Connect with us

Apple

10 Things to Do Before the iPad mini 6 Release Date

Published

on

The iPad mini 6 release date looks like it will land soon. If you’re in the market for a new tablet, and you’re interested in a new iPad mini, there are some steps you should take before Apple makes an announcement.

As we push deeper into the year we’re hearing a lot about Apple’s plans for the fall. We’ve heard a lot about Apple’s iPhone 13 series, the Apple Watch 7, and we’ve also heard about some new additions to the company’s iPad lineup.

Sources claim a new iPad mini 6 is in development and that it will come with several upgrades including a larger display and a new processor.

The iPad mini 6 release date is a bit up in the air with sources pointing to different launch windows. Some rumors point to a release in 2021, others in 2022. At this stage, most sources now believe it will launch this fall and that’s what you should expect at this point.

Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will launch a new iPad mini in the second half of the year.

A report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Debby Wu puts the iPad mini 6 release date in 2021. In his “Power On” newsletter, Gurman says the iPad mini 6 release is “is a go for this fall.”9to5Mac and Digitimes also believe the iPad mini 6 will launch later this year.

Digitimes says Apple’s planning multiple product events for September. According to its sources, Apple will “host a series of product launch conferences in September.”

Apple has confirmed a launch event for September 14th, but it’s unclear if the iPad mini 6 will arrive alongside the iPhone 13 series or launch during another event.

We suspect the first launch event may center around the iPhones, Apple Watch, and new AirPods with a second launch focused on the iPads and new MacBooks.

With the launch inching closer, now is a great time start preparing for the iPad mini 6 release date. Taking some steps ahead of time will ensure that you’re fully prepared to buy one when Apple makes an announcement.

In this guide we’ll take prospective iPad mini 6 buyers through some important steps to take as we wait for more information.

Track iPad mini 6 Rumors

If you’re interested in buying Apple’s new iPad mini, you’ll want to track the latest information as we push through the month.

Apple tries to keep new products under wraps, but rumors and leaks are inevitable and we’ve already heard quite a bit about the iPad mini 6.

You can expect rumors to fill in a lot of blanks ahead of Apple’s announcements and this information will help you set proper expectations as we approach the company’s next launch event. Setting proper expectations will help you avoid disappointment.

We also recommend keeping an eye out for supply chain rumors.

According to Nikkei Asia, iPad and MacBook production has been delayed due to the global chip shortage. The report states that iPad assembly is complicated by a “shortage of displays and display components.”

During an earnings call, Apple CFO Luca Maesteri said the company is expecting supply constraints to impact the iPhone and iPad. It’s unclear how this might impact the iPad mini 6 launch.

We could certainly see stock shortages at launch which means those of you who want a new iPad mini ASAP will probably want to put in a pre-order to avoid a long wait.

For more on the iPad mini 6, have a look at our guide.

Get Familiar with iPadOS

We recommend getting comfortable with Apple’s iPadOS operating system (if you haven’t already) because it will be the software that powers the iPad mini 6.

iPadOS 14 is out right now which means you can try it out on your iPad, if you own one, well ahead of the iPad mini 6’s release. If you don’t own an iPad, you might borrow one from a friend or family member. If that’s not possible, you’ll want to find resources online.

Apple is also working on an iPadOS 15 update that’s due out this fall. If the iPad mini 6 arrives in the fall, it will be powered by iPadOS 15.

The company’s released an iPadOS 15 beta which gives iPad users the ability to try out the new operating system’s new features well ahead of the official release date.

Getting familiar with iPadOS right now will help you get comfortable with its user interface and features. This is especially important if you’re migrating from an Android tablet.

For more on iPadOS 14, have a look at our walkthrough.

Research iPad mini Accessories

You’ll want to research accessories ahead of the iPad mini 6 release. This way you’ll know exactly what to buy and how much to spend if you decide to pair your new tablet with extras.

We recommend reading reviews and digging into the best iPad mini accessories. Accessories like the Apple Pencil could completely change how you use your tablet.

Before the iPad mini 6 arrives, get a feel for potential costs, dig into the pros and cons of each manufacturer, and find styles that appeal to you so that you’re ready to go when the device goes on sale.

Figure Out Your Storage Needs

You should determine how much storage you might need well ahead of the iPad mini 6 launch.

We haven’t seen any concrete iPad mini 6 storage rumors which means we could see Apple offer the same configurations. If that’s the case, you’ll have two options: 64GB and 256GB.

Picking the right storage capacity for your needs will help you save money and avoid headaches down the line. While some of you will be fine with the 64GB model, others will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the extra space.

If you’re feeling unsure, take a look at our guide to picking the best iPad mini storage size.

Look Into Other iPads

Waiting for the iPad mini 6 might be tempting but, make sure you get familiar with Apple’s current lineup before you do. There’s a chance you find something you really like well ahead of the company’s announcement.

First, we recommend taking a long look at the iPad mini 5. The device is getting older, but it still runs well and it’s much cheaper than it was at launch. Apple will continue supporting it with software updates for years to come which makes it an excellent in-house alternative.

If you aren’t dead set on buying an iPad mini, make sure you look at the iPad Pro line. Apple’s 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros from 2020 are workhorses and they’ve also gotten a bit cheaper.

You’ll also want to check out Apple’s new flagship 2021 iPad Pro models.

You should also investigate Apple’s 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models from 2018. This is especially true if you’re on a budget because they’re much cheaper than the newer iPad Pros.

If you aren’t willing to shell out that kind of money for a new tablet, make sure you get acquainted with the latest iPad Air and the budget-minded 10.2-inch iPad.

The iPad mini 6 rumors are exciting, but a lot of you might be perfectly fine with another iPad.

Research iPad mini Alternatives

If you aren’t completely set on buying an iPad, make sure you check out the best iPad mini alternatives in the buildup to the release. Here are a few we recommend right now:

Make a Plan for Your Current Tablet

If you’re planning to upgrade your tablet this year, start making a plan for your current device.

If you plan on selling your current device to help offset the cost of your new tablet, you’ll want to dig into prices at resellers like Gazelle and NextWorth.

Make sure you keep your tablet in great condition because that’s how you’ll get the most money back from those resellers, your carrier, or Apple when you apply for a trade-in.

If you don’t need cash, you might know of a friend or relative who could benefit from your device. Ask around and see if anyone might need a hand-me-down.

You might also look into donating your tablet to charity.

Look Into AppleCare

If you’re planning to buy an iPad this year, you’ll want to protect your investment.

All iPads come with a standard warranty, but AppleCare is an extended warranty service that offers better support. If you aren’t familiar with AppleCare’s service and its benefits, you should research them when you have time. You should also look into AppleCare alternatives.

You’ll be able to AppleCare to your bag when you’re buying a new iPad. That being said, you can always buy it later if you decide to wait.

Research Carriers

Apple’s brought 5G connectivity to the iPad Pro line and we could see it do the same with the iPad mini. This is a big deal if you plan to take your iPad with you on-the-go.

If you’re unhappy with your current provider’s coverage or plan, use this time to dig into competitors and see if you can find a better fit.

Each carrier has its pros and cons, but you might find one that stands out. If you’re interested in switching carriers, please take a look at our guides covering AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Start Backing Up Your iPad Data

If you aren’t in the habit of regularly backing up your current device’s data, now would be a good time to start.

When you open up a new iPad you’ll start with a blank slate. If you want to start from scratch, skip this tip. However, if you plan to bring all of your contacts, photos, and other files over to your new device, you’ll want to make a backup.

Backing up the files stored on your current device could take awhile. For instance, backing up a near-full 64GB device can take 30 minutes or more.

Making a backup before you buy a new device will make it easy to the transition from your old tablet to your new one.

If you’re planning to trade in your current iPad, this will help you get it sent in faster. The faster you send it in, the faster you’ll get money back.

If you want to learn more about the backup process, check out Apple’s guide. And if you want to learn more about the transfer process, take a look at this guide.

7 Reasons to Wait for the 2021 iPad Pro & 3 Reasons Not To

Wait Because the iPad Pro 2021 Release Date Is Close

Wait Because the iPad Pro 2021 Release Date Is Close

The 2021 iPad Pro release date is heavily rumored for April so if you can wait a few more days, we recommend doing so.

Apple's confirmed a "Spring Loaded" launch event for April 20th and it's there that we'll likely hear about the new iPad Pro models for the first time. 

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, a reputable source, says the new iPad Pro models will launch in the latter half of April. 

According to Nikkei Asia, iPad and MacBook production has been delayed due to the global chip shortage. The report states that iPad assembly is complicated by a "shortage of displays and display components." 

Gurman's saying the top-tier iPad Pro (the 12.9-inch model) is "facing production issues that could lead to short initial supplies of the new device."

If you're interested in a top-of-the-line iPad Pro, think about holding out for a little while longer. And if you want one ASAP, you'll probably want to put in a pre-order.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.