iPad Mini 5 release date, specs news 2016: To acquire waterproof design in September launch

Some tech observers think that the fifth iPad Mini iteration may see the light of the day alongside iPhone 7's anticipated September launch. Moreover, the mini tablet may possibly include a waterproof package.

As the global demand for smart devices posted an all-time low, Apple is reportedly streamlining its redundant line-ups with all tablets being consolidated under a single product series. But some reports have also indicated a possible cancellation of iPad Mini 5. 

In line with its strong adherence to secrecy, details on the rumored tablet remain extremely scarce. But a report by UK-based PC Advisor suggests that the new iPad Mini 5 will have an IP68-certified waterproof feature which some devices already have such as Samsung's water-and-dust protection package in its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy Note 7 lineups. With no precedent seen in any of Apple's previous launches, this rumored feature must be taken with a grain of salt.

Moreover, the report also expected to see the 3D Touch feature added on iPad Mini 5. The feature has already been applied to iPhone's sixth-generation handsets so it is likely that it may find its way to the mini tablet too. Another possible add-on is Apple Pencil—an accessory that may soon become a standard feature in future tablet iterations. Most observers expect that new mobile iterative upgrades are likely to run on the latest iOS 10 including the rumored iPad Mini 5.

Meanwhile, amidst a generally sluggish tablet market, Apple is reportedly heralding its iPad Pro lineup as its official response to rivals like Microsoft's hybrid Surface Pro series. The Redmond-based software giant has just blasted its Cupertino nemesis in an ad that mocks Apple's iPad Pro. As the company moves toward a major revamp in its product portfolio, reports indicate that the iPad Air 3 series may be shelved with the iPad Mini 5 surviving Apple's huge tech purge per BitBag report.