Apple is expected stop updates for iPad Mini and phase the device out

APPLE’S iPad Mini has reportedly been cannibalised by the iPhone 7 Plus and, as a result, its future is now in serious doubt.

THE iPad’s little brother might not be long for this world. It has had a good run but today many are readying to write its epitaph.

Apple is reportedly considering stopping updates for the iPad Mini and discontinuing the device because its sales are effectively getting cannibalised by the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus.

The news comes for a report by tech publication GBR, which cites a source “close to Apple”.

The consumer tech giant launched the iPad Mini back in 2012 and in terms of sales the cheaper device was able to hold its own against the iPad Pro and the iPad Air.

But since then the company has followed Samsung into the so-called “phablet” market by including an extra large Plus model in its iPhone 7 range.

The phone is just 2.2 inches smaller than the iPad Mini and boasts a superior camera. Apple seems to believe this has put a squeeze on sales of the smaller iPad.

According to the source cited by BGR, “fierce cannibalism of our own products” meant that the iPad Mini was being “sized out of its own category”.

Apple fans are expecting a redesigned iPad Pro later this year which should improve on the current 9.7-inch iPad and a reduced bezel could see it come with a larger display.

Apple is rumoured to be announcing some new products including a possible Siri home speaker and a range of new Macbook laptops at its developers conference in June.

It seems unlikely but it might be at the usually software-focused conference that we get any official confirmation on the fate of the iPad Mini.

It was hardly the most beloved device in Apple’s product range and news of its potential demise has been met with a mixed response online.

Sad to hear that the #iPadMini line is going to get discontinued. But with the 9.7-inch #iPad5G at $329, there's no need for the #iPadMini.

— David Becker (@iBeckTech) May 16, 2017

I never did agree with Apple making the iPad mini. I think it has ultimately harmed the platform. I won’t be sad to see it discontinued.

— James Burland (@jamesburland) May 16, 2017

Oh reportedly iPad mini won't be updated and will phase out in a near future. I'm so sad for this

— Kobayashi (@k_chable) May 16, 2017

@MacRumors @rsgnl Time for all drone users to start hoarding the iPad mini.

— Simcumcise (@simcumcise) May 16, 2017

@hinesriley I love my iPad mini. I have small hands making it is easier to hold and it fits in a smaller purse. First World Problems.

— Robin Moss (@RobinatRibit) May 16, 2017