It was anticipated for a few weeks, it is now recorded: the iPad mini 3 is now stored by Apple in the category of obsolete products. Why such a maneuver on the part of the Californian firm? We explain to you.
The iPad mini 3: a “small” revolution
The 3rd generation iPad mini arrived on the market at the end of 2014. It was delivered at the time with iOS 8.1 and differed from the previous generation by several new features, including an availability in Gold finish and Touch ID integration. It is the first model in the iPad mini range to offer biometric security as well.
Inside, there was an Apple A7 chip and 1 GB of RAM. This is three times less than what the latest generation iPad mini (6th), released at the end of 2021 and powered by an A15 Bionic chip, offers.
The iPad mini 3 has in any case largely had its day. At least that’s what Apple thinks, which now limits its following-sales service support.
The iPad mini 3 past obsolete: what consequences?
First of all, it must be understood that the transition to an obsolete category at Apple is automatique. This happens to all products that were last manufactured 7 years ago. Before becoming obsolete, Apple products become “old” when the time since their last manufacture exceeds 5 years.
From now on, the iPad mini 3, like any other product considered obsolete by Apple, can no longer be repaired by Apple. In addition, the Cupertino company no longer supplies spare parts to authorized dealers. If you have a faulty iPad mini 3, your only chance to repair it now is to go through a repairer who still has compatible components in stock or who is able to use third-party components for the operation.
