The iPad Mini 4 was launched as far back as late 2014, and no update was launched in 2015 and the first half of 2016. Because of this, rumors have spread that Apple is halting the iPad Mini lineup or that the company is merging it with the iPad Pro lineup, rebranding the iPad Mini 5 as the iPad Pro Mini. However, a new report indicates the iPad Mini 5 might launch by the end of October.
According to PC Advisor, Apple sent out invitations for a new product launch event on Oct. 27. The event is speculated to be primarily for a new lineup of Macs such as the 2016 model of the 15-inch and 13-inch MacBook Pro as well as a 13-inch MacBook, Air but there is the possibility of the iPad Mini 5 being included as well.
If the iPad Mini 5 will indeed be unveiled, it is expected to be built with the 7,000-series all-aluminum casing that will make it lighter and thinner than any iPad before it. Some of the phone's bezels may be reduced to increase the size of the display, and the traditional 3.5mm earphone jack might be removed in favor of the USB Type-C, similar to the iPhone 7.
The iPad Mini 5 may also come with improved 3D Touch, Touch ID sensors, and a fingerprint sensor. It will come with iOS 10 right out of the box and may be powered by an A9X or A10X processor, with 3 GB of RAM. The tablet is expected to start with a 32 GB version, ditching the 16 GB models of previous iPad Minis.
While unconfirmed, rumors also suggest that it may come with the Apple Pen. However, this is unlikely unless the iPad Mini 5 is being rebranded as the iPad Pro Mini to remain consistent with their products. As of writing, only the iPad Pro has been packed with an Apple Pen.
