Apple is considering discontinuing the Ipad Mini due to drop in sales. First launched in 2012, the iPad mini was a welcome inclusion in the Apple product lineup and served as a great alternative to the bigger and thicker 9.7-inch iPad.

At that juncture, in the absence of the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus, the iPad mini was the ultimate device to surf the web, check e-mails, and play games as it was smaller than the original iPad. However, with the advancement of technology and gradual change in market trends, better iPads and the iPhone 7 Plus were launched, which has slowly and steadily eaten into the market share of the iPad mini.

Apple to discontinue iPad mini: why?

An Apple insider who wished to remain anonymous, has let it out to publication BGR that there is “fierce cannibalism” of its own product lineup and the tablet has been “sized out” from its group. BGR was also told that the sales numbers of the device were apparently quite dismal, which prompted the company to eliminate the tablet.

However, it is still unclear which path Apple would take to discontinue the smaller tablet. Whether it will continue to sell the device without further updates, or pull it from the shelves in near future is unclear.

iPhone 7 Plus to blame?

The 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus is big enough to carry out all the functions of a tablet. Moreover, the iPhone comes with an upgraded camera and sleek design which facilitates portability.

Unlike iPad mini, the smartphone is a must have device, with all the facilities of the tablet and more.

This apparently has led to consider phasing out the 7.9-inch tablet in the coming days. Prior to the launch of the phablet-sized iPhone 7 Plus in 2016, the iPad mini had held its own against siblings iPad Pro and iPad Air.

What else does the company have in store for iFans?

Although the iPad mini may possibly bid adieu, a slew of Apple products are rumored to be in the queue for debut this year. The company is speculated to launch its tenth anniversary iPhone dubbed iPhone 8 or iPhone X in the fall of 2017.

Apart from that, iFans are also expecting a revamped iPad Pro to be unveiled in the latter half of this year, which would be an upgrade of the current 9.7-inch iPad.

Rumors are buzz that the upcoming tablet would sport a larger display and minimal bezels compared to the older iteration.

With so much in store, iFans have plenty of devices to look forward to. If the news of the company discontinuing the 7.9-inch tablet is true, then consumers can also expect hefty discounts and deals on the device.