes have twice the RAM capacity. Unfortunately, the iPad Mini is not suitable for demanding software such as video editing.

The unfortunate jelly effect of the iPad Mini cannot go unmentioned. The positive aspects of the display, including good resolution and nice contrasts, are marred by the annoying jelly effect. Apple should urgently fix this flaw.

The Wish List: In Our Opinion, These Features Are Missing From the iPad Mini

So how could the iPad Mini become a real premium tablet that won’t let you down – no matter what you plan to do with it?

Well, we have some ideas:

First and foremost is the processor. The compact tablet would certainly benefit from an upgrade, as it opens up whole new target groups of prospective buyers. You can wish for at least one M2 chip. This is especially true since the new generation of the iPad Pro probably will come really soon. And if you believe the rumors, the M3 processor is just around the corner.

While the iPad Air in the new generation could get an M2 chip, the iPad Mini Pro could also be equipped with the M2. Even better with an M3 for a true pro tablet.

The next important feature we would like to see is a keyboard cover. Of course, this wish is not easy to fulfill. After all, the tablet measures just 19.58 cm in length and the keyboard size is therefore very limited. On the other hand, Apple’s engineers and developers are known for their innovative solutions. With a high-quality keyboard cover, the compact iPad would be suitable as a laptop replacement for short vacations or business trips.

An upgrade to a 120 Hz display with ProMotion technology would also be nice. The compact “iPad Mini Pro” would then be more suitable for applications in the media sector or for gaming. Even if we don’t require HDR technology, at least a slight improvement in SDR brightness to 600 nits would be desirable. This means that the display corresponds to that of the iPad Pro 11” in all important parameters.

The desire for more storage space has already been heard. An increase to a maximum storage size of up to 2 TB could be worthwhile here. And if you need the storage space, you’ll probably be happy to spend a little more for it. So Apple would not have any financial disadvantages.

The list goes on. Surely some readers would like ProRes technology or 4-speaker audio. Thunderbolt support and the media engine would also be features that would be welcomed by users.

But we would be very happy with an M2 chip, a keyboard cover, an upgrade to the display and more storage space.

iPad Mini Pro: Does It Have a Large Target Group?

Now that we’ve expressed our vision for a premium compact device from Apple, the next question is: Who would use such a device?

In our opinion, an iPad Mini Pro would be ideal for users who travel a lot and like to travel light. The tablet would easily fit into any briefcase and perform reliably thanks to high-quality hardware.

Such a device could also be used as a vacation and weekend tablet. For example, users who use a Mac Pro in the office might need a compact Pro tablet to be able to do one or two things that are left behind during the week, regardless of location – without major technical restrictions.

Ultimately, an iPad Mini Pro would be a great option for anyone looking for something more than an iPhone but doesn’t want to buy a full-sized iPad Pro in the 11″ or 12.9″ versions.

How Likely Is an 8-Inch Pro Tablet To Be Launched?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much hope for quantum leaps in hardware for the next generation of iPad Mini. Due to the lack of competition, the tablet is already by far the best 8-inch tablet on the market. So there is little impetus for Apple to improve the smallest member of the iPad family.

Even if the device has its limitations, customers who need a powerful compact tablet are forced to turn to the iPad Mini.

According to rumors, the trend in the Pro series is towards even larger displays. It seems very likely that the larger version of the iPad Pro will grow to a 13-inch screen size in the next generation.

However, it cannot be ruled out that other premium manufacturers such as Samsung or Microsoft will soon discover the current market gap in the 8-inch segment. If a device were to be released that significantly surpasses the iPad mini in terms of features or performance, Apple would likely respond by upgrading their product to match or exceed this new competitor.

Conclusion: Dreaming Is Allowed

The introduction of an “iPad Mini Pro” currently seems unrealistic – but no one can be denied their dreams. And after all, Apple is known for surprising new device launches. New models are usually kept well under wraps. So who knows?

Our hope remains that an Apple engineer in distant California will come across our article and be inspired by the idea of a powerful iPad Mini.