iPad mini 5 release date: Apple might change line to iPad Pro mini

A man looks at his Apple iPad in front an Apple logo outside an Apple store in downtown Shanghai March 16, 2012.Reuters/Aly Song

The iPad mini 5 is one of the devices expected to be launched in the upcoming Apple keynote event tomorrow, Sept. 7. However, this may not be the case.

Although the iPad mini 4 is almost a year old, the Redmond-based software titan is reportedly not looking to update the small tablet lineup just yet.

According to Ars Technica, the iPad mini 5 is unlikely to be unveiled with the iPhone 7 this week. As what respected analyst Ming Chi-Kuo revealed in his previous research notes, the only iPad product getting updates is the iPad Pro.

The rest of Apple's efforts that have to do with iPads come in the form of software updates for the upcoming iPad Pro models as well, so it looks the tech giant is focused on building up its new tablet family.

Ars Technica reports that the most likely announcements for the iPad mini could be minor upgrades as Apple will focus on the Pro lineup now, which suggests that the company could pull the plug on the mini.

However, with the size of the iPad Pro – one at 12.5 inches and the other at 10.5 inches – users who still look for the iPad mini 5 for its portability and unwieldiness might be left with no tablet options.

There are reports, however, that the Pro moniker will be used across the board in Apple's tablet line so instead of iPad mini, the tech giant might use iPad Pro mini instead.

However, with the lack of official information and concrete updates, which is also a reason that media outlets believe the iPad mini 5 is not part of Apple's lineup for tomorrow, fans are advised to take the reports with a pinch of salt.

With regards to the possible specs, the iPad mini 5, as per rumors, will come with an A9X processor and a 7000 aluminum chassis that will make it thinner and lighter and durable at the same time.