iPad Mini 5 news, rumors: Will the tablet line be discontinued?

It has been almost two years since the launch of the iPad Mini 4, which is why a lot are saying that it is long overdue for an update. However, no announcements have been made about this device since then. These have led to speculations that the iPad Mini line will be discontinued by Apple, with its slot replaced by the 9.7-inch iPad Pro variant.

For starters, Apple has already conducted at least two major events since the product was launched to provide an update of the products the company is developing, and no mention has been made about the iPad Mini. Also disheartening is the report made by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, which stated that Apple will be releasing only three new iPad Pros for 2017: a 12.9 inch iPad Pro, a mid-level 10/10.5 inch one, and a low-cost 9.7-inch tablet. Again, no mention of the iPad Mini or a 7.9-inch variant was made. These indicate two possible scenarios: that the line will be discontinued or that Apple will allow more time to pass before releasing a newer version of the tablet because the iPad Mini 4 is still sufficient and needs no updating.

Christian Post, however, offered a different take. According to the website, it is possible for the iPad Mini to be absorbed into the iPad Pro line, bearing the name iPad Pro Mini. Mac World is speculating the same, based on its translation of what Japanese website Mac Otakara published, which also reported that the said device will have a Smart Connector, a True Tone display, a 12 MP rear-facing iSight camera, and four speakers. Chinese website Wei Feng also theorized will also not be impossible for the new device to come with an Apple Pencil, making it the first of the "Mini" line to carry this.

One thing is for sure: Apple's spring event will bring news about the iPad Mini 5, either of its launch or of the line's discontinuation.