iPad Mini 5 release date, specs news: Reports eye possible early 2017 launch with three variants

Since Apple rolled out several products this year, Apple fans are still hoping to see newer iPad products. Recently, there are news updates that suggest the iPad Mini 5 will be announced sometime in March 2017 with at least three variants varying on internal memory storage.

Apple had three big events already starting with their Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last March, followed by the iPhone 7 event last September, and another event last October in which MacBook Pro refreshes were announced and launching the Touch Bar. So, iPad Mini 5 is expected to be showcased in March next year along with the iPad Pro 2.

In a report by PC Advisor, it is speculated that Apple will introduce three internal memory variants. While the base 16 GB variant is speculated to not come back, Apple might possibly introduce a base 32 GB variant, a middle option with 64 GB, and a higher-end 128 GB.

The same report speculates that the price of iPad Mini 5 will not stray away so much from its predecessor. With that, iPad Mini fans might be able to buy an iPad Mini 5 from £379 or around $474 up to £589 or around $735.

On the other hand, there are reports that suggest the iPad Mini 5 will be introduced as a smaller product under the iPad Pro brand. This needs confirmation, though, since a small screen can be a disadvantage on a productivity focused tablet.

IB Times reports that there might be a minimum of 2 GB random-access memory (RAM) to be offered for buyers of iPad Mini 5.

There are more reports on speculated specs that note the iPad Mini 5 might possibly sport the 3D Touch tech developed by Apple and a Retina panel on the screen. 7000 aluminum bodywork is also speculated, which means it will be a more durable tablet.