When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab, the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs criticized it by saying that 7-inch tablets 'isn't sufficient to create great tablet apps.' He further tried crashing down the competition by pointing out that 10-inch display is the minimum size of a tablet computer. Apparently, Jobs was wrong and his company acknowledged and embraced the fact that there's a market for smaller tablet PCs. In 2012, Apple introduced the first iPad Mini - a smaller version of its popular tablet computer with a 7.9-inch non-Retina display, dual-core CPU and GPU, 5-megapixel primary camera and a front-facing 1.2-megapixel camera.
The new smaller iPad helped Apple regain tablet PC market growth. In fact, analysts realized that without the iPad Mini, Android tablets would have gained more share especially in emerging markets where more form factors are widely accepted.
By the end of 2013, Apple shipped more iPads than previous months thanks to the new iPad Air and the Retina iPad Mini - but were not enough to push Apple's gain more. More aggressive rivals, and the market's saturation were affecting Apple's overall performance in the tablet space, analysts concluded.
This year, nothing has changed - Apple's rivals continue to release new tablets, from Amazon, Samsung Group, Google and Microsoft - all targeting the larger market share owned by the Cupertino-based company. On the other side of the fence, Apple realized that it needs a far more advanced software and new line of products to compete.
Last week, Apple introduced the iOS 8, the most advanced version of its mobile operating system to date. It features better services like iCloud Drive, Handoff feature for better iOS-Mac syncing, and so much more. The operating system also confirms rumors that Apple will ship a new iPad Air, and of course, a new iPad Mini.
Apple's iPad Mini 3, according to rumors, will get a September release date alongside the new iPad Air and iPhone 6. The three products will likely ship with the new iOS 8 mobile operating system out of the box. Analysts and experts on the matter believe that the iPad Mini 3, and also the new iPad Air, will finally offer the Touch ID feature, Apple's biometric fingerprint scanner that protects the device just like a pass code. On the iOS 8 platform, third-party app developers can get access to the Touch ID feature.
Rumors also say that Apple will introduce a brand new iPad with larger display, called iPad Pro with 12-inch Retina panel - and it will target advanced users and companies or enterprise.
So, where does the iPad Mini fit in the saturated iPad market?
According to data, Apple's iPad Mini is the product that protects Apple from cheaper tablets like Amazon's Kindle Fire and Google's Nexus. Furthermore, gamers love the iPad Mini because it is more portable, and easier to hold while playing apps.
The bottom-line
Apple still needs the iPad Mini, and the product needs more development to stay relevant in the game of ever-changing post-PC market. Apart from making it thinner, adding a better camera and making the device more powerful with a new processor - Apple should also consider putting the iPad Mini on a lower price point - $399 for a 16GB WiFi only model is not cheap!
Did you know that after all iPad purchases, Apple still earns money? Apple generates revenue post product purchases by selling apps and other content like movies, TV shows, music and more. Selling the device, specifically the iPad Mini on a lower price range will not only protect Apple's market from competition, but it will also make customers happy.
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