The latest leak surrounding the iPad mini 5 points to the tablet coming with the same exterior design as the existing iPad mini 4. That’s in line with what previous rumors have suggested, with the refreshed mini focusing on internal upgrades rather than external changes.

As per @OnLeaks, the only exterior change on the iPad mini 5 will be a relocated microphone at the rear which will be moved to the center of the upper back panel. The same design language means the iPad mini 5 is going to come with hefty top and bottom bezels which will make it look outdated in front of the iPad Pro and refreshed iPad lineup. On the plus side, it also means that it will have a headphone jack and Touch ID along with a Lightning connector.

Just got my hands on alleged #iPadMini5 CAD. If legit (can’t vouch at 100%), there is indeed (just as rumored) no external design changes (except of relocated mic, centered on upper back panel). In short, it will very likely be a specs bump only update… pic.twitter.com/z5XuBKZVmN

— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) February 19, 2019

Today’s leak does not confirm or talk about the iPad mini 5 supporting the Apple Pencil. Given the small form factor, I am not too optimistic about the device gaining Apple Pencil support. Instead, it looks like Apple is coming out with the iPad mini 5 as it would be likely cheaper and easier for it to sell it with slightly upgraded components compared to selling the existing model with an A8 chip.

The lack of a design refresh does mean that the iPad mini 5 will hit the $249 price point as reported by many. If true, that would make it a good tablet for content consumption for many. Like previous years, Apple is expected to unveil the refreshed iPad mini 5 along with a 10.2–inch iPad in March this year.

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