iPad Mini 5 release date, news, specs rumors: New iPad models to be revealed in March 2017; iPad Mini 5 will be known as iPad Pro Mini?

Many iPad followers who tuned in to the Sept. 7 Apple Event were disappointed as the Cupertino-based tech company mostly focused on the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus smartphones. Apple did not even mention about the next iteration of the current iPad versions, particularly the long overdue iPad Mini 5. If the latest rumors are anything to go by, there is still hope that Apple is indeed refreshing the current iPad Mini model, and it is possible that the device will make an appearance in the early months of 2017.

According to Macworld UK, there is a possibility that Apple will hold a separate event for the iPad products in March 2017. It has long been rumored that Apple will be releasing at least three different iPad variants early next year, and one of them is rumored to be the iPad Mini 5. After all, the iPad Mini 4 has been around for quite a while now, and it is probably high time for Apple to update the iPad Mini label in the coming months.

Further supporting the possible March 2017 release date of the new iPad models is the release of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in March this year. Apple has probably started to pick up on holding a press event in March, and for next year, the company will be unveiling not only one but three kinds of iPad.

The only issue for now that needs to be verified is the possibility of the next iPad Pro being renamed as a new product. The Apple rumor website also speculated that the iPad Mini 5 may be introduced as the mini version of the iPad Pro, instead of being the direct successor of the current iPad Mini 4. Apple has nothing else to say at the moment regarding the upcoming iPad devices, so it is better not to give too much credence to early rumors.

As per the design and specs of the iPad Mini 5, it is speculated by Cult of Mac that the device will be sporting a thinner appearance compared to its predecessors. As a consequence, the iPad Mini 5 will have a smaller battery that may affect the battery life. The battery unit of the iPad Mini 5 is expected to be lower than the iPad Mini 4's 5124 mAh.

The iPad Mini 5 is also expected to adapt to iPhone 6 smartphones' 3D Touch pressure-sensitive screen technology. The device may also upgrade from the A8 processors and use the latest A9 chipset like the latest iPhone 7.