The iPad Mini 5 or iPad Pro Mini has been long overdue, since its predecessor the iPad Mini 4 initially launched in September 2015. And Apple has not released any invitations or official information if there will indeed be a mini or pro mini this year. We've rounded up most speculations circulating the web.
The first question that comes to mind would have been whether or not there will be an iPad Mini 5? Analysts are pointing out that the Cupertino-based giant might be phasing out the mini lineup. Will be a need for a 7.9-inch slate when there is already the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus?
The iPad mini 5 is rumoured to come out in September 2016.https://t.co/Ze3gnnnfMR pic.twitter.com/ZRl4Ct42Dr
— Macworld UK (@MacworldUK) June 21, 2016
On his issued report last earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo didn't predict any iPad mini model releases for 2017. He only pointed out that 3 new iPads would be announced in March. These will be 9.7-inch "low-priced option," a new 10-10.5-inch "high-end model," and 12.9-inch successor to the iPad Pro.
What will be the tablet's name? The successor to Apple iPad Mini 4 could possibly be called iPad Pro Mini, according to PCAdvisor. That is if the Cupertino-based tech giant does launch an iPad Mini 5 or will refresh and rebrand it as an iPad Pro Mini, thus phasing out the former brand.
When is a possible release date?
Since Apple didn't launch any 7.9-inch iPad for 2016, a likely option is this March. This is because the tech giant broke tradition when it released iPad Pro March 31, 2016. But MacWorld noted that an iPad event could take place around the same time for this year. But we can't say for sure.
Rumored specs and features. It is said that the upcoming, if there be at least, iPad Mini 5 or iPad Pro Mini will have 3D touch, after being first introduced for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Also, it could possibly run on Apple's iOS 10 and could sport IP68 protection since the iPhone 7 is already water-resistant.
And then you have Apple Pencil. A new stylus could be introduced together with the iPad Pro mini if the company opts to release this than the iPad mini 5. But these are all pure speculations and rumors.
In terms of specs, the new iPad Mini 5 or iPad Pro Mini, according to rumors, could feature A9 and M9 processors, 32GB of storage for the base model with a 64GB and 128GB models being offered, and an aluminum chassis.
We will have to wait until Apple officially teases us with their new line of tablets or they officially unveil either the iPad Mini 5 or the iPad Pro Mini. For now, stay tuned for more updates on the latest on Apple's products.
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