The iPad Mini 5 was expected to launch this September during Apple's big event, where the iPhone 7 and Apple Watch 2 were unveiled. However, the iPad Mini 5 was not present, and it is also not expected to be revealed this October either. Instead, the tablet is now speculated to be released in March 2017.
As stated by PC Advisor, Apple is likely going to release a new line of Mac machines this October. This may include a brand new iMac desktop and an update for the MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air laptops. With this focus on the Mac devices, the iPad line may not get updated until 2017.
The company has launched other products in Spring of each year, particularly the lower-end iPhones, and it is possible that the iPad Mini 5 or iPad Air 3 will be released around the same time as well. However, it is important to note that Apple has yet to confirm that this is going to be the case.
Rumors suggest that the iPad Mini 5 will come with significant upgrades over the now outdated iPad Mini 4 such as a higher resolution screen, 3D Touch, and full implementation of the iOS 10. It is also expected to feature an aluminum case, better NFC technology, and the standard 8-megapixel rear camera.
However, it is also expected to ditch the traditional 3.5mm earphone jack and instead feature a USB Type-C port, following the trend set by the iPhone 7. This will force users to either use a Bluetooth pair of earphones or use one of the new types of ear buds sold by Apple. Traditional 3.5mm earphones will still work but only with the aid of adapters.
PC Advisor also notes that the iPad Mini 5 may be re-branded as the iPad Pro Mini to further distinguish it as a more powerful successor instead of being a minor upgrade to the iPad Mini 4.
