Multiple iPad Models Earn EEC Certification Ahead of Rumored iPad mini 5 Launch

BY Evan Selleck

Published 25 Jan 2019

It isn’t a shock to hear that Apple is going to launch new iPads this year. What is a bit surprising is the fact it may finally be a refresh to the iPad mini.

It has been a bit of time since Apple launched the iPad mini 4, but a successor might be on the way. Whether or not any of these newly-certified models are that device is unknown, but it’s certainly possible. As was reported on Friday by MySmartPrice, the Eurasian Economic Commission (ECC) has recently granted certification to several different unofficial iPad models.

Those model numbers are: A2123, A2124, A2153, A2154, A2133, and A2152.

The report indicates that we could be seeing three iPad mini 5 variants here, and two entry-level iPad models which will reportedly feature a 10-inch display with minimized bezels. Otherwise, what Apple may be planning with new iPad models is generally unknown at this point. It’s expected that while Apple will introduce a faster processor in the iPad mini 5, it will keep the price down with a low-cost display in a design that largely resembles the iPad mini 4.

Meanwhile, as mentioned above, the new entry-level iPad may shrink the bezels just a bit (not as much as the iPad Pro), which will give the screen a bump in size from 9.7 inches to 10 inches. Interestingly, Apple may not adopt Face ID on any of these new iPad models, either. That means Apple may keep Touch ID around a bit longer.

Rumor has it that Apple will begin mass production of these new tablets in the second quarter of this year. That means we could see an announcement sometime in April or May. However, it is also possible that we see a launch a bit earlier in March, too. So if you were planning on buying an iPad anytime soon, you may want to wait a bit.

[via MySmartPrice]