The iPad Mini lineup has not seen a significant update in two years, and fans speculate that it may have been canceled due to the rising popularity of the large iPhone Plus models. However, it is still rumored that if the series were not stopped, then Apple may launch the iPad Mini 5 by March 2017.
According to MacWorld, there are no major leaks hinting at a 2016 release, which means the iPad Mini 5 won't be coming out until next year. Apple often launches new products during their Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event in March, and this would make it the most viable time for the iPad Mini 5 to be released.
However, if the iPad Mini 5 does launch next year, it is speculated to be rebranded as the iPad Pro Mini. This is because Apple already launched a 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and if they were to release the iPad Mini 5 as a separate device, they would be competing for the same target market. To get around this, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro and the iPad Mini 5 lines may be merged.
Mobile N Apps reports that the tablet's launch may be pushed back even further, or it might even be canceled entirely due to the popularity of large smart phones like the iPhone 6s Plus and the recent iPhone 7 Plus. These devices are almost as large as the smaller tablets, and they have more functions due to their nature as phones, such as the ability to make phone calls and send SMS messages.
If the iPad Mini 5 is launched next year, rebranded or not, the device is expected to feature the iOS 10 right out of the box, a 3 GB or 4 GB RAM, the A9X or A10X processor, and the USB Type-C port instead of a 3.5mm earphone jack. It may also come with an improved camera, Touch Force display, and an improved fingerprint sensor.
