iPad Mini 5 release date, specs rumors 2016: Next iPad Mini to sport 3D touch screen feature of iPhone 6S; release expected Q1 2017?

Earlier this month, several tech enthusiasts and analysts all over the world tuned in to the Sept. 7 Apple Event, where the Cupertino-based tech giant was expected to showcase their huge device offerings for this year. Many people were expecting that Apple would find time to reveal the next iteration of the iPad Mini, but unfortunately for them, the company focused on the new iPhone 7 smartphone and the Apple Watch Series 2.

Earlier rumors were hinting at a possible September 2016 release of the iPad Mini 5. But it seems that the public may have to wait a little longer for the iPad Mini 5, and if the latest rumors are anything to go by, the wait could go on until the first quarter of 2017.

It has been reported that the first Apple event next year, which is expected to fall in March, will be the venue of the unveiling of the iPad Mini 5. However, there is a chance that the device will not be presented as the iPad Mini 5, but rather as the mini version of another popular Apple device, the iPad Pro. Either way, the iPad Mini 5 or iPad Pro Mini may be presented during the first quarter of 2017, similar to the latest iPad reveal in March this year.

The online publication reported that the iPad Mini 5 might be borrowing the 3D Touch Screen features already sported by last year's iPhone 6S Plus. Many users have also been looking forward to seeing the 3D Touch feature on other Apple devices as well, particularly the next iteration of the iPad Mini.

On the other hand, the iPad Mini 5 may also adapt another feature from another Apple device, which is none other than the recently unveiled iPhone 7. According to reports, there is a possibility that the new iPad Mini may also get rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack to give way to wireless audio experience.