Speculations suggest that Apple will be holding another press event in October. However, instead of the anticipated full product lineup releases, the Cupertino-based company will set aside devices like the iPad Mini 5 in favor of the new laptop and desktop lineups.
According to rumors, with Apple focusing on its 2016 editions for the iMac and MacBook series, it is more likely that the other product launches — particularly the iPad Mini 5 and other tablets — will have their own press event in the early half next year. Supporting the rumor is the expected launch of the iPad Pro 2 early next year. In addition, Apple is annually holding a March event for its product launches, so it is possible that the new iPad lineups will debut in 2017.
Meanwhile, although Apple has yet to come out with confirmed details for the iPad Mini 5, speculations about its specs and features have started to come out. PC Advisor says that while the new iPad Mini 5 will look similar to its predecessor, Apple is likely to introduce some design changes. One of the improvements which should be noted is a switch to Series 7000 aluminum chassis, which is the same frame that Apple used on the iPhone 6S.
Aside from the body, Apple is also likely to get some upgrade specs from its previous-generation iPhone lineup, like an A9 chipset and 3D Touch interface. However, there will also be noted improvements, like an overhauled 7.9-inch Retina display, Apple Pencil support, and the new iOS 10.
As Apple has yet to officially confirm the iPad Mini 5, there are also talks that the Mini lineup may be merged with the iPad Pro 2 line and that it will instead come out as the iPad Pro Mini. Should this come true, it will add another new iteration in the iPad Pro 2 lineup. It is already expected that Apple will come out with a new 10.5-inch variant for the iPad Pro 2, aside from the original 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch versions.
