Resellers Receiving iPad Mini and iPad Shipments Ahead of Friday's Launch

MacRumors has received word from several Apple reseller partners that they have already begun receiving shipments of Wi-Fi iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad models ahead of their launch scheduled for this Friday, November 2.

We're hearing mixed news on stocks, with one reseller indicating that it has received roughly 500 iPad minis but no fourth-generation iPads. The iPad mini stock level is reportedly about double what the reseller received for the third-generation iPad launch, which also included cellular-capable models. Cellular-capable models of the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad will follow several weeks after this Friday's launch of Wi-Fi models.

ipad mini ipad 4
A second reseller is reporting a somewhat contrasting scenario, noting that it has received roughly 25 iPad minis and about 80 fourth-generation iPads so far. This reseller is, however, reporting that it expects to receive additional shipments throughout the week leading up to Friday's launch.

As we noted earlier today, all launch day pre-orders of Wi-Fi iPad mini and iPad models have now sold out, and many of those who were able to place orders for delivery on Friday are tracking their shipments that left China earlier this week en route to their destinations.

Related Roundups: iPad, iPad mini
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Foldable Thumb

First Foldable iPhone Design Details Revealed

Monday February 2, 2026 7:19 am PST by
Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature relocated volume buttons, an all-black camera plateau, a smaller Dynamic Island, and more, according to design leaks from a known Weibo leaker. The user known as "Instant Digital" today claimed to share several key details about the design of the foldable iPhone: The volume buttons will be located on the top edge of the device, aligned to the...

Top Rated Comments

AntonisCy Avatar
173 months ago
I would be surprised if the Mini doesn't get an update next spring.

i would be surprised if any ipad gets an update next spring
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yvan256 Avatar
173 months ago
Try the iPad mini at home, today!

If you have an iPad 2, just imagine it's smaller! Other than the physical size, it's the same hardware as an iPad 2 as far as the software is concerned.

Which is good news for current iPad 2 owners, as their iPad just got at least another year of being a current version of iPad that developers must target.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justski Avatar
173 months ago
I would be surprised if the Mini doesn't get an update next spring.

If it gets an update in the spring then I will buy one then too and just sell my 1st generation online for a little loss. I know I am an early adopter and that is the price you pay I guess.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
campingsk8er Avatar
173 months ago
I'm not complaining at all. But I'm getting the iPad w/ Retina Display now. As soon as they announce/release the next generation iPad mini w/ Retina Display and A6X or whatever it will have, then I will buy the mini :D
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GeekLawyer Avatar
173 months ago
Here they come!

I haven't seen much excitement about the new iPad, but the iPad mini is generating a lot of interest among my friends.

Glad to see they will be stocked at locations other than just Apple stores.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
osofast240sx Avatar
173 months ago
I totally agree with you, specs mean nothing If the software isn't optimized.. But keep in mind it comes with Android Jellybean, so the performance is very comparable to iOS..

You can't really make the ecosystem argument anymore, Android has a very large ecoystem, I think most people can easily get by with the Android Market..

And anyway, while the Nexus 10 will be lacking in areas, the $399 price tag makes up for it, especially when you consider the 300PPI display..
The deal maker for me is Apple ties their phones, tablets, laptops and desktops seamlessly together. What group of android devices can do this?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)