iPad Mini 5 release date, specs, news and updates: upcoming device to be available in three different sizes

The Apple logo inside the Omotesando Apple store at a shopping district in Tokyo, June 26, 2014. | Reuters/Yuya Shino

Apple fans and aficionados were disappointed when the company failed to announce any details about an iPad Mini 5, but tech experts speculate that the device will be available by next year, March 2017.

Apple is still tight-lipped about any details of the anticipated iPad Mini 5, but nevertheless, that doesn't stop experts and fans to speculating about features it will carry once it is launched. Some, however, speculate that the launch might happen earlier than March.

The iPad Mini 5 is speculated to come in three different sizes — a 9.7-inch type, 10.5-inch variant, and a 12.9-inch one. In addition, the device is said to be powered by Apple's A9X processor chipset, paired with a 3GB worth of random-access memory (RAM), and 32GB worth of internal storage, up to 128GB for the most expensive variant.

Battery power is pegged at 5,215-milliampere-hour (mAh), but there are conflicting reports about this as the iPad Mini 5 is believed to be very thin, and may not exactly carry a battery that's too powerful.

Its camera is also expected to have an 8-megapixel (MP) rear camera, with an underwhelming 1.2MP front camera, along with a True Tone Flash.

In addition, the iPad Mini 5 will serve as an entry level for the iPad Pro 2, but this needs confirmation from Apple.

The company also opted to eliminate all 16GB worth of storage devices, so the iPad Mini 5, iPad Pro 2, and all upcoming Apple devices will not have this variant anymore.

Moreover, the new iPad Mini 5 is said to come with the latest iOS version by next year, iOS 11. However, most of these are just speculations and may be debunked or verified by the company themselves.

The iPad Mini 5 is pegged at $412, but it could also be higher when the device is finally launched.