iPad Mini 5 release date, specs rumors: MacBook Pro 2016 is the reason for delay?

Apple is still quiet regarding the release of the iPad Mini 5. Many expected it to surface alongside the iPhone 7 but it never came so now fans are speculating that it probably won't arrive this year.

According to reports, the Cupertino-based tech giant may release the next-generation tablet next year. It's not certain why it's taking so long but several are guessing that it may have something to do with the imminent launch of the MacBook Pro 2016.

The company is said to release the new laptop before the year ends. Reports suggest that Apple is currently putting their energy and focus on the MacBook Pro 2016, which explains why the iPad Mini 5 is being put on hold. Nevertheless, fans are still hoping that it will be released soon together with other highly anticipated products such as the iPad Pro 2.

At the moment, rumor has it that the iPad Mini 5 will be released sometime in 2017. There is no specific date but it's expected to come out in March 2017, which is the same month that Apple released the iPhone SE and iPad Pro.

As for the specs and features, rumors say that the iPad Mini 5 could get the Apple A9 processor and M9 motion co-processor considering the iPad Mini 4 came with the A8 and M8. It's also said that the standard model could be equipped with 32 GB storage space. This could mean that there will no longer be a 16 GB variant.

In terms of the display details, reports say that it will feature a 7.9-inch Retina display. There will also be an upgrade with the screen resolution. Aside from that, the 3D Touch feature could be added. It's also said that there will be no changes in the camera features, which means it will still carry the same 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.2-megapixel front camera.

As of now, nothing is confirmed yet so it's best to take reports with a pinch of salt.