iPad Mini 5 release date, news, specs rumors: iPad Mini 5 to be replaced by iPad Pro variant?

Earlier this year, there were rumors suggesting that the much awaited iPad Mini 5 will arrive this year. Unfortunately for the iPad Mini followers, the last two Apple hardware event for 2016 made no mention of the iPad Mini 5. Nevertheless, there is still hope that the next iteration of the iPad Mini will be released in the near future.

While there is a real possibility that Apple will be releasing the iPad Mini 5, the latest rumors may be suggesting that the device will be replaced by a new kind of iPad. Particularly, the iPad Mini 5 might be known as the mini version of the iPad Pro, or the iPad Pro Mini.

Either way, the iPad Mini 5 or the iPad Pro Mini is no longer expected to be unveiled before the end of 2016. The last Apple event in October was the last chance for a new iPad device to be unveiled. Instead, the Cupertino-based tech giant focused on the company's latest MacBook variants. For now, the new iPad lineup is now expected to arrive in the early months of 2017. Specifically, the next Apple Event is expected to happen in March 2017, Yibada reported.

It is possible that Apple already picked up the habit of holding a hardware event in March, given that this year's iPhone SE and the current iPad Pro were also unveiled during the March Apple Event.

According to PC Advisor UK, the iPad Mini 5 will be powered by the current A9 processor. It will sport a 7.9-inch Retina IPS display for better visual experience. It will also feature an upgrade in the camera department, particularly an 8 MP rear camera and 1.2 MP front or selfie camera. The iPad Mini 5 is likely to be covered by a 7000-series aluminum chassis, giving the device a thinner and lighter look.

As of now, there is still no announcement from Apple confirming the appearance of a new iPad Mini next year, so the tech followers are advised to take these early rumors with a grain of salt.