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FEATURE iPAD MINI (2019) REVIEWApple has a reputation for
forcing change on us right
when we’ve gotten comfort-
able with its designs. Sure, we
often resist (and sometimes Apple is wrong),
but more often than not the Cupertino
company proves that breaking out of our
comfort zones leads to better user experi-
ences and perhaps even a better future.
That’s why I’m surprised to see the new
fifth-generation iPad mini. On the outside, it
looks like a twin of its 2015 incarnation, to
the point that I once accidentally picked up
the old iPad mini to take it home for the
evening. As far as I can tell, the only exterior
feature that’s changed is that the regulatory
information is no longer printed on the
tablet’s backside. Even the display hasn’t
changed much, as it still offers a resolution of
2048 x 1536 and a pixel density of 326ppi.
This isn’t lazy design. Instead, it’s a rare
example of Apple choosing to give us an
extra helping of products and concepts we
love. If only Apple had the same attitude
toward keyboards.GETTING THE MAXIMUM OUT
OF THE MINIMUM
The new iPad mini looks like a relic from
the past, but it’s undoubtedly a contempo-82 MACWORLD MAY 2019
Width makes a massive difference
with some apps and videos, and
that’s partly why the iPad mini
shines in comparison to an iPhone.