The iPad Mini 3 was released after its predecessor and featured several upgrades. The addition of a Touch ID sensor allowed users to securely unlock their device, while camera improvements provided better image quality. The Retina display, A7 chip, and M7 motion coprocessor remained the same as in the previous model. However, the iPad Mini 3 launched with iOS 8.1 at the time, and there was no 32 GB option available.

The iPad Mini 3 was similar to its predecessor in terms of size, weight, pre-installed software, and hardware. The only noticeable difference was its launch price. The two higher storage models were dropped, and the 16 and 32 GB models saw their prices reduced by $100. The WiFi-only models started at $399, while the LTE-enabled models cost $529. By the time of its release, however, the second-generation iPad Mini had received multiple price reductions and was ultimately less expensive than the third-generation model.

Unlike the original iPad Mini and the iPad Mini 2, the iPad Mini 3 did not receive significant praise from critics. Part of this was due to the fact that while other iPad models, particularly the iPad Air 2, received major hardware boosts, the iPad Mini 3 hardly received any new updates at all. The main reason for this decline was the actual market for 7-inch tablets had begun to decrease. This decline was largely due to smartphones adopting larger displays that approached seven inches, making the demand for smaller tablets like the iPad mini gradually fall.

Despite this decline, Apple still released a new generation of the iPad Mini, called the iPad Mini 4, on September 9, 2015, during the Hey Siri special event. Unlike the iPad Mini 3, this model featured several significant upgrades. The device was thinner, lighter, and slightly taller than its predecessor. It included a dual-core A8 processor with an upgraded M8 motion coprocessor, and its RAM was doubled to 2 GB. The display featured an anti-reflective coating that paired with its highly improved color profile to give much better picture quality than its predecessor.

The iPad Mini 4 also had a slightly longer battery life, improved WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, and finally featured a higher-quality 8MP camera – which was the same one featured in the iPad Air 2. As far as software, the iPad Mini 4 came pre-installed with iOS 9 but could support all versions up to iOS 11. Because of its 2 GB of RAM, it was the first iPad mini model that supported multitasking features like Slide Over, Split View, and Picture in Picture mode.

At its release, customers could choose between 16, 64, or 128 GB models, ranging from $399 to $599 for WiFi-only and from $529 to $729 for LTE models. Today, the iPad Mini 4 is the most recent model available and is only available in the 128 GB version and costs $399 for a WiFi-only model and $529 for the LTE-enabled model.

Despite its new features and improvements unveiled in 2015, the iPad Mini 4 received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the new release as a major upgrade, others pointed out that it was still underpowered compared to other tablets. For example, the iPad Air 2 was released in the same year as the iPad Mini 4, but it featured a new A8X processor, while the Mini 4 utilized the year-old A8 processor.

This issue has only become worse since the line hasn't received any updates in nearly three years. This means that the iPad mini you buy today features a processor that was released four years ago. Things get uglier when comparing the iPadmini line to the newest 2018 iPad, which features Apple Pencil support, an A10 processor, a 9.7-inch display, and costs just $329 - $70 cheaper than the smaller, older iPad Mini 4.

Many people are speculating about the future of the iPad Mini line. Given that it hasn't received any major upgrades in three years, it seems unlikely that we can expect another release anytime soon. Others have been quick to point out that Apple generally updates products annually if they show market potential – and sales of the iPad Mini have done nothing but decline for two generations.

This means that the short-lived and tumultuous life of the Mini line is probably just about over. However, iOS 11 supports devices with A8 processors and will likely continue to do so for at least a few more years. That means, while customers might expect to see more price reductions for the iPad Mini 4, it probably won’t be removed from Apple’s shelves just yet.

The future of the iPad Mini line is uncertain, but one thing is clear: its decline has been due to the shift in market demand. The actual market for 7-inch tablets had begun to decrease, largely due to smartphones adopting larger displays that approached seven inches. This decline has made it unlikely that Apple will continue to produce new models of the iPad Mini anytime soon.

However, with the release of new devices and updates to existing ones, there is always a chance that the iPad Mini could make a comeback in some form. Whether this happens or not remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the iPad Mini has left an indelible mark on the world of tablets, and its legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

As we move forward, it's worth considering what Apple might do next with regards to the iPad Mini. Will they discontinue production altogether, or will they find a way to revitalize the line? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the iPad Mini has been an important part of Apple's lineup for many years, and its future will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.

With that in mind, it's worth taking a look back at the iPad Mini's history and the factors that have contributed to its decline. By understanding what went wrong and what Apple might do next, we can better appreciate the significance of this device and its place in the world of tablets.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enHey guys, it’s Greg with Apple Explained,and today we’re going to explore the historyof the iPad mini.This topic was the first place winner of lastweeks voting poll and if you didn’t getto vote, make sure you’re subscribed, thatway the voting polls will show up right inyour activity feed and you can let me knowwhich video you’d like to see next.So the iPad mini is a device that’s hada tumultuous history right from the start,and every model has been met with some levelof criticism, both from the public and fromwithin Apple itself.Many have wondered where the iPad mini standsin Apple’s tablet lineup and how it compareswith other competitors, especially since ithasn’t received a significant update inalmost three years.So in this video I’m going to talk aboutthe history of the iPad mini line, then talka little bit about what the upcoming yearsmay hold for this device.So, the first iPad Mini was announced on October23, 2012 in San Jose, California at a specialevent held at the California Theater.Rumors had been circulating for a while thata smaller iPad was in the works, so it wasno surprise when Phil Schiller revealed thenew device alongside new releases of the MacBookPro, Mac Mini, and iMac.Now, in the few years prior to the announcement,competitors to the 9.7-inch iPad had startedto creep up.Android-based devices, most measuring about7 inches, were slowly starting to find theirplace in the market.But Steve Jobs believed pretty strongly thatApple had an advantage with the 9.7” iPad,since the larger display was necessary fora comfortable internet browsing experience.So where did the idea of a smaller iPad comefrom?Well it came from Eddy Cue, the senior vicepresident of Internet Software and Services.Cue tried to convince Jobs and Cook that itwould be necessary for Apple to develop asmaller iPad and sent out emails to a otheradministrators at Apple, citing his own experienceas evidence for why a 7-inch iPad was a goodidea.In 2011, he sent a particularly pointed emailto Cook, Scott Forstall, and Phil Schillerwith the subject line “Why I Just Dumpedthe iPad (Hint: Size Matters)”.Cue, and many others, apparently felt thatas long as competitors were successfully sellingsmaller tablet devices, Apple could carveout a place in the market.While Jobs was hesitant, the potential tocompete with the Amazon Kindle and Barnesand Noble Nook for book sales was a compellingthought, and the iPad, while revolutionaryin its own right, couldn’t fill every nicheon its own.Eventually, all of Cue’s efforts paid off.And Cook, Apple’s acting CEO, agreed todevelop a 7.9-inch iPad model.On November 2, 2012, the first-generationiPad Mini was officially released.It was available in 16, 32, and 64 GB optionsand could be purchased as a WiFi-only capabledevice or an LTE device.The initial price ranged from $329 for a 16GB, WiFi-only model to $659 for a 64 GB, LTEmodel, and all contained a multi-touch, LED-backlitdisplay, 1080p HD camera, accelerometer andgyroscope, and Lightning Connector.The first generation mini supported iOS 6.0and continued to support systems up to iOS9.3.5.It came in two colors, silver and slate, witha white or black glass front to match.Finally, it featured an Apple A5 dual-coreprocessor, Bluetooth 4.0, and offered 10-hourbattery life.On the software side, the first iPad Minihad a number of interesting features.It could act as a WiFi hotspot, it was compatiblewith software like GarageBand and iMovie,and it came pre-installed with a number ofapps like iTunes, the App Store, Game Center,and Contacts.It also included the iBooks app which wasan attempt to challenge some of the competitionfrom devices like the Amazon Kindle and theBarnes and Noble Nook.In addition to offering books from many ofthe same publishers, Apple actually went asfar as to pay some of the publishers to increaseprices for books on other, non-iBook platforms– a decision which would ultimately resultin a lot of bad publicity and expensive litigation.Apart from its size, the first iPad Mini waspretty similar to the iPad 2 in every way– including criticisms.The Mini received mostly positive reviews,which praised its size, tech specs, and theusual Apple innovation.But many pointed out the lack of expandablestorage which, for many artists, businesspeople, and musicians, could be a seriousissue.Others pointed out the lack of Retina displaytechnology, which was available on the larger9.7 inch iPad.And finally, many people were frustrated bythe use of Apple’s Lightning Connecter,since it required new power cables which wereexpensive and easily worn out.Nonetheless, the first iPad Mini remainedpopular for nearly three years and was discontinuedon June 19, 2015.The iPad Mini 2 was released a year afterthe first in October 2013 and served as ananswer to many of its previous criticisms.It was initially marketed as the “iPad Miniwith Retina Display” before the name waschanged to reflect a bigger overhaul fromthe original version.The biggest change with this model, as indicatedby its name, was the upgrade to a 2,048 x1,536 resolution Retina display – a responseto perhaps the biggest criticism of the firstgeneration device.Another significant change was the inclusionof an A7 system-on-a-chip, which featureda CPU four times as powerful, and a GPU eighttimes as powerful, without a major drop inpower efficiency.Its RAM was doubled to 1 GB, an M7 motionco-processor was added to help with sensordata collection, and WiFi capability was improved.More LTE bands were supported on this newrelease, making it more comparable to theiPad Air than the iPad 2.So, this generation lasted four years andsupported several different iOS versions,from 7 through iOS 11.It was available in the same colors, but withthe additional storage option of 128 GB.Pricing for the WiFi-only models started at$399 for 16 GB all the way to $699 for 128GB.For an LTE model, the prices jumped to $529for 16 GB all the way to a whopping $829 for128 GB.But despite its high price, the iPad Mini2 received quite a bit of praise.But its biggest criticism was the qualityof its cameras, which were much lower thanthose available on an iPhone.Also, the second generation took longer tocharge than the first, and was actually thickerand heavier because of its bigger battery.Next up was the iPad Mini 3, released on October22, 2014.This generation was announced alongside theiPad Air 2 and lasted another year beforebeing discontinued on September 9, 2015.Unlike the iPad Mini 2, which was a prettysignificant upgrade from the first release,the third generation didn’t make as manyradical changes from its predecessor.Its design was almost identical except forbeing available in gold, and the internaltechnology was also similar.The biggest changes the iPad mini 3 was theaddition of a Touch ID sensor and camera improvements.Now the iPad Mini 3, like its predecessor,featured a Retina display, A7 chip, and M7motion coprocessor.It ran iOS 8.1 at the time of release andhad no 32 GB option but was otherwise verysimilar to the Mini 2 in size, weight, pre-installedsoftware, and hardware.One of the only noticeable differences wasits launch price.The two higher storage models were droppedand the 16 and 32 GB models saw their pricesreduced by $100.So the iPad Mini 3 started at $399 for WiFi-onlymodels and $529 for LTE enabled models.But by the time of its release, the secondgeneration had received multiple price reductionsand was ultimately less expensive than thethird generation.So, unlike the original iPad Mini and theiPad Mini 2, the iPad Mini 3 didn’t receivea ton of praise.Part of this was due to the fact that whileother iPad models, particularly the iPad Air2, received major hardware boosts, the iPadMini 3 hardly received any new updates atall.But the iPad mini was facing a bigger problemthan its usual criticism.Because the actual market for 7” tabletshad begun declining.The main reason for this decline was due tosmartphones adopting larger displays thatapproached seven inches, meaning the demandfor smaller tablets like the iPad mini graduallyfell.But despite this decline, Apple still releaseda new generation, called the iPad Mini 4,on September 9, 2015 during the Hey Siri specialevent.Unlike the iPad Mini 3, this model featuredsome pretty significant upgrades.It was thinner, lighter, and slightly taller,it included a dual-core A8 processor withan upgraded M8 motion coprocessor, and itsRAM was doubled to 2 GB.The display featured an anti-reflective coatingthat, paired with its highly improved colorprofile, gave much better picture qualitythan its predecessor.Its battery life was also slightly longer,the WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities were improved,and, it finally featured a higher quality8MP camera – which was the same one featuredin the iPad Air 2.As far as the software, the iPad Mini 4 camepre-installed with iOS 9 but could supportall versions up to iOS 11.And because of it’s 2 GB of RAM, it wasthe first iPad mini model that supported multitaskingfeatures like Slide Over, Split View, andPicture in Picture mode.At its release, customers could choose between16, 64, or 128 GB models, ranging from $399to $599 for WiFi-only and from $529 to $729for LTE models.Today, the iPad Mini 4 is the most recentmodel and is only available in the 128 GBversion and costs $399 for a WiFi-only modeland $529 for the LTE enabled model.Now despite all its new features and improvementsunveiled in 2015, the iPad Mini 4 receivedmixed reviews.While some like the Verge praised the newrelease as a major upgrade, others have pointedout that it’s still pretty underpoweredcompared to other tablets.For example, the iPad Air 2 was released inthe same year as the iPad mini 4, but it featureda new A8X processor, while the Mini 4 utilizedthe year-old A8 processor.And this issue has only become worse sincethe line hasn’t received any updates innearly three years.So that means the iPad mini you buy todayfeatures a processor that was released fouryears ago.And things get uglier when comparing the iPadmini line to the newest 2018 iPad, which featuresApple Pencil support, an A10 processor, a9.7” display, and costs just $329 - $70cheaper than the smaller, older iPad Mini4.Now many people are speculating about thefuture of the iPad Mini line.Given that it hasn’t received any majorupgrades in three years, it seems unlikelythat we can expect another release any timesoon.Others have been quick to point out that Applegenerally updates products annually if theyshow market potential – and sales of theiPad Mini has done nothing but decline fortwo generations.This means that the short-lived and tumultuouslife of the Mini line is probably just aboutover.But either way, iOS 11 supports devices withA8 processors and will likely continue todo so for at least a few more years.That means, while customers might expect tosee more price reductions for the iPad Mini4, it probably won’t be removed from Apple’sshelves just yet.So that is the history of the iPad mini, andif you want to vote for the next video topic,don’t forget to subscribe.Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you nexttime.\n"