Apple.pro points [Google translation] to several images posted to Chinese microblogging site Sina Weibo showing what is claimed to be the rear shell of the "iPad mini". We certainly can not speak definitively to the authenticity of the images, and anything posted randomly to a microblogging site is clearly suspect until additional supporting evidence is discovered, but we have elected to share these images on our blog page for interest and discussion.

ipad mini rear shell weibo 1
Click for larger

Notably, the rear shell does not contain a hole for a rear camera. Cases for the rumored device have been showing a rear camera, although those too must be taken with a grain of salt until additional parts evidence surfaces.

ipad mini rear shell weibo 2
Click for larger

The user who posted the images has no track record of previous posts on the service, and thus there is no history by which to judge the accuracy of the claimed photos, and they are presumed to be fakes. Consequently, we are simply presenting them for documentation and discussion.

Related Roundup: iPad mini
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: iPad

Top Rated Comments

applesith Avatar
176 months ago
Do we really need a camera on the back?

sketchy photos of claimed ipad mini rear shell show no camera hole image
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Pechente Avatar
176 months ago
Why would buy an Ipad mini when the chances are you can get the Ipad 1second hand for less? More so if it does have no camera or retina? :eek:

Portability
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GoreVidal Avatar
176 months ago
They've gotta give buyers a reason to upgrade to the next iPad mini somehow...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacReloaded Avatar
176 months ago
I have doubts. Apple carves out the logo on the back and uses that opening for the Wi-Fi radios.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gooberwilson Avatar
176 months ago
Why would buy an Ipad mini when the chances are you can get the Ipad 1second hand for less? More so if it does have no camera or retina? :eek:

Can't update to iOS 6...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
UnSainted Avatar
176 months ago
camera

Do the other $299 range tablets ...Kindle etc.. have cameras? I can see them doing this to keep costs down but it sort of seems cheap-ish to not include a camera..
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

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 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...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
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...
14 inch MacBook Pro Keyboard

Apple Changes How You Order a Mac

Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...