While Apple has yet to confirm if there will be a new Mini in the iPad line, observers say that an iPad Mini 5 will most likely be released as a souped-up iteration.
Fans are already expecting a new iPad Mini to come out this year, since Apple is known to provide a complete duo of slates for its iPad line. The iPad Mini 5 is supposed to come out with the iPad Air 3. However, the Cupertino-based tech conglomerate set up a new landscape for its products, as it recently released a new, smaller iPad Pro which may possibly take over as a replacement for the iPad Air 3. Will this mean that there is also an iPad Mini Pro on the way?
PC Advisor says that whichever the case, a new Mini slate, should it come out, will still have heavy upgrades over its predecessor. The industry follower believes that while the new iPad Mini will still look similar to the iPad Mini 4, its chassis will be upgraded to the sturdier 700-series aluminum frame. Under the hood, the iPad Mini 5 is expected to carry the new A9 chipset and M9 motion co-processor, with at least 2 GB of RAM. In addition, much like how Apple is rumored to scratch the 16-GB option in the new iPhone, the iPad Mini 5 is also expected to come out with a minimum 32-GB onboard storage. Meanwhile, although the screen will stay the same as the Retina display in previous models, Apple will reportedly add 3D Touch to the mix.
The new iPad Mini is also said to do away with the 3.5mm audio jack much like the iPhone 7, so there might also be changes to the body's dimensions.
As to when fans can expect the new slate, observers are saying that Apple may come out with the iPad Mini 5 in September at the earliest.
