iPad Mini 5 release date, specs news 2016: iPad Mini 5 becomes iPad Pro Mini? Q4 2016 release still possible

Miguel Salonga Friday, August 19, 2016

Not much has been heard from Apple regarding its plans to develop the next iteration of the iPad Mini. In spite of the company keeping mum regarding the rumored iPad Mini 5, many tech enthusiasts expect that the Cupertino-based tech giant will release the new iPad Mini design this year. However, other reports suggest that it will no longer be known as an iPad Mini as it will be developed into a new device.

It is not yet confirmed if the iPad Mini 5 will arrive this year, although there are rumors saying that it will be replaced by the iPad Pro Mini instead. | Apple

So far, the latest specs rumors for the iPad Mini 5 suggest that the tablet will only be 5 mm thick. This is thinner in comparison with the iPad Mini 4 that sported a 6.1-mm thickness. However, it will have a quite smaller battery capacity compared to its predecessor's 5,124 mAh. This would make sense as the iPad Mini 5 is being modeled as a very thin device and therefore, the only downside would be its limited battery power.

As for the latest iPad Mini's core specifications, it is expected to boast an A9 processor that will complement its smaller battery capacity. To compare the A9 chipset with the iPad Mini 4's A8 processor, it is designed to require less power for an extended runtime.

On the other hand, the exterior of the new iPad Mini will be durable due to its reinforced covering. As reported by the PC Advisor, it will use a 7000 aluminium body type to prevent the emergence of several weak spots known as the "bendgate." This is quite similar to the protective feature of the iPhone 6. In terms

Meanwhile, iTech Post reported that while Apple does have plans to update the iPad Mini line, there is a possibility that the next iteration will not be released as the iPad Mini 5. It is also likely that the iPad Mini 4's predecessor will be known as the iPad Pro Mini, and its tentative release date will be on the last quarter of this year. Specifically, the iPad Mini 5 or the iPad Pro Mini will be unveiled in September. CT Australia also mentioned that Apple is known to make the big launching of its devices during the later part of the year, so its is possible that the iPad Mini 5 release will happen around the same period from September to December. Along with the new iPad Mini, Apple is also expected to release the iPhone 7, iPad Air 3 and Apple Watch 2.